Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day weekend was eventful for the Smiths. 

Friday morning, Madison graduated from kindergarten.

Being homeschooled, I never realized that kindergartners got to have a graduation. I was so deprived.

(just kidding, Mom)

After the big event, Pat had a couple of meetings, and then we hit the road for a very long drive.

Two-thirds of us fell asleep in the car.

We drove, and drove, and drove...

and eventually arrived in Garner State Park!

It was weekend for men to be manly...

for marshmallows to be roasted...

and for taking naps!

Madi fashioned a hunting spear out of a stick and a sharp rock, and stalked the squirrels.

We hiked up a mountain

Explored a daddy-long-leg-infested cave

And at night, went dancing!

It was a great weekend.

the sandcastles just get better

2011

2012

My First Mother's Day

Madi gave me some pretty awesome presents on Sunday.

I especially like the bouquet of homemade paper flowers  :)

In case you can't read it: "I love you because...You cook good and I love you. Your speshl bcos I love you I rile do! Love Madison"

Madi hasn't wanted to sleep in her real bed in about a week. She says she sleeps better in her tent.

This and That

*sigh*  I'm afraid I spoke too soon about the bullfrogs and butterflies. Caterpillar #4 did, indeed, spin his cocoon...but then the whole thing turned black and died. Also, we found our poor little Cannibal belly-up in his bowl. That was my fault, I think. The water had been evaporating, so I put a little water from the sink in his bowl. What do they put in tap-water, anyway? Whatever it is, it can't be healthy. So I bought us a filter for our drinking water.

In other news, Madi went camping last night. It was quite the adventure.

I mopped our floors for the first time yesterday. This was a very significant event, because I hate cleaning floors. I also swept and vacuumed. Blech!

Pat finished his last final exam of the semester last night. Now he has 3 glorious months off school! That's going to be lovely.

I'm applying for nursing jobs, and will hopefully find one in the next month or two. Prayers are much appreciated. I'd like to get a position in an ER, but mostly I just need something that's day shift.

We've been trying to eat healthily in the Smith house, and I've been trying a few new things. Surprisingly, everyone likes quinoa. Especially with fish and veggies - so yummy!