The End Of June

The hottest of hot months is approaching. I told Mom this is our chance to get to the mountains for a vacation this year, but that crazy woman is still thinking the beach would be more fun. We'll see. Maybe for the fall. Meanwhile, the summer is wrapping up and another year of homeschooling is coming up. I need to start looking at books and decide of we're going to continue with A Beka or go with something else. Zac is leaning towards the Time4Learning, but I'm so used to the A Beka curriculum, that anything else overwhelms me. I'm researching, though.

Mom and I have been getting along pretty well lately. She's been asking me for help with decorating the house and painting her bathroom and bedroom. It's actually got me into thinking about the possibility of going back to college to study interior design or even architecture. I'm not getting serious about it any time soon. Elias is still a baby and I don't want to stick him in daycare. Maybe if he goes to Kindergarten or I figure out night school, it's something I could try.

Death by Oreos

I was browsing Pinterest and came across this coma-inducing gem of a treat for children (HERE) and thought to myself, why not? Honestly, they weren't half-bad, but so rich I thought I would die. 

New Trick

"Look, Mommy, no hands!" He's still wobbly, but proud of himself.

Summertime!

It's officially summer! Here are some pics from this month so far since I haven't really been sitting down to write. I'm going to try to get back on top of that.

Punishment for rolling in poop.

Pink clovers.

Loves: Bubbles.

Rehydrating.

Father's Day 2016

Aunt Trish invited us to a family gathering for Father's Day this year. I like that she's been hosting these visits. She set up a sprinkler and we brought foods. I baked a cake and decorated it, which gives me gratitude for the experience at GAC. I gotta say, I did okay.

I saw an idea on Pinterest about painting a giant D from Hobby Lobby for Father's Day. I couldn't decide if we should get a Z or a D, but the kids call him "Dad", not "Zac." Elias was obviously thrilled to get his picture taken. We do love this guy, though. So so much. He's awesome.

Mom took us out to eat this evening at a pizza place called Soulshine Pizza Factory. Almost as good as Mellow Mushroom. I did like the music, though. Very blues-rock, my current favorite genre. My kids were on their best behavior, even choosing to sit together and away from us so they could talk about Pokemon.

Elias, 10 months

My littlest pumpkin is 10 months old now. He can stand alone for a few seconds, but still insists crawling is faster. Part of me knows once he's able to walk, he'll be into every type of mischief, but the other part is looking forward to another milestone. He loves taking baths. I've run water for myself while he was on the floor in the bedroom and he crawls so fast into the bathroom to pull up on the tub and squeal. He splashes and loves being in the water. Getting him out is definitely a chore. Recently, I've been letting him play on the big kids' Slip-n-Slide naked. He loves it. Right now, he's got six teeth, almost seven. He likes Little Einsteins and Strawberry Shortcake, all foods except peaches and peas. I've been letting him have bits of whatever we're eating. He's in size 4 diapers and gives the tightest hugs after naps, likes going outside to swing and will point at what he wants or where he wants to go. Sometimes he calls, "Daaaaaaad" when he doesn't see Zac for a while. He makes quiet excited faces, as if he's screaming, but no sound comes out. He's a sweetie pie for sure and a fun shopping buddy. Did I mention he started (sometimes) sleeping through the night? 

Mississippi Petrified Forest

Zac's been on a Groupon kick over the weekend. Yesterday, we went to Jo's Diner and got a great deal for a family of (technically) four, then used a coupon today for a family trip to the petrified forest. I'm digging all the fun stuff. Pictures galore!

Jo's Diner was nice. There were a lot of photos of Elvis and Marilyn scattered about. The food servings were huge! The four of us comfortably shared an apple pie dessert.

The petrified forest was almost an hour away, but worth the trip.