The 2nd to last day of school was the kids' field day. I went for a portion of it, but didn't stay for all of it. It was actually quite a cold day.
June 2nd was 5th grade graduation for Eve and the last day of school. It was fun to have this landmark day and think how much Eve has grown.
After the ceremony the kids walked around the school as students and parents clapped. It is a tradition they call the "Clap Out". It was fun and exciting! I can't believe Eve will be in middle school next year, Sterling in 4th grade and Sheri in 2nd! How fun it is to see them grow!
Cat and Aaron came to visit us for a week. We left the school shortly after graduation and headed to the airport. After we brought them home and showed them around a bit, we went to a Clipper's game (baseball). It was Mormon night and so we saw lots of friends at the game. We enjoyed the atmosphere and got fun ball game food like BBQ and lemonade. Cat got Sterling some Dippin' Dots for Sterling for his birthday. Isn't that sweet?
The next day, Wednesday we went to historic German Village down in Columbus. This was a fun spot to visit. We stopped at the coolest bookstore that had room after room, each full of books. The rooms wind and turn and it is easy to get lost. :)
We also saw St. Mary's Cathedral and got to listen to the beautiful organ being played. The paintings and stained glass windows were very beautiful. For lunch we went to Schmit's Sausage House and Restaurant. It was fun for us to try German food and we enjoyed the atmosphere. We also tried their huge cream puffs which were delish! In the afternoon and evening Aaron was able to attend a gaming conference in Columbus. He was able to also enjoy this later in the week.
On Thursday we went to Hocking Hills State Park. This was a beautiful area with hikes and pretty scenery.
On Friday we went to swim at Lifetime while Aaron went to his convention. In the evening we went to Red Lobster (Sterling's favorite) as a belated birthday celebration.
We also wanted to have the traditional cake and ice cream. We did this the following Saturday. He wanted a Minecraft cake.
We love Sterling! He is smart, funny, playful, and sweet! He is developing lots of skills and abilities and he learns quickly. He makes us laugh often!
On Saturday we went to Amish Country up near Lancaster.
First we went to Heini's Cheese Chalet where we got to learn about how they make cheese. We enjoyed sampling the different cheeses and looking through their shop.
Then we went to a Heritage Center where we got to a tour of a school, a horse and buggy, and a large room painted with a mural of the Amish/Mennonite history. We learned a lot, and felt a deep respect for these people who are so devoted to God. After our tour, our guide invited us to his home in the evening to chat and enjoy sitting around a fire. We went to Mama Yoder's Kitchen for a home cooking buffet. After that we went to our Amish tour guide's home. It was beautiful country. We enjoyed seeing their garden, learning more about each other's beliefs, and eating strawberry pie with them.
Sunday we went to church, enjoyed playing piano duets, and relaxing together.
Monday we were sad to say goodbye to Cat and Aaron. We had such a fun time with them. The kids adore them!
On June 9th we had our Cub Scout Raingutter Regatta and the Activity Day girls were also invited. Sterling is quite competitive and did quite well, but was disappointed when he didn't win. However, both Sterling and Eve enjoyed the evening.
This week of the 8th through the 13th we had dance dress rehearsals M-W and three recitals on Saturday. This was Sterling's first recital, but he was a natural. All the kids loved being on stage. Christian didn't mind sitting through all the rehearsals. He was interested in the show most of the time.
On Friday of this week Eve came down with strep throat. Then Christian developed a large lymph node Saturday and he also tested positive for strep. Look familiar? This was about the same age as Sterling when he had the same thing happen to him. Here are pics of Christian and Sterling at his age.
Then Sterling (again age 9) came down with strep throat on Monday. Three kids on antibiotics made everyone feel better until . . .Eve broke out in an itchy rash due to an allergic reaction to the Amoxicillin. She was pretty miserable the whole next weekend, even with a steroid and antihistamines.
During the later part of this month, the kids were able to attend sewing camps at the home of a woman from church. They loved it! I loved that they could start to develop this new skill.
Father's Day was the 21st. We had a beautiful brunch with blueberry buckle and fresh fruit salad on my spring blueberry plates. We continue to love the blossoms from our yard.
We are so privileged to have Matthew! He works so hard for our family, and does all he can to make us happy. The kids enjoy spending time with him. For Father's Day they were able to write some of their favorite things to do with him. Here are a few: playing kickball, going on exciting adventures like water and snow skiing, fixing things, and playing rope games. He has been working on a play house for the kids in the back yard this month as well. He is the source of so many happy memories for our family. We love him very much!
Near the end of the month the Sanchez cousins came to visit. Camille and Josh were able to come stay with us while the rest of the family went on a pioneer trek reenactment.
We went swimming, to the zoo (including the carousel and a pirate ride), to the movies, and bowling. We loved having them! On Sunday the rest of the Sanchez family came to pick them up and we had a cook out.
What a beautiful and fun month June is!
