Summer Part 2: Tennis Lessons

Okay, normally, I would never have this many pictures of tennis lessons.  However, the instructors gave us a disc of over 200 pictures they had taken of our kids over the course of their three week lessons.  So actually, I thought it was pretty good that I narrowed it down to a mere 30 pictures!

Tennis lessons were through Grand Rapids Recreation.

We were so impressed.  The coaches were awesome, and our kids learned so much in just three weeks.

Making "Thank You" cards for their instructors.

And while George was too young to take lessons, he spent his time watching and replicating what the "big kids" did.  He wasn't about to let them have all the fun!

Summer Part 1: June Pictures

The annual MLive Whitecaps outing.

An evening of baseball and gluttony.

Ventured out to Countryside Basket.

Half greenhouse; half amusement park.

A night out with Joe to see Lion King.

And, once again, time for another house project.  This time, our focus turned to flooring.  Of course, this was a huge undertaking, considering the wood floors we planned to refinish make up 95% of our main floor.  And naturally, the timing of the project, falling over a busy last week of school, was inconvenient.  But we made it work and were grateful to stay with a couple from our church.  They usually host college students for the school year, but had an empty house that we could settle into for the week, making a difficult week, much more manageable. 

BEFORE

A layer of carpet and tile to be removed, revealing red oak flooring.

My dad graciously patched some of the spots that required it.

They looked a little rough, but were full of potential.

DURING

Freshly sanded, likely for the first time in 90 years.

AFTER

So pretty.

We splurged for a commercial-grade top coat, ensuring our floor would stand up to the wear and tear of our family.  Totally worth it if it means we don't have to do this again for 20+ years.

And a fresh coat of paint in the play room

Classic Claire

So often with her nose in a book.

Me and the boys

Oh Henry.

Looking fierce.

A family Christmas gift - a new basketball hoop.

End of the School Year Fun

Always a highlight of the school year is the day trip to Camp Newaygo.  While we enjoy all the field trips, my kids and I agree that, in this case, their school saves the best for last.  I spent the day going back and forth between Claire and Henry's groups, trying to catch the best of both.

Henry started off the day with "Shelter Building".

Then I bounced over to Claire's class where they were doing their rock climbing.

A quick class picture.

From there, Claire's class went right to archery.

After that, back to Henry's class where they were doing yoga.

Good form, Buddy!

Then outside to the campfire.

What better way to wrap up a good workout than with a gooey s'more?

Henry was particularly anxious about the climbing tower.  If you know anything about Henry, you probably know that "Danger" is not his middle name.  His middle name should be something more like "Play it Safe".  So this was a stretch for him.

I was so proud of him for trying it.

He made it about 4' off the ground and was all smiles!

Henry's class then went to archery, another first for him.

I then scooted over to Claire's class so I could finish out the day with her.

Best Friends

Shortly after that, I received word that Henry had tripped and fallen on his way out of archery.  

Nothing serious, but a skinned knee and bruised ego.  So I ran over there to bandage a knee and wipe some tears.  It was a rough way to end the day, but on the bright side, we were preparing to head home anyways, so at least he didn't miss any of the fun.

It really was another great day at Camp Newaygo.  I remember last year, being pregnant with Joshua at the time and feeling so sick throughout the day.  This year, I was just into my second trimester with this pregnancy, so thankfully, I was feeling much better.  I definitely got my workout in going back and forth between Claire and Henry's groups, but I am so grateful to be there for such special memories.  

In other "End of the School Year Fun", Claire's class participated in "Take it Apart" Day.

The students pick an old electronic (i.e. printer, blender, radio, mixer, etc.) and spend the morning taking it apart, studying to see what goes into making their machine work.  It's messy, but the kids love it.

After helping Claire's class destroy some electronics, I joined Henry's class as they walked to the local ice cream shop.  After a year apart, Henry and Gryffin were already looking forward to being together in class again in the fall.

George's last day of school.

Ms. Dee in the center; Ms. Lisa on the left.  Oh boy, did they love George!  Every day was a good day for him in speech class.  Literally, his teachers never once told me that he had a difficult day, which I happened to know was not typical.  It was a perfect introduction for him to school. 

And yet another fun day to wrap up the school year: FIELD DAY! 

Always a good idea to start Field Day with a little sugar buzz.

A family favorite: Ms. Sybil

She had both Claire and Henry, and is now excited to have 

George for preschool and kindergarten.

Face painting: a kitty, unicorn and dog 

The boys took advantage of this Field Day game to pelt Claire

 with wet sponges.  Something tells me that she will get her revenge.

And finally...the last day of school!

Here comes Summer!