Hey Amie E : Hello August!

I can finally say that we are on summer break!!! Yay! Now how to keep these kiddos entertained for the next few weeks?!? Haha its a vicious cycle. Well we've managed and reviews are in on a movie, some books and a couple of crafts.

A look back...

We took the kids to the arcade to run off some energy before a movie. Whoever thought to put an arcade next to the theater is genius!

Ice cream cones were definitely in order after kinda sitting still for after nearly two hours. Amen to that!

No words :0)

One of Rory's school friends had a birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese's. And I continued on with my tradition of getting a sketching of the three of us.

Back in November 2014

Rian with her little friend!

Why do I feel this is telling of the future with these two?!?

Rory has been participating in a summer book club, and well I think he's on the fence about it. He's very aware that reading is important, but I'm not completely convinced that he enjoys it. He struggles with the idea that learning to read is series of steps and levels. He thinks it's either you know how to read or you don't. Needless to say the conversation of reading is ongoing. And even though he could take it or leave it, I'm really enjoying the one-on-one time with him. The books are slightly more advanced, so I read most of it and have him read a paragraph or two from each chapter. This has also worked out for his reading homework, instead of reading the same few books over and over, we would read a chapter or two from these books.

The Chocolate Touch by Patrick Skene Catling
Rory did enjoy this book. A book about chocolate, how could you go wrong?!? He liked the main character and was excited to see what each new chapter would bring. I think it also helped that the chapters weren't too long and left him wanting to know more. This book also confirmed for him that healthier food choices are better in the long run and treats should only be eaten occasionally.

The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary
I can say without a doubt that Rory did not like this book. And too be honest I didn't either. I could tell I was loosing his interest halfway through each chapter. There wasn't anything I can put my finger on as to why I didn't enjoy this book, but I guess it just wasn't my cup of tea, nor Rory's.

We just got Flat Stanley by Jeff Brown and haven't started it yet. But the idea of a boy that can flatten himself made Rory pretty excited about reading it. I'll let you know how it turns out. :0)

We took the kids to go see the Secret Life of Pets. And I'm going to start with Rory. He liked this movie, kept him entertained. "I loved it! But it had some sad parts and one sweet part when the bunny..." I'll leave it at that so that we don't give away any parts of the movie.

I didn't care for this movie and think its one that can wait until it airs on TV. Without going into the plot, the title and trailers are misleading to what the movie is actually about. The story is weak and not well thought out. If you ask me save your money!!!

Rian had her own option like I've never seen. The movie barely held her attention and I only think it was because she loves the little white dog, Gidget in it. Had it not been for Gidget she probably would have bolted after the opening credits. However she managed and would have made it to the end if it hadn't been for one particular scene involving a truck and water. That was it, it brought her to tears and she was done. She got up, grabbed my hand and said, "Come Mommy! Let's go!" She didn't look back to see if I was behind her and I had to hurry to keep up with her as she pushed open with all her might the theater door. She headed for the exit of the movie theater and that was it. I managed to convince her to get a box of m&ms while we waited for the Randy and Rory but she was not having it when I tried to sit down at a table near the concession stand. She wanted to leave and that's exactly what we did.

Now Rian received this craft kit from one of my aunts and uncles as a "I've put up with all this graduation hoopla long enough" I guess you can say. She LOVES it! It kept her busy for close to an hour making some of the crafts and continues to do so as she plays with her paper fairies. She needed supervision while she made her crafts but minimal help. A thumbs up from me!!!