Almost

I'm pumped!  Oldest Boy and Middle Boy will be dismissed from school for summer break tomorrow at noon.  Sure, having two more kids in the house means more toilet, sink, and kitchen usage during a day, but overall it's less work than the rigid routine we all adhere to during the school year.  No more packing lunches, driving to and from the school [30-40 each way], and no more homework.

I don't complete my sons' homework for them, but I support, encourage and oversee their various projects and goals.  The level of parental involvement required these days in both public and private schools is a good thing in my opinion.  I've joked about it [here], but I sincerely believe kids who have involved [not controlling or micro-managing] parents are generally better off than those who do not.  Regardless, I'm looking forward to no homework...

... and more family band time.  An old friend was in town Saturday - a friend who can play almost any instrument by ear - and led us in this session...

 

Chris conducted.  Sort of.

We eventually got him to sing and he promised the boys he would contribute more vocally to our family band nights as well as lead us in guitar.  I'll do anything.  I'm not musically talented, but I wish I was.  [Don't we all?!]

I've stocked up on peanut butter, tuna, water balloons, paper towels, flushable toilet scrubbers, popsicles, sunscreen, guitar picks, and patience [send me some of that if you have any extra laying around the house].  We're looking forward to a simple but fun summer.  No more homework!  Almost...

Comments

[Anastasia]

What fun pictures of your boys playing music together!

Summer rocks. :)

[christy]

Wow you have such an amazing view from your backyard!!! And a gorgeous yard to boot. I'm so excited for you for summer to begin. They can't assign homework tonight can they?! On the second to last day of school? That would be cruel.

Looking forward to videos of the band playing soon. And I'm sending patience your way my friend!

[Deidre]

family band night sounds great!!

[Connie @ Young and Relentless]

That looks like so much fun! I used to play the clarinet and the piano. I often wish I had kept it up.

YAY for Summer Vacation!

[Cheri @ Blog This Mom!]

My sentiments exactly. We're on summer vacation a week from Thursday and I Can't Wait.

No summer camps, no summer school, no schedules, no plans, no anything but rolling around in the grass looking for ladybugs. I feel like I won the lottery that we get to do this.

The men in your life are so beautiful. Thanks for sharing the photos and glimpse into your joyfulness.

[pam]

*sniff* I AM excited for the break but... I do have a hard time letting go. Thank goodness Oldest Boy always speaks to me.. there are so many who act as if they've never seen me before, come September, and I spent more time with them than their mothers for 9 months! :) Have a great and very relaxed summer. I'll try to do the same, and hopefully everyone will be ready to come back when that day rolls around!

[Beth]

Yes, patience. I could use a dose of that. My kids got out about ten days ago. It has gone ok, but there is always an adjustment time for all us to be together 24/7. I will say that having no homework, set bed time, etc has been awesome. It is a much more laid back life in the summer for sure. I find that I am more relaxed and probably more fun to be around.

[Bobbi Olson]

Looks like the all the boys sure had fun!

I love the picture of toddler child in the background beating on the drum with both hands!

[Mrs. D]

Yay for summer break! Mine officially begins tomorrow, today was our last day, I just have to show up to turn in keys and whatnot.

Your backyard and patio are beautiful!

[the mama bird diaries]

how fun! happy summer!!

[Lady Fi]

Music is such an enriching component in life! When do the kids go back to school? We finish at the end of next week, not to go back until 19 August! So, looooong holidays over here!

[Middle-Aged-Woman]

What a beautiful family and view! The Beehive State is looking warm these days.

Love,Claire

[Chris]

Anastasia - Thanks! You're right -- "summer rocks", which would have been a good name for this post!

Christy - No homework last night, and many thanks for the patience. I'll only use what I need and forward any excess on to someone else who is in a deficit. :-)

Deidre - I don't know if our neighbors think it's so "great"...

Connie - I used to play the piano too. I can fiddle around on it, but I'm better with a tambourine these days.

Cheri - So you're feeling the "almost" as much as I am. Your summer plans sound perfect to me too!

Pam - Until you mentioned that to me yesterday, I hadn't thought about the fact the many kids probably do move forward and "never speak" to former teachers. I imagine there's sincere sadness about that. You should share that thought with your students... every year. *sniff*

Beth - I experience more of an adjustment when my husband and I have to spend more time together than when my kids and I do. Any change to routines [even when it seems things will get easier] always requires some adjusting... Don't you think?

Bobbi - I know all kids love music, so I don't mean to paint a picture that my kids are super musical, but who DOESN'T like to beat a drum?!

Mrs. D. - Summer vacation is coming just in time for you to take a few breaths, then have that baby! So fun!

Mama Bird - Happy summer to you too!

Lady Fi - Our kids return to school the first week of September, so they also get a long holiday. I love it!

Claire - Thank you. We've actually had very pleasant temperatures. I'm sure the real heat will arrive soon! Love, Chris

[Alixandra Hice]

Pssst, please stop by Casa Hice... I have something for you!

[Joanna Jenkins]

Hi, I stopped by from Casa Hice and I'm glad I did! Love the family band pics :-) I'll stop by again soon. ENJOY summer vacation!

[mary]

A few more weeks and we have our short winter break - three weeks - and I adore the holidays. For exactly the same reasons you do!

The best thing is letting the kids stay in their pyjamas all day if they want to!

[Da Goddess]

Love all that music and such. School is out next Thursday and I can't wait! I know, I'm the rare mom who is happy when this happens.

By the way, said friend...is he single? Just asking. Just...asking.

[Sherri]

I wish I could have jammed with you! I don't do much but I can whistle and hum. And sometimes clap. Happy Almost Summer! And Happy Almost Birthday, too!

[Tristan]

So I am officially the meanest mom ever! I make my boys do school work all summer. Not a ton, maybe 30 minutes a day plus reading, but I don't want them to forget. We will definitely take a break for a week or too, though. I'm tired too :)

[Jennifer]

I love summer! I actually can't wait till my kids go to school so I can relish it even more. I have so many ideas in my head. Family band night is now added to that list. Enjoy!!

[anna see]

welcome to summer! i have 1 1/2 days left until the kids are home. i am ASTOUNDED by your incredible view from your yard! wow. i cannot imagine waking up to see that view every day.

[Corbie]

As my boys approached the car after their last day of school, I rolled down the window and said 'hurry and get in before someone changes their mind'. I couldn't wait to get out of the parking lot...mostly because of the homework, so I can definitely relate. Cute pics.

[Alixandra Hice]

Love the family jam session. Awesome, Chris. And I'm totally with you on the joy of summer break. Sounds like you have it all under control chica. The water baloon inventory is a nice touch.

[jenny]

When my oldest asked if he could go to school for the last two optional days, I nearly cried! I finally talking him out of it (how's that for being the responsible adult LOL) because I didn't want to have to wash his school uniforms that night.

Great pictures.