Summer Continues!

 Now that the County Fair is over, it really feels like the end of summer is near, which makes us all so sad. We didn't even take a trip this summer and we still feel like it wasn't enough time off. There are two weeks left until the official start of school so we fully intend to enjoy every single day we have left!! I'm envisioning several movie nights, swimming in the afternoon, playing with neighbors and even a potential trip to the Children's Museum! Gosh I love having my kids at home....just thinking about them going back to school makes me so incredibly sad! 

Here are some pics of the last few weeks....most of which took place at the fair! :) 

The boys really wanted to have a few swim lessons before Camp Tecumseh and they both did really good. They are both making some huge improvements in swimming this summer!

Mel just hanging with "her" chicken "Hermione"

Then it was back to static project judging for 4H.....Johnny submitted his Shooting Sports project and got reserve champion for 1st Year Members! He was super excited given the fact that he didn't even want to submit a poster!

At the same time, Mellany was getting judged on her sewing project and fashion revue. 

She received a blue ribbon for her tank top and shorts. We were so proud of her....not only in her skills, but for trying something brand new to her! 

Then lastly, it was Charlie's turn to submit his Mini-4H Lego project. He came up with the idea all on his own and did almost the entire project by himself, only needing some assistance here and there (same for Mellany and Johnny!) and it turned out fantastic! He loved talking to his judge about his lego set but was not happy about it not getting "officially" judged. 

I had another round of gum grafting surgery (on our anniversary of course lol) so John took some time off for my recovery and to help be at the fair. We didn't have to be at the fair on this particular day, so we headed to Mrs. Sherry's pool and soaked up some sun together. The kids absolutely loved having John there with us. 

Our first official day at the fair was Sunday for the Kiddie Tractor Pull. Charlie had been practicing and was so excited for this event. He made it past the first round but that second round was TOUGH! He sure gave it his all though!

AFter the tractor pull we ventured through the fairgrounds and spent some time with the Okos pigs....which was Johnny's favorite spot to be!

....and then we found Spike!!!! Spike was our rooster that we passed along to a neighbor. Johnny was so happy to see him!!

On Monday, the kids decided to compete in a drawing contest.....Simon took 3rd and Johnny took 4th......then Mellany ended up taking 3rd in her age division! 

After the drawing contest, we grabbed some food and then headed to the coliseum for the public fashion revue for Mellany. The judging took place the week prior, but results were announced on this night. She didn't get a Champion or Reserve Champion but she had a great time, did an incredible job and received some really nice feedback on her scorecards. 

The next morning we were up bright and early for poultry judging. Our chickens did not look well (because they are plucking each other's feathers!) so we only submitted eggs. Mellany and Johnny both received blue ribbons for their eggs.

On Wednesday, it was swine day! So we spent the day watching our friends show their pigs! It was so much fun and they did an incredible job!! 

After fair week ended, we came home, packed up and sent our tween off to camp for the week! She chose to do equestrian camp again this year and couldn't wait to get there! 

....the boys miss her, but weren't sad one bit about choosing where we ate dinner the night we checked her in. They chose Applebee's so they could play games together on their kiosk.... :)

Then on Monday, the boys started their week of day camp and have been having so much fun. I'm so thankful for an amazing faith-based youth camp so close to home. Johnny is even looking forward to being old enough for overnight camp next year!

Look at me posting twice in one month!! Now, if you need me, I'll be soaking up every single minute with my kiddos before they head off to 7th, 4th and 2nd grades!!!! 

Definition of Summer!

The lack of posts this summer probably tells you that we are living our best lives right now! We are sleeping in, staying up late, swimming, dancing, spending lots of time with the chickens, taking care of yard work, practicing math facts and reading at times that are convenient for us, snacking way more than we should, among many many other things including lots of time together as a family! 

I've not done the greatest job at capturing everything, but here's some of what I have gotten....

Johnny has really grown up this summer and has done a great job mowing a few times. 

My plants looked amazing around the end of June. I've become that lady who takes pictures of her flowers haha!

Mellany and I took a trip to Hobby Lobby one afternoon and randomly found the most perfect frame for John Sr.'s flag and medals. Best purchase this summer, hands down! 

I found some boy selfies on my phone....

Our girl decided on a new hair cut that aged her about 5 years!

Our neighborhood cat found his way to our back patio and Winston wanted to play really bad.

4H Project construction started toward the end of June.....the house has 4H things alllllll over it right now lol! This project was the start of Johnny's model....

For the second or third year in a row, Charlie's baseball team has played his buddy James' team in the tournament. It's always such a fun game.

Last year vs. this year...they have aged a ton over the last year...

Mellany has been taking some private dance lessons with Charlotte to improve their skills 

Johnny started his woodworking 4H project.....a Chicknic Table (picnic table for chickens)

Mellany had an ingrown toenail that needed to be removed on the second big toe. So thankful she's such a trooper.

While the neighbors were gone, Charlie helped take care of their plants and trash. I was laughing so hard when he took care of the trash because as he carried the cans back to the house, ou couldn't even see him...

I got a new car!!!!!! The boys were not super happy about getting rid of the yykon because our new expedition doesn't have a DVD player.....but the Expedition is so nice, they'be forgotten all about it!

I love summer reading...

Johnny's team had a celebration at the Aviator's game again this year. It was super hot so we didn't stay long, but going out onto the field with one of the players was a definite summer highlight for Johnny. 

Charlie's Mini-4H Lego project turned out great too!

Winston's annual checkup is always a favorite for Johnny. Winston really dislikes riding in the car, so Johnny had me put him in the back so he could keep him extra happy. 

4H Shooting Sports wrapped up with a cookout and "All-Shoot" this past week. Johnny has really loved the entire project and especially this night because he got to shoot every discipline. Charlie even got to shoot some too which was super exciting for him. 

Johnny completed a poster for the shooting sports project and it turned out so good. 

Mellany's drawing is our favorite she's done to date....I can't wait to hang it in the house!

Model is done!! Turned out so good!

Johnny completely finished the Chicknic table and he is dying to put it out with his chickens. 

4H has completely taken over!

Charlie participated in the Mini-4H Day Camp and had a great time with a sweet friend...Sawyer 

Chicknic Table is officially turned in....Johnny got a blue ribbon and the judge really loved it!

Model and Drawing were turned in the next day......Johnny's model got Champion (he was actually the only 3rd grader to submit a model!) and Mellany's drawing got Reserve Champion....so it was a great day!!

We've got lots and lots more fun to come over the rest of the summer and are trying hard to not even talk about school starting in about a month!