Starting Summer

I choose to believe we ended June with a big, fat bang.

It all began with the close of school.  And the end of the Zimmerman Family Washington Elementary School era.   

The school celebrated it's centennial existence this year, and so each class got to add some dirt to the burial spot of a time capsule they spent the year compiling crap treasures.  Tessa had to join in on the fun.  Naturally.

Linley had a completely wonderful teacher, Mrs. Klebaur, who was nurturing and kind, and highlighted every single bright spot Linley had to offer.  Really, Linley just had a completely wonderful year in general.  This girl has become so responsible and eager to please and confident and sunshiney and bright and smart. She is sooo smart.  Who knew?  She was in the top reading level of her class and the very tippy-top math student.  She readily makes friends and is quick to help anyone in need of anything. She is always a pair of arms and a happy smile for Eden, a buddy for Tessa, and a partner in crime for her brother.  She has found a place and a purpose in this house and she is thriving.  And pleasant.  And so. much. less. dramatic. It's an answer to prayers and wishes on stars and dreams coming true.  Bless this year and ridiculously beautiful girl of mine.

And Ryder.  See, Ryder just finished third grade.  And he is nine.  And when his mom stops in for his end-of-year class party, he nods and runs off.  Because he can't be bothered by me.  And he certainly will not stop for a photograph.  His teacher was Mr. Folk.  Understanding yet firm, the man set super high expectations for Ryder this year.  And he surpassed every single one.  That boy is some sort of whiz kid.  Proof: he took the 3rd grade standardized test and scored in the 99th percentile nationally in all three categories.  They don't come smarter.  He is still aggressive and uber confident with a major adventurous/dangerous streak, but he also has a sweet, loving side that makes me swoon (and all the ladies, really).  It is so much fun watching him creep closer to pre-teenagehood.

Mid-June also brought some steamy temperatures....which meant lots of grilling.  And the discovery of a brand-spankin-new corn on the cob lover!  That greasy, buttery little mouth is pretty unbeatable.

Swim team started in June, making the pool the big kids' first home.  The two littles and myself found ourselves joining them nearly every afternoon.  

It's our happy place.

However, sometimes change is necessary. 

To switch things up, we spent a day at the local splash pad.  

No one complained.

Ryder had his blue and gold breakfast, where he earned his Bobcat and his Wolf.  I think.  Scouting isn't really my jam.  Regardless, go Ryder!

This chick determined she was ready to take a stand.  Against me.  

Literally and figuratively.  

Sad day.

I am ready to embrace summer with these four little angelic devils.  

We function so nicely with a little sunshine in our system.