From June to July

 The month of June flashed by like a bolt of lightning.  Speaking of lighting, we had a pretty bad storm last night.  The weather for June has been very rainy and also extremely hot.  It's impossible to step outside without suffocating.  I love summer but this is a bit much, even for me.  The start of summer vacation has been pretty relaxing.  For a homebody like me it's been wonderful but for my energetic kids they really don't enjoy boredom, even if it's just ONE day with nothing to do.  As a kid I remember always having to entertain myself.  These kids have a rough time figuring out how to keep occupied on their own.  Times have changed.  

As I type, I hear thunder begin again.  My goodness.  I think it's time to start building that ark again.  

Before we get into the hustle and bustle of what July will bring I wanted to do a recap of some of the things we did get a chance to do in June.  On the first day of June and the official start of summer vacation my daughter had her violin recital.  For four years she had been taking violin lessons online from a teacher who used to live in our town but moved to Virginia.  It seemed Bri lost her desire to continue so this was her last "concert" and time spent with Miss. Elizabeth.    

Then she had her dance recital.  She made a decision to take the next year off of dance and focus on more school related things since she'll be starting high school.  I'm not sure if she'll ever make her way back to dance but I know her and I will both miss it.  

For Father's Day Rob and Matthew were asked to speak at the church service.  Rob shared about his journey with having arthritis since childhood and how he has kept his faith in God through it.  Matthew spoke about what it's been like growing up in a Christian home and how his father has help him learn how to keep his faith through challenges and temptation.  They both really impressed me.  

And Matthew ran in a 5K for Alzheimer's in Lancaster County and won 1st place.  His first 1st place win.  We are so proud.  He said this one was for his grandmother.  

And with summer comes hiking for our county's Get Outdoors program.  They set up 30 different hikes where we have to read through the directions and find our way to a wooden pole that has a plaque where they can rub onto paper.  We strive to do this every year but have sadly only had accomplished all 30 once.  We had a late start to it this year but we are aiming to get it all done.  

Last Sunday was our church's patriotic service, which ends with an awesome firework show at night.  I look forward to this every year.  This picture doesn't do justice but I'm going to say it's the best firework show I've ever been to.  They do a really great job.  

One experience I do not have pictures of is my kids one week trip at church camp.  They really loved it and it gave them an opportunity to make new friends and keep themselves busy.  This homebody mother enjoyed the peace and quiet, although I did miss them tremendously.  They hope to do it again next year.  

And here we are on the first day of July.  I'll be doing more hiking with the kids and hopefully can squeeze in a last minute vacation before it's time to focus on back to school stuff.  The kids have already been joining the cross country team with morning practices and will soon have two weeks of band camp.  We also have a professional baseball game and a concert on the schedule.  The month will end with Matthew's senior pictures.  Let's just hope this month moves a little slower.