Long time, no "real" update on what's going on around here. This summer, I spent a lot of effort and hope on an online charter school program that we were going to try, only to be foiled by the State. (Those of you who know me know how apropos that scenario is. Please, people, for the love of your children, do not vote for any incumbents this November!) Without explaining all of the details of the program or my motivation for pursuing it, or even how the State blocked it, I'll just say that it didn't work out this year. It was quite disappointing for me and is largely why I haven't blogged here in a while. I'm over it for the time-being, and so I'll do a little update now.
Rewinding to May, we survived what we refer to as "the tornado that wasn't". It was a "small" one that meteorologists wouldn't even acknowledge until the damage couldn't be refuted. Tornado season is always exciting, but in all the years we've taken cover, this is (thankfully) the only real damage we've ever personally experienced. The saddest casualty was our beloved back yard tree.
In June, we built a raised garden. We didn't harvest a lot, but it was quite enjoyable, and definitely a learning experience. We enjoyed it so much we built a second one.
We recycled the cases for large gates (thanks to Dad's job) as the base of our beds. We planted cantaloupe, eggplant, herbs, pepper and tomato varieties, Jerusalem artichokes, flowers, zucchini, watermelon and cucumbers. Since we got a late start, we used plants for many of the items, and next year, everything will be from seed, and we'll do a lot more planning. It was a sort of spontaneous garden experience this year, but since it was successful (aside from fighting wildlife), and we didn't have weeds to fight because it was raised, it's going to be extra fabulous next spring. :)
All three girls went to camp this year, too. I have mentioned that in LilBird's blog, so I'll just link to that instead of re-hashing it all here.
Our neighbors got a new pool at the beginning of the summer season, and gave us their old one since ours (quick set with the air ring) had bit the dust long ago. Gotta love a FREE pool! Ahem. No, seriously, we are very grateful and we got a LOT of use out of it (just took it down at the end of September). LilBird (remember who had not done well in swimming lessons in 2009?) was a little fish all summer long!
Having the swimming pool helped Ace prepare for the annual Kids Triathlon she has done now for six years. She improved her time over last year, and got to use the new bike she got for her birthday.
Everybody got a new summer hair cut, even if Mom wasn't ready for the length to go ...
Mom and Ace experienced our first State (Gymnastics) Banquet, which was quite fun. Ace was recognized as an All-State Team member along with several of her teammates, and after a fancy buffet dinner, they got to let it all out on the dance floor.
One of the best parts of the summer was the arrival of a new cousin! Yay, Cooper!
As the summer wound down, our activities picked up again. Ace began morning gym, which now means she has a potential for 20 hours in the gym each week. (I say potential, because if I'm dissatisfied with her academic or responsibility effort, she sometimes misses a morning gym session.) Rockstar wrapped up the summer with a series of private lessons on her trumpet and flute. She also saved up enough money babysitting that she was able to make her first major purchase, an Epiphone Les Paul electric guitar. LilBird has graduated from Bitty Broadway to Musical Theater, and she has a new teacher and is loving every minute of it. She had a friend who had a birthday party at his local fire station (how cool is that?) so she got to tour the fire station.
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