Well, the school year ended very successfully and what felt like rather abruptly. We are down and real into the summertime here in La Grande complete with sunny skies, bike rides, and a kitchen remodel. I know, we just did one. That was 8 years ago and although I loved it, it was never finished, Sam's first attempt at a woodworking project (of any kind!) and had some high-traffic areas that were frustrating. It's been a huge undertaking complete with the removal of a chimney, removal of 1920's flooring and re-wiring and re-plumbing. However, we are just about half way finished and I am loving it already!
Ethan is enjoying his summer of adventures. He went to "Camp Grandma" the second week of his vacation. While there, he learned to kayak and was in it almost every day! He also enjoyed a trip to the zoo (complete with making paper out of elephant poo) and a day trip to go whale watching on a tour in the puget sound. They all had a wonderful time and I was impressed with the little man that was returned to me at the end of the week. It's amazing how confident he became in a weeks time. I'm glad he had a blast and it gave us a chance to get some good work done on the kitchen.
When we dropped Ethan off with Grandma, Sam and I took off to celebrate our 13th anniversary at a bed and breakfast in Camano Island. It was absolutely wonderful! It was so quiet and peaceful and lovely to get away from the construction, the daily grind, and our kiddo just to enjoy each others company. It was a wonderful weekend getaway.
Now we are into July and looking forward to the 4th. Ethan and I spend our days with friends, on bike rides, birding, cleaning the house, and reading. He doesn't love reading, so I'm trying to spend some time to change his mind on that topic. He loves to be read to, but whether it's his eye not being able to see well or something else, he doesn't enjoy reading out loud or to himself. His attitude about it slowly starting to change as we go through our days of mandatory reading time (of any kind I can convince him to do).
I am teaching Kindermusik this summer and giving individual private lessons to about 10 students or so per week. That keeps my mind working, keeps me engaged, and brings in a little extra play money. With a house remodel, the play money has been wonderful. :)
Well, I just thought I would stop in and give a brief update. I'll get on again soon for another update and hook up to the printer to get caught up in my physical notebooks. :)
