School's Out for Summer

School got out last Thursday, marking the official beginning of summer.  Summer is in full swing with swim team every morning, late nights playing outside with friends and lots of FIGHTING!  I guess they balance each other out (most of the time) and we enjoy spending time together! 

Here are some pictures of the boys on the first day of school and the last day of school.

They have gotten so much bigger! 

We have no major plans this summer!  We are going to try to do Fun Free Fridays with the neighbors.  We are going to take turns planning activities that are free (fountain parks, hiking, swimming, etc.) and that we can pack a lunch and just have fun together!  We are also working towards a trip to Water World.  Everyday we will have an hour of "work" time.  The kids are required to do 30 minutes of reading, 15 minutes of math (online, leapsters or worksheets) and 15 minutes of chores.  It is a nice break in the middle of the day when the kids are hot and tired and need a break from each other.  If they do the required hour per day (or most days of the week) we will treat the kids to water world at the end of the summer.  We did it last year and it was a big hit. The kids get their reading and math in so their brains don't turn to mush and I get some chores out of them with minimal whining.  A quick reminder of the end reward keeps them from whining too much. 

Here's to a great summer!