Summer 2008

First blog post since summer vacation...been scribbling thoughts elsewhere!

I think the first thing that happened this summer was going to Petco and getting a gerbil! He's alright...

We've had an awesome summer, some new skills learned, some things lost (2 teeth!).. I gave him 2 quarters but he is (still) waiting for the tooth fairy to return with a $100. I think I'll negotiate and leave him $1.

The boys attended a park district camp together for a couple of weeks, on and off. It was a joyous time of day for me...to frolic about and organize my head before the troops would trample over me for the remainder of the long summer days...

We went to austin, tx for a week to spend time with cousins. It was a great trip, and I certainly was able to get some exercise, relaxation and exploration ALONE (my three favorite things to do on any trip). The kids got to launch model rockets, swim, and ride a toy train through a beautiful park. Best of all, the cousins bonded very well. Jedi!

We've taken weekly trips to the city, hitting the beach, the museum, the parks. Riding the trains has been part of the adventure. Exploring new neighborhoods and meeting up with old friends.

Ibraheem and Imraan can comfortable swim in the water, Imraan with a noodle, Ibu w/out. Ibu can also tie his shoes now and is also proud that he can pump himself on the swing.

Ibraheem did a week of Lego camp, which further fueled his passion for all things Lego-related, but unfortunately, due to some information shared from the kids in the class, has more of a passion of themed-Legos...Indiana jones to be exact. **sigh**

We are now about to start a week of Art classes, which for Ibraheem might be a joke since he is so talented artistically. But it's always good to have some organization within the discipline. I'm excited to see what he will bring home.

Homeschooling has been modified, but Ibraheem has kept up with reading and can easily tackle a level 4 book comfortably. I love that we can pack up books and hit a cafe or all just read on the sofa for a good 30ish minutes interval. We are doing all kinds of puzzles (traditional and lateral), and math and writing as well. Slowly I am trying to get them back into the school mindset. Imraan's reading is incredible and has blown us away. He's often found lying down on his back, reading a book with one leg crossed over. He reads aloud as well, so I know he is certainly reading the words!!

maybe i'll post pix later...