Last Hurrahs

 Before school started back up again, (mid-August, mind you, MUCH too early for my liking), we had a few fun last outings :-).

My mom and Grandma took us out for lunch one day at the kids' favorite haunt, Summer Kitchen.  Always a good time.

Since it rained almost every day the week before school started, the pool was out and so I took the kiddos to Bounce U to burn off some energy.

 They had the most fun in this area-type house where there were four platforms and you swung a giant medicine ball around trying to knock one of your fellow opponents off of their pedestal/platform.  I was really impressed with how my children were courteous of not only each other, but of the other children waiting their turns and if one of them had been up for a while, they would hop down and call to either one of their siblings, or another child who was waiting.  And, both big kids helped Juliana so she could participate in the fun as well.  It was a Proud Mama Moment :-).

 Another day we went over to the library for (their last) Science Day.  They got to blow up a balloon using a plastic bottle with baking soda and vinegar (?)--I can't recall the liquid off-hand right now.  Then, we all went outside where we got to watch a soda volcano.  (Release Mentos candy into diet soda and you get a geyser.  The kids all loved watching it (even though Kari thought it was loud and covered her ears :-).)

 And finally, they all got to spend some quality time together just being creative and silly.  Emily was very good at making Minecraft costumes for Christian and Kari one afternoon.

The summer can be a challenge with everyone at home.  Lots of togetherness is good, but there's a lot of refereeing on my part to keep the peace between multiple children who all have strong personalities and opinions.  Still, school time always seems to sneak up too quickly once July ends and it's always just a little bittersweet starting up school and our busy routines again.  Another wonderful summer come and gone, during the Golden Age of my kiddos' childhoods :-).