Summer Is Almost Over

August is here! Another summer has come and is about to be gone. We were busy doing numerous things though the last couple of months.

I signed the boys up for online schooling through BYU and worked with them throughout the summer. It was tough but we manged to push through. I believe they got a decent amount of work done. The girls also had a curriculum that I put together for then to do. Even though it is the summer, that doesn’t mean that still can’t so some sort of school work that can help them excel during the school year.

We tried out some new parks, went bike riding, hiking, and we also went bowling. We did a couple of science experiments and crafted a few things. We threw a few BBQs and had plenty of sleepovers. We watched movies and just spent time together.

We have spent a few days at Six Flag Marine Discovery Kingdom. We have season passes so we planned out what rides and attractions to see each time we went back. The girls went a few more than the rest of us, because they went with some of my neighbors who also had passes themselves. I think it’s a great place to go. A Marine World and Amusement Park together gives you two parks in one. Can’t go wrong there.

Another thing we did over the summer was go on our annual family vacation. We flew my mom out, packed her and the kids up, and took a road trip to Hollywood. After 5 hours of driving we had made it to our first stop, The Walk Of Fame.

After the Walk Of Fame, we walked over to the Chinese Theater and had the kids check out the hands and feet of stars.

Then we finished our day with dinner at Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles. It was our first time, and I must say it was good.

We stayed at a nice family hotel called The Beverly Garland in Hollywood. It had nice, clean rooms, a fitness area that I enjoyed, and a beautiful pool with a side bar. During our stay they had family movie playing by the pool once the sun went down. My Mom took the kids out and they watched Happy Feet. There was a restaurant also on the premises that had a lounge area so the hubby and I went over to have a couple of drinks. It had a nice atmosphere with videos from the 90s playing and people mingling.

The next morning we ate breakfast at the hotel restaurant, which was delicious, and then head over to Universal Studios. It was our second time going to the park. We had tickets that we bought at Costco for $67 each plus re-entry for up to a year. At the front gate it is $84 with re-entry within 30 days. We went last year, rode on a few rides, took pictures and really enjoyed ourselves. We decided to go back and finish riding on the rides we missed last time and watch the shows. We had an equally good time as the last.

After the family vacation was over it was time for hubby and I to go on our little mini vacation. We decided to have some fun in Las Vegas for a few days and celebrate our anniversary. We stayed at Mandarin Oriental. This place is, by far, the best hotel I have stayed in while in Vegas. With outstanding service, and beautiful rooms I don’t think I could see myself staying anywhere else when I go to Vegas.

The last big thing we have going on before summer ends is VBS this week at our church. It’s a week full of awesome games, crafts, snacks, stories, songs, and more! My boys are group leaders and co-leaders, I will be helping in the kitchen and with crafts, and the girls will be participating. We are all excited about the week of events. Sadly, the hubby has to work so I will be missing him until I get home.

We have had a busy, and eventful summer. I love doing things as a family. I love putting smiles on my kids faces. I love making memories. I love and truly enjoy my summer time with the kids.

And with all that said and done, I must confess….. I am a bit excited on the inside about the kids going back to school. I will be busy during the school year as well being involved in their education. However, I am looking forward to having my 5 hours of quietness, peace, and a clean home back.

How was your summer? Did you go on any family vacation? Are you looking forward to the school year?