June Update: Summer is here...

and the month long period of craziness is over!!! Kids are out of school; scouts is on summer vacation (not meetings every week but a few over the summer to keep everyone in touch) and I feel free as a bird. Of course, the kids are in a summer bowling league and I think Ray has found something that he loves. Usually Ray and sports do not mix ~ he becomes so frustrated with trying to keep up with the action because of his motor skill delays that he'll end up completely upset with himself, others and anything in the area. What is amazing is Ray has taken to bowling like a duck towater ~ he loves Duckpin Bowling! Becky doesn't enjoy it so much but she is trying and I am trying to encourage them each to stay active this summer. I may end up with a Fall League for Ray they way he is going but it will be so worth it.

Let me fill you in on some of my craziness of the past month. Let's see, it will begin with the kids receiving a Maryland State Citation for participating in a 'No TV Challenge' which kids had to go without television, video games and other computer related activities for 2 weeks. The goal is to get kids up and on their feet playing outside, bike riding or doing something other than sitting on their butts. At the end of the 2 week period you could be rewarded with a citation presented by our one Maryland Senator and three of the House of Delegates.



The next night (yep back to back... see craziness) was the Spring Concert for the kid's school and the last Elementary concert for Becky. She has particpated in the orchestra and chorus for 3 years and Ray is in his first year of orchestra; both children play the violin. The performance was wonderful and I am very proud to say both kids are continuing in their musical training next year.



Girl Scouts ~ Although Becky is already a Junior scout; it was a big year for our troop. We had the majority of our troop bridge to Junior scouts from Brownies. The ceremony ended up being held at the school we meet at and after the official ceremony for bridging we had a cook-out. Afterwards the girls received their end of year awards. Becky received a total of 12 patches and will be continuing next year with Junior Girl Scouting.

5th grade Picnic and Dance ~ Since Becky was a 5th grader this year it brought on additional activities for the end of the school year. The PTA held both a picnic for parent's and kids one afternoon and a 5th grade dance to mark the end of their elementary school years. The picnic was held on a picture perfect day and was fun to sit around with other parents and reminense about how much the kids had grown. The dance was Becky's first big dress up dance and she loved every moment of it. Here is a picture of her in front of our house looking so grown up.

Cub Scout Graduation ~ Ray completed his Bear rank this year and has obtained the ranking of Weblos. This program is a 1 1/2 year program which is the end of Cub Scouting. We were very proud of Ray's efforts this year and at the end of the year he not only had obtained his ranking of Bear but his whittle chip (allows him to use a pocket knife), 11 arrow (elective) points, 9 belt loops, 7 activity pins and several fun patches. He is looking forward to working on next years requirements so we will be continuing in our scouting adventures.

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5th grade Graduation and Ray's last day of 3rd grade ~ What a wonderful day!!! Becky's graduation was so special. She did very well at the awards ceremony and received 5 special awards (honor roll, orchestra, chorus, middle school orchestra gala, and 5th grade advancement) and was a source of pride for all of her family which attended. Ray came to her graduation ceremony and then returned to class to spend time with his friends and to join in on their pizza party. Becky looked so cute in her white dress and although I tried to hold it in; I cried when the 5th grade chorus members (Becky was one of them) sang their farewell song. I could just picture how proud my Mom would have been of her and that was when the tears started. Ray came out of class that day with honor roll and an orchestra award as well so I thought the kids had a great year.



Bike Safety ~ In scouting, it is very important to encourage safety for our kids in any and all situations. This year I worked with the County Police to have an officer come out and teach the kids bike safety. The kids were shown how to properly adjust their helmets, check their bikes and put through a series of "road courses" to help them learn how to control their bikes.

Becky's Birthday ~ Becky celebrated her 11th birthday on the 16th from Wednesday until Friday or so it seemed! We had bowling on Wednesday which was her "official" birthday so I surprised her with a cake at the bowling alley and all the kids could enjoy while playing their games. On Friday we ended up having a party with a few of her friends and Ray brought along one buddy to pal around with while the girls had their fun. We saw Marmaduke the Movie and then went to Sakura for dinner. The kids loved watching the Japanese Chef prepare their food and was so excited to see the fire and different tricks he did while performing. Afterwards we went for ice cream at a local icon, Ann's, for their choice of a cone or a milkshake.

Lancaster, PA ~ As a special celebration of my in-laws 55th Wedding Anniversary and my MIL's 75th Birthday, the entire family went to Lancaster, PA for the day. We had lunch at Shady Maple, which is a Amish styled buffet. Afterwards we went to see Nashville City Limits at the American Music Theatre; which was a show featuring hits from current and former country stars.

Farmall ~ As a little girl, I rode my parent's tractors all day long. Well, we have purchased a 1956 Farmall International Cub. This is a little smaller than the tractors I rode on as a child, but it brings back the memories every time I climb on it. This is a picture of me taking it on its first spin around the grass. See the silly smile on my face???

Stitching Retreat ~ The end of the month I took a long ago made invitation from Sue V, a member of my Every Stitch Counts group, to come down and visit her in Newport News, Virginia. Beth Haneke came along and the family set up camp outside of Williamsburg for the weekend. This is a picture of the 3 of us taken by Sue's hubby, Butch. We stitched, laughed, watched movies and even fit in a visit to Sue's LNS, Haus Tirol. What a wonderful shop; if you are ever in the area, I would highly recommend the visit!

Of course, at the end of all of this, you are probably wondering what did I accomplish in my stitching? Did I get anything done at all??? Well, I did finish up the May Lizzie Kate which I can post a picture of and I did stitch a book mark for Ray's teacher but I forgot to take a picture of it! After I realized it I have kicked myself quite a bit since I always try to take pictures of my projects. Grrrrrrr......... I have started June's Stamp-it and I am still working a little on my Quaker Seasons. Hopefully I can make some real progress now that life has calmed down and summer has arrived. :) Have fun!