The Best Of PA

It was a busy July!  Here is what we did: 1) My brother Devin s graduation Party 2) Had a 4th of July Party 3) A one day Art Camp at Hendershots 4) Flint Hill Farm Boshkowskis 5) A visit to the local pool with Finkbeiners 6) Canoeing on the Lehigh River with Allreds 7) Carnival and Fireworks with Boswells 8) Pioneer Day picnic at Church  9) Shakespeare Camp 10) Shakespeare for Kids Play at DeSales 11) Celebrate Dannys Birthday 12) Pizza on the Grill with Finkbeiners What did you do in July?? Sent from my LG G3, an AT&T 4G LTE smartphone

Our very generous neighbors, the Kunsmans not only let us pick their apples but also let us use their pavilion, burners, pots, etc., to make applesauce. Plus we invited some friends the Lawracys.  We went home with a lot of applesauce! 😀  We have the most generous neighbors ever!!! Sent from my LG G3, an AT&T 4G LTE smartphone

I was just taking notes for myself, after reflecting upon such a successful summer camp. It excites me and thrills me so much that I am already planning next year's.  Hope this helps anyone who wants to do this in the future! 1) Memorize something important such as historical documents or classic stories : make it fun with singing, hand motions and expression 2) Be theatrical when teaching: wear costumes, makeup, use fake accents 3) Crafts:  making things = making memories. Using your hands reinforces what your learning 4) Snacks:  Have yummy, healthy snacks to eat and the more themed the better 5) Games:  Trivia games and ones that get kids moving are stimulating and strangely calming for the learning moments 6) Performing.  When kids perform what they learn, not only do they have a good time but they also are more likely to remember it! 7) A finale:  There should always be something to look forward and work towards at the end: A reward, play, Big Game, CA...

Yesterday Hayzel got a hold of my lip gloss.  Brinley notified me right away. She then asked if she could wear some which I obliged.  Of course all three girls wanted lip gloss, so they all got some.  Hayzel is hilarious first insisting to put it on herself....until she realized that wasn't happening.  I showed her how I did it on myself and she pursed her lips.  Brinley was ready to go and walked the walk with her hands out and ready.  Elly did the same and then said: "Look, I'm a Mommy!"

So I was listening to this podcast about eating healthy. One of the hosts was explaining how he was always skinny and could not pick up weight.  Elly was in the room and she said: "I don't know why he would complain about that.  I like being skinny.  That's why I stretch everyday." Ahh if only streching were the solution to being skinny.  It is cute what a 7 year old thinks. Sent from my LG G3, an AT&T 4G LTE smartphone

We are missing 2 girls, one just moved and another is on vacation It will be a year in September since we started our own kid book club.  It isn't anything fancy, usually I find a nice picture book and Read it aloud.     Their crafts, well okay apparently Brinley is holding Hayzels' craft.  It is flowers made from paint and toilet paper rolls     Then we discuss the characters, setting, plot etc. (About a 5 minute conversation...these are 7 year olds) Painting away     Afterwards we do a craft related to the book, then follow up with a treat.  The kids also get a chance to catch up and play. We have been consistent and the girls always look forward to it.    Painting away      This is specifically designed with Elly in mind, however I am starting an Alphabet Club for Brinley once a month.  A chance for her to get together with her friends, focus on a letter, read a...