We had our first complete week of the summer where we didn’t have to go anywhere or do anything.  Nice!  No summer is complete without at least one or two weeks like that!  Alas and alack, however, it seems I don’t take any pictures on such weeks so too bad for those of you who prefer illustrations to my cheery literary wit!

Actually, I do have pictures of Calianne dancing.  Here’s one for your enjoyment:

My biggest success this week has been in the discovery and implementation of parental controls on the internet.  All of Savannah’s favorite sites are now blocked every morning when she wakes up until her work is done.  Mwa Ha Ha Ha Ha!  She is taking an online class this summer for high school credit so she tends to stay on the computer for eighteen hours a day telling us all that she can’t get off because she’s working on her homework and then said homework assignment doesn’t get done for three days?  This week, she had a homework assignment done every morning and piano practiced all before lunch every day.  It was amazing how those homework assignments suddenly weren’t so hard anymore?  Anyway, she does try to figure out my passwords which she assures me is just her way of nurturing her “inner detective.”  She’s so cute.

Savannah has also, through the resources of her good friend, Miranda, found a free play in which to take part this summer.  She plays the part of Sebastian in Shakespeare’s “The Tempest.” So, three or four times a week she goes to play practice over at the library.  She also goes around the house exclaiming, “A pox on your throat, you bawling, blasphemous, incharitable dog!”  She finds it thrilling to be able to curse in Shakespearean.  I mean, who wouldn’t?

Sarah spent alot of her time this past week planning a day camp for little girls.  She made flyers, passed them out, got commitments, -made a plan for each day’s activities, and went shopping for supplies.  It should be tons of fun.  I’m impressed with her planning and take-charge-ness so far.  I’ll let you know next week!

Megan has been enjoying a little more computer time now that Savannah’s tyranny has abated somewhat.  She also has played mucho with her favorite neighborhood girlfriends, Hannah and Rebekah. 

Mariah likes to play on the computer, too.  She also likes to pull out a felt dollhouse project she works on sometimes.  She’s the only one to really go out to the new hoop and shoot baskets.

Cheyenne and Calianne rode their bikes and played with neighborhood kids and joined various swim parties thoughout the neighborhood.

Bethany follows her big sisters around relentlessly!  She continues to say, “Hold me down!” when she wants to be picked up.  She is also afraid of bugs (my first little girl ever!) in spite of the fact that she sometimes greets people by assuming a fighting stance, sticking out her arm and yelling, “Hiya!”

Benjamin has started to coo.  He looks right into our eyes and smiles and coos and coos.  He’s so excited.  It’s so fun.  He has also started to suck on blankets.  Hey!  You take what hobbies you can get when you’re three months old!

To the joy of all, river walking was revisted this week as a favorite summer pastime!  Savannah, Sarah, Megan, and Mariah all went down to the river two or three or four times this week with various other kids from the neighborhood.  I love those old-time, no-cost pleasures. 

As for me, I did a lot of reading in these soft, green summer days.

Kevin finished up his softball season with a few evening games in Provo.  He also took the older six girls to the Springville pool on Saturday and helped the twins practice swimming.  He was so sweet to go as Calianne really, really wanted to go!  What a guy!