Fun in the Hidden Sun

The boys, Calee, and I made a quick trip to the beach this morning. I wanted to make the trip there (our first of the summer) this week since we have been learning about sharks and shells at home. As we were getting closer to our destination, the marine layer got thicker and thicker, and it looked very cold. Fortunately for us, it was a wonderfully mild day, and the water wasn't that bad, either. For some reason unknown to us, thousands of sand crabs and little clams covered the sand where the waves lapped onto the shore. We probably would have spent more time in the water, but it was creepy standing on them. Most of our time was spent making sandcastles. I quickly discovered that sand architecture is not my forte, so I switched it up a little by making a sand fish. Calee still has to email the picture to us, and then I will post it. I am so thankful to Calee for going with us, because I probably would have been afraid to take the boys by myself. Thanks Calee!

This summer, to avoid all-day video game sessions, I have been trying to keep the boys busy by doing an unofficial "summer school." We are using a program called the Itty-Bitty Bookworm, which uses literature-based lessons for pre-schoolers. I try to add in related activities that are more difficult so that Caden has something to be entertained with. This week, we have been doing an ocean/beach unit based on the book Five Little Sharks Swimming in the Sea. So far, we have finger-painted, made playdough (well, sort of- it did not turn out right), and painted with sand. I am hoping to make a trip to the beach soon. To add in a gospel element, we have also been studying the account of the prophet Jonah being swallowed by a big fish. Our memory verse is Jonah 2:1.

Swim Class

We signed Caden up for swim lessons this summer. Even though he gets very cold, he loves it! The teachers had all of the kids jump off the lowest diving board on the third day of class. Caden jumped twice, but he later informed us that he did not like it at all. My mom told him that he would like it after trying it a couple more times. They jumped again the next day, and after the second jump, Caden tells me, "Mom, I'm not scared anymore!" Way to go, Caden! His class started out with about seven kids, but now it is down to four, which is nice because he gets more one on one time.

Talicee Graduates

Our family's "smarty pants" has graduated from high school. Talicee was also chosen as the school's valedictorian. The wonderfully brief, yet meaningful, ceremony was at the San Bernardino Valley College. Since the graduation for the homeschoolers covered all of southern California, only about 100 students of those who graduated this year were in attendance. We are so proud of you, Talicee- you are an excellent student! Good luck in college!

Good Company

So far, we have had some very wonderful people visit our little abode. First, Genesis (Tev's sister) and Forrest (her fiancee) dropped by for a quick visit. It was fun catching up with them and looking through their photo albums. Caden and Vance loved the presents they brought for them! Vance wears the green sunglasses a lot, and Jurassic Attack has accompanied us to the park. Caden plays with the Lego race car often. Thanks guys!
Last night, we expected a visit from my friend Noelle and her children. They surprised us with one more guest- Giampiero! He is normally serving in Afghanistan, but he was granted a short leave to see his family. We had a great time visiting with them. The kids played Star Wars most of the night. America (the baby) and I became good friends- it was our first time meeting her. Every time I see Noelle, I am reminded of how much I really miss her when she is back at her home in Utah, but I am grateful for any time we have to hang out together!