June Highlights

One of my goals for our summer routine is to do something fun for the children every day.  These activities don't have to cost money or even require us to leave the house, and we've done quite a variety of things this month.  Here are some of our June highlights:

We've been participating in the summer reading program at our local library and have attended several programs this month, including a children's comedian and magician, a puppet show, and the Bubble Lady.  Each week, I feel a sense of gratutide for these wonderful, free, age-appropriate activities that welcome toddlers and preschoolers.  Luke has amazed me by waiting patiently in line, sitting still for long periods of time and listening attentively, and recalling his favorite parts of these shows.  I usually pack about 45 snacks for Leah and try to keep her quiet and busy in the back of the room, and it's a great weekly outing for us. 

Today we splashed in the fountains downtown, watched the ducks swim in the Reedy River, and played mini-golf at a cute indoor course.  It was 106 degrees as we got back in the car after this outing, so we were especially thankful for our air-conditioning!

Last Friday, we had a stay-at-home lazy day.  As you can see, Luke picked out his own outfit, complete with Band-Aid on cheek (purely cosmetic) and his treasured fireman boots.  Around 11:30 a.m., we heard the musical tinkle of the ice cream truck, and Luke asked me if he could have ice cream for lunch.  I think I shocked him (and myself) by replying, "Sure!".  Luke has never purchased ice cream from the truck before, and longingly watches it drive by our house every day.  We flagged the truck down and the driver pulled right into our driveway.  Luke was amazed at all of the different choices (Dora, Sponge Bob, Rocket Ship Popsicles!), and quickly decided on a Spiderman-shaped frozen treat.  He sat on the front porch, licking his quickly-melting ice cream, which was dripping all over the place.   My heart was so full, seeing how much this adventure meant to my little guy, what a wonderful, simple childhood memory we were making, and what fun Luke had on what he called, "Ice Cream Day!"

Luke and Leah also have been having lots of fun playing at home together this month.  I do spend quite a bit of time serving as a referee and encouraging sharing of toys, but there are so many cute moments when they are together that it's all worth it!  Here they are giggling and hiding in Luke's toy box with all of his stuffed animals:

Doctor Luke made his annual house call this month to check on his sister.  Sweet Leah patiently tolerated shots, having her eyes and ears checked, her blood pressure and temperature taken, and listening to her heart:   

This is a picture from Dr. Luke's last house call, last May.  My, what a difference a year makes!

Although I would like to forget some of the noise and dust that has accompanied the construction of the new house next door this month, all 3 children continue to be mesmerized by the process.  We're hoping that most of the building occurs in July while we are at the beach, so that we can conveniently miss much of the racket:

We also returned to the Greenville Children's Museum this month, and both kids had a ball.  It's fun for me to see how they explore different and new exhibits each time we go, and how we are able to stay longer at every visit as their attention spans increase.  The race car exhibit was a favorite this time, as well as the grocery store section:

 Luke attended Vacation Bible School in the mornings last week (another first for us), and he  absolutely loved it.  As the week came to an end, Luke asked, "Can I go to Vacation Bible School EVERY day?!" which made me so happy with our decision to have him participate this summer.  Luke adjusted so well to this new experience, and it was a terrific, fun-filled week of Bible stories, songs, and new friends.  The children sang 2 of the VBS songs in church on Sunday (complete with hand gestures and movements), and as usual, our little man contributed his own unique flair to the performance.  About two lines into the first song, there is a move where the kids turn around in a circle.  Instead of completing the entire 360 degree rotation, Luke decided to turn only halfway, and remained with the back of his head facing the congregation for the rest of the program.  I couldn't stop giggling, as it's so typical of Luke to stand out in a crowd and do things his own way. 

June seems like it has flown by with all of our summer activities, and we've had a great, full month!