July is one of my favorite months. It always has been. I love the fireworks, parades, swimming (although this summer we haven't done that yet), green grass, flowers, sunny hot days and cool nights (well, not in Phoenix), lots of summer activities going on, I get a break from teaching to gear up for next year, and I get time to read what I want instead of what I have to read for school.
This summer is half over and it started late up here. Winds that are usually gone by early June lasted into July. Rain, gardens and flowers just hit this week instead of a month ago. I'd like to think that means summer will be long, just delayed, but I know once September comes, the nights are colder and days aren't as hot, and it'll be here before you know it. I better make sure our family gets out and enjoys the summer these next 5 weeks or so before school starts up again.
I did make it to the 4th of July parade in town, but all fireworks were cancelled around here because of the wildfires and extremely dry conditions, it was too dangerous. I got to visit the Lavender Farm with friends this year - the cooking demo. is where I learn the most.
Next week the kids are at camp through our church. I hope they have a good time. Jordan's never slept away from home more than 2 nights unless it was with family. She's never slept at camp with strangers. She'll only know one friend there and her brother, and they're separated much of the time.
The following week should be fun - we head back to the Valley! I know, it's going to be around 115 degrees, but I like that more than 8 months of cold weather. We'll try to go to the free family roller skating night, the dollar theater, our old church, and our old bible studies. We'll finish off the week at the homeschool convention in Phx. I've been twice before and enjoy it very much, but this year, Tim will be with me. That's exciting. I'm looking forward to catching Ken Ham's classes (Answers in Genesis, Creation Museum in KY, Apologia Science curriculum). Maybe we'll catch a class designed for the guys too (or at least Tim might).
Jordan's birthday is that week, so hopefully we can do something to celebrate that. It'll depend on how much I can manage to sell at the Farmer's Market the next 2 Saturdays. That's going to be our "spending money". She'll be bringing a friend back with her for a few days too, so that'll be kind of special.
Can't wait to take the kids swimming at some point this summer, if we can get a time when it's not too cold.
