End of summer

 We are at the end of our last week of summer.  We have loved summer, but so ready to go back to school.  This summer has been interesting, but fun.  We have missed all the church activities like camp and youth conference, but it has meant more family time.  Since Kyle didn't have to take work off for church activities he was able to take work off to go the the cabin with us.  Last weekend was Kyle's birthday, so Thursday evening we headed up to the cabin.  Friday we went to the Lake.  Not the best lake day, it was windy, but it was still fun.

Saturday we went tubing and Ellie, Liam and I also went zip lining.  It was a lot of  fun.  Ellie wasn't very scared and hesitated only a little, but Liam was terrified.  He almost didn't do it, but in the end he went down and was so glad he did.  I am really proud of him for facing his fear of heights.

We did s'mores at the cabin with this electric s'more maker.  The kids really liked it.

Sunday Kyle went home with my dad and I stayed with my mom and the kids.  Sunday night we drove out to the bird refuge and saw some really cool things.  We saw 4 bald eagles and were swarmed by hundreds of tiny birds.  It was insane.  We could barely drive because there were so many birds every where.

Monday we went hiking at Tony Grove Lake.  Most of the schools around the state started school that day, but our district delayed school by a week so there weren't too many people out  and about.  The flowers were gorgeous. 

Ellie and Liam waded in the lake and got soaking wet.

Monday afternoon My mom, Ellie, Liam and I went to the lake and swam and kayaked.  It has been record breaking hot so the cool water felt wonderful.

Tuesday we came home so Ellie could start dance.  She does 3 hours of ballet and 1 hour of modern a week.  She has started pre-point and has been incredibly tired and sore after dance.  They have to wear masks in the studio unless they are dancing.  Things are definitely different this year, but it is nice to get back to doing some things.  Ellie is especially glad to be going to dance because she has had a really hard time with this whole COVID thing.  It has really brought out her anxiety and she is not getting a lot of sleep.  We are hoping with the return to dance and school she will be able to calm down a little and get some sleep.  She really needs that, and so do I.  When she doesn't sleep well,  I don't sleep because I am up with her.