End of the school year and the start of summer 2017

We are already several weeks into summer. Here are the kids' last day of school pics:

It's fun to see the comparisons from the start of the year to the end.

The kids finished a few days before me and spent some time on the farm. The first weekend of summer for me was dance recital weekend. Norah did a great job! She was delighted to learn that her friend from school, Natalie, was in another class at the same studio, so she was happy to get to watch Natalie dance and see her before each performance. 

We had dress rehearsal and two performances. My mom and dad and Allyssa and Jordan came to the Sunday performance. Norah was happy to have extras in the audience!

We have also had lots of sprinkler and pool time this summer, as well as trips to parks and Ledges. We've made it to the beaches at Don Williams and Big Creek, too. 

 The kids camped at Don Williams with my parents in early June while I had co-teaching training. It's a beautiful park. They also made a day trip to Ledges.

 Wes had basketball camp June 11-16. He really enjoyed it!

 We went camping with my family June 16-18 at Lake Anita. The kids enjoyed fishing, camp fires, and kayaking.

 I tubed down the river with friends on June 23 while Nick hung with the kiddos.

 We were back in SW Iowa again 24-25 for Abby's wedding to Noah.

After the wedding weekend, I left the kids with my parents AGAIN because I am headed to Iowa City today for AP training as I will be teaching honors 9th grade English for the first time next year and we are treating it as a pre-AP class. I am sure they will have lots of adventures on the farm.

July holds swimming lessons, Norah's follow up with her surgeon, more pool and beach time, Allyssa's baby shower, and a break from school related things for mom. We are hoping for a quick family get away at the end of July, but I haven't booked anything yet.