Summer Break has Begun...

I'm happy to report that the kids are on summer break and so am I. Our clinic is heavily populated with snow birds, so when they go back home, our clinic slows down. I volunteered to have the summer off to be home with the kids. I'll return to work after Labor Day.

Our summer break began with several puzzles, flag football camp for Trace, VBS-volunteering for us girls and participating for Trace. I helped with the check-in and check-out process. Kianna helped with the bible rotation. Kaylee was partnered with another gal to lead a group of kids. It was a fun week. We also fit in some beach time with friends where we found a huge conch shell. Unfortunately, we had to throw it back since it was the home to a large crab. I've also had some fun walks with friends at Riverbend park, where I've seen some beautiful wildlife. I love summer!

Sanibel Island

Sanibel Lighthouse

Our resort

Our resort

God's beautiful creation

Our good friends, Dion and Misty Hayes watched the kids for us so we could get away for a few days as a couple. Our kids had a blast with their family and we had a blast on Sanibel Island. I had been to Sanibel Island briefly as a kid to eat at the Bubble Room, but that was so long ago. Since moving to Florida, I have been eager to get back and make some new memories as an adult.

Trevor and I stayed at the Sundial Beach Resort and Spa. The location was perfect and the resort was beautiful. The resort was right on the beach. We could rent bikes, pickle ball paddles, paddle boards, and kayaks as part of our resort fee. Trevor and I had a great time playing pickle ball together. We also rented bikes and had fun tooling around the island. We found a couple alligators on our ride and visited a farmers market for lunch.

I got up early one morning to watch the sunrise and together we watched the sunset that same evening. We spent our afternoons relaxing at the beach together. We had several yummy meals out, but the highlight for me was the huge pieces of cake from The Bubble Room. Trevor got a piece of coconut cake and I got a piece of chocolate cake. They were so good!!!! We had an amazing time exploring Sanibel Island and relaxing together.

Garage Invasion

So one day I was in my kitchen with my friend, Kelly. As we were talking, we began hearing a noise in the garage. There was some banging against the door leading into our house. It sounded like someone was trying to break into our house and we got a little scared. Cautiously, I went to the door and opened it. To my surprise, there was a huge turtle at my door. I screamed so loud! I shut the door and began laughing, telling Kelly she needed to open the door to see what I had just seen. I promised her it wouldn't harm her. She did and we both laughed so hard. Kelly then bravely went and asked one of the landscapers to remove it from our garage, which he kindly did. Originally I thought it was a snapping turtle, but after some research found out it is a Florida Soft-shell Turtle with a snorkel-like nose. Too funny!

Beach Practice

Coach Malcolm mixed things up tonight by scheduling a beach practice. How fun! You can't do this in Iowa!!!

Principals List

 Kaylee made the Principal's List this year, which is the reward for getting Straight A's all year. She's such a smart girl and hard worker. We're proud of her!

6th Grade Graduation

Apparently graduating from the 6th grade is a big deal here, as the kids move from lower school to upper school. I would have thought graduating from 8th grade and moving into high school was a big deal, but what do I know? Regardless were proud of Kianna's hard work!

Mother's Day

The kids made me some delicious peanut butter, banana and chocolate chip crepes for breakfast. They were delicious! Trace was on the clean up crew! I also received some lovely cards!