Summer Reading

Since we are now one month away from school starting, the duo decided to begin their summer reading assignment ("I am Malala). Things are starting to get serious around here, and we are definitely not ready read to give up our long, lazy days. 

Hottest of Days

Now that it is officially hotter than the sun's surface, George often throws on a swimsuit any time Skip waters our thirsty grass. Because today was hotter than the sun's surface, he successfully persuaded Lauren and Grace to join him. 

Sometimes having a younger brother is a huge asset.  

The Zoo

We have not been to the zoo in a while so when cousin Lexie + Blake asked if we were up for a trip, we so totally were! We met up early and hit the hot pavement in search of safari animals. 

These guys saw the elephants, the lions, fed the giraffes and saw every creature in between. Afterward, we had some lunch at Newk's and retreated to the indoors to cool off.  

Thanks for inviting us, Lexie & Blake!

Recreation

I have this favorite photo of William George, where he is flashing the best toothy grin. George loves recreating that pic for me, and he finally let me take a quick pic. 

Tooth Fairy

Although George has been slow to lose teeth (like Lauren), the Tooth Fairy is a frequent visitor now. 

Pointe Workshop

Grace and Lauren are wrapping up their summer dance classes, and they are a little sad to have some down time before the fall classes start back. 

Harry Potter

A well-known fact about George is that he rightfully considers himself to be as smart and hardworking as Lauren and Grace. Also, he wants to be their peer... so whatever work they are doing, he wants to do as well. George started reading Harry Potter at the end of first grade, right as Lauren was wrapping up the last book. George quickly read through the first, second and third books. Then he started tackling the next three books, of approximately 500-800 pages each. Finally, he arrived at the last book, and he was so serious about getting through it. Getting to the 2500th page of the Harry Potter series is a momentous occasion, and we encouraged him to sit in a comfy spot, enjoy the conclusion, and then heave a big sign of relief.  

(He was sad it was over.) 

Ice Cream Trips

One of our favorite things about summer are impromptu ice cream trips. Ice cream is always prominently featured during vacations, and summer time just demands that ice cream be a weekly treat.  

A Gift of Service

I mentioned that Lauren and Grace wanted to gift George with a clean and (highly) organized room for his birthday. If you ever receive this generous offer, take it, because they a GREAT job!

First, they made the bed, and even cleaned underneath the bed. 

They also organized his reading nook. 

They thoroughly cleaned his bathroom. 

They gave the room a dust and vacuum. 

They organized all of his toys by group. 

Finally, they cleaned his stuffed animals. 

Although not shown, they performed a complete closet overhaul. 

George was sincerely appreciative of his newly cleaned room, and gave hugs all around.  

George's First Time to Acolyte

William George has been watching Lauren and Grace acolyte at our church for the past four years (they just started their fifth year!), and he has been waiting patiently for his turn. Last spring, George completed training with our sweet neighbor, and he has been so excited to begin. As it turned out, George got to serve during his birthday weekend. 

The girls helped George put on his robe, and showed him which cross to wear. He was surprised to learn that he would also be helping to serve communion! Although unexpected, George did a fantastic job, and the entire church was so supportive and encouraging. He had a wonderful experience and is looking forward to serving for years to come.  

George's Birthday Celebration

George had a fantastic birthday weekend. We kicked off George's birthday with doughnuts for breakfast - one of his all time favorites. George then indulged in a full morning of play -- with us doing whatever he wanted. The girls also promised to help him organize his room (more to come on that), and he was so thankful to have the "Lauren treatment," ie., everything fully organized and in place.  

That evening we had a pool party with George's friends from school and baseball. George loved getting to see his buddies and have a good time, and they were all so generous. George will be stocked up on baseball cards and other cool gadgets for a long time.  

We went to lunch the next day with my mom, and George enjoyed a birthday lunch at Jim N Nicks, where he devoured his favorite - turkey nachos. Thanks to Grammie for such generous and awesome presents! Again, George got to pick whatever activity he wanted to play, and we all joined in. Mostly that involved cars and Legos, of course. 

After a dinner of Arby's (his birthday, his choice!), we had an ice cream cake and opened presents. Lauren and Grace got George some Pokemon items and some baseball cards, and we got him some Red Sox gear, Legos, an iPhone (to be used as an iTouch) and some various items. He is very excited to be able to FaceTime and text better, and he has discovered the joy of gaming apps.  

Sunday, the trio were scheduled to acolyte at church (more on that soon), and then we had a birthday lunch at Skip's parents. Gran kept the celebration going strong with cupcakes, and George loved opening some additional loot (read: presents!).  Thanks to Gran and Poppa for their gifts! 

George, we loved celebrating your 8th birthday with you!