Start of Summer

June 12th marked the end of school and the beginning of summer for us. We were all ready to be done with school for a while. It seems we always have a few days of adjustment with the kids and I all getting used to being together all day long, and this year we really only had one day that wasn't very much fun. It's been a pretty good start summer, even though the weather hasn't been very summer-like. Joel and Greg went "man-camping" with a bunch of other dads and sons the weekend after school got out. They had such a great time. I'm glad they get to do that each year and thankful for good friends to do it with. Grant was VERY put-out about not being able to go with them. He packed his backpack full of nighttime pull-ups and clothes and announced he was ready to go to "man camp." He was one sad and mad boy when we broke the news that he wasn't old enough to go yet.  Maybe next year, buddy, maybe. We'll see if you and Daddy are both ready for you to go. 

Last day of school! Happy kids.

Greg brought home some reject electronic equipment from work, stuff they don't need anymore that is free for the taking, and let the kids go at it with screwdrivers, pliers, and wire cutters. The kids LOVED it. The first night they worked on them for TWO hours!




Progress on day two. They worked on it for a couple hours that next morning and more later that evening and the next day, too. Joel was especially into it. He was determined to get all the pieces off, and he did it. Best rainy, summer day kid entertainment ever!




I found it interesting that these "strain indicators" were worth $1,275 at one point in time. Our kids destroyed, what used to be, some valuable equipment. It was a good reminder that today's "treasure" becomes tomorrow's trash.