Thoughts From A Walk

I am so lucky to be able to walk places like this in my little city.  I really value all the quiet country-ish spaces tucked away in our mostly urban landscape.

That being said, here are some thoughts from my walk this morning:
-I spend a big chunk of my time looking at the pretty colors and truly enjoying the quiet.  I spend the rest of my time wondering how long it will take them to find my body (I've watched too much Law & Order).

-Everyone I pass going faster than me is obviously not going as far as me (especially those runner people).  #LiesITellMyselfSoIKeepMoving

-The same goes for those that are dressed cuter and are less sweaty/gross.  Obviously they are just out for a stroll.

-I try to embrace the nature, but it's so hard because BUGS!  But...I try.  My Grandma loved nature (Happy Birthday, Grandma!) and so I think I should too.  I stop and take photos of them every so often, so I guess that counts, right?

Counted 14 of these guys the other day

-Why do people sit in their car for long periods of time in Park parking lots?  How many traveling business-people can their be? Do they not have offices?  Are they drifters?  Are they napping?  This is both a valid question of mine and paranoia from the Law & Order habit.

-There is another park I walk at sometimes that I have named "The Old People Park."  I always leave smiling when I go there because seeing a bunch of older couples walking around holding hands is sweet.  Also, it's a great confidence boost when the old guys tell you that you are moving like lightening...even if they are in their late 80s.

First Day of School 2014

They are off to the first day and it is super quiet around here.  Luckily we had a crazy, busy summer which means this house is seriously trashed.  It's not fun work, but it's keeping me busy and less sad to have no one to pick up at lunchtime today.

Speaking of lunch, I packed 3 lunches this morning.  Very weird to put them all into boxes instead of stashing Liv's in the fridge for later.  I decided to do something different with the girls' lunches and included a little joke with a note on the back (free printable here).  When I run out of these, I'm planning to include handwritten ones (using the ideas found here).  I hope it makes Liv have a happy lunchtime.  She was sad this morning that she won't be able to meet Grandma for lunch this year!

Summer Reading Wrap-Up

This summer we started a new method for tracking reading.  Every time a (level-appropriate) book was read, the kids got a penny to use in the super ball machine.  After 20 books read, they got to choose a reward activity.  Well, the machine has gotten lighter and the jar of super balls has been growing more full.

As of today, we have read 91 books during this very busy summer.  And even though the summer is coming to close, I have a feeling they will reach 100 and get one last reward choice.  I truly have no idea what their last choice will be though.  I haven't been able to guess what they will agree on once so far, so why have it any different for the last one!

Reward #1 - Trip to the penny candy store (each pile represents $3)

Reward #2 - Night swimming at the local pool

Reward #3 - Out to dinner where I had to allow before dinner popcorn & post-dinner popsicles

Reward #4 - Sour Cream & Chive Fries at Saz's (they discovered their love for them at Summerfest)

I've loved seeing their choices and excitement about this method.  And I've loved seeing their reading choices change and their reading improve this summer.  Can't wait to see how this school year changes them yet again!