July Date with Ben

In July, Ben and I went on our date to see Planes: Fire & Rescue. First we ate at Sonic, per Ben’s request, then headed to the movie (which he had already seen with my parents, but wanted to go with me to see it again).

Kids’ Rooms-Paint Update

After we got back from our Tampa trip, I took a couple of days to paint the kids’ rooms.

Ben’s change was subtle.

Before, a grayish blue…

…to a truer gray.

But the girls’ change was more dramatic…

Yellow to…

Pink.

I still need to get curtains and art, but the walls feel fresh and clean now.

Benjamin is 6

Ben turned 6 on July 2, and this year, we had his birthday party on his actual birthday. It was a Wednesday, but since it is the summer, it worked out.

After much consideration, Ben chose to have a space party. Since we studied astronomy in school last year, it made things a little easier for me.

I am awful at cakes. This one met Ben’s expectations, and that is enough for me.

Astronaut Ben

Astronaut Charlotte

Astronaut Landon

Astronaut Rosemary

We hung planets all over the dining room and kitchen.

Me and my good friend, Melanie. They got there a little early and helped us finish getting ready.

Playing while guests arrive

We made rockets to launch outside out of construction paper.

Inside, we made some ice cream in bags and watched youtube videos about life in space while shaking the bags.

Singing happy birthday.

The kids.

Afterwards, Ben opened our gifts.

Yay, a green Chick Hicks!

The birthday boy and his daddy

For dinner, we went to Ben’s favorite, Steak ‘n Shake.

He’s 6! (See his flag and his mission patch? He’s dressed in all white to look like an astronaut)

Thumbs up for this birthday!

Crazy Kids after Moe’s

Right before Rosemary and I left for the rehearsal, Jonathan noticed that the van had a flat tire. He took it to get repaired and then Rosemary and I met up with him, Ben, and Charlotte for dinner at Moe’s while the van was finished. While we were waiting for Jonathan, I took a few pictures of the kids to pass the time. This is what I got.

Pure glee.

CCH Meeting and Art Show

Last year, our homeschool group included an art show in our large group meeting. Each of the students could choose their two favorite pieces from the year to display. Jonathan kept up with the kids that night and got some pics for us.

Not quite all of the works, but a lot of them! At the top was the last work we all did together, a drip painting like Jackson Pollock.

Ben chose his bridge like Monet…

…and Starry Night like Van Gogh.

Rosemary chose Starry Night as well…

…and Michaelangelo’s Creation of Adam.

And our subgroup display, that Jamie and Cathy so gratefully manned that night while I had to be in another room.

I am so thankful for our homeschool group. We have learned so much and had so much fun with this group.