start of summer vacation 2016

I've realized it's not the fact that I can sleep in until 10 o'clock; but rather, what I enjoy most about summer vacation is the fact that I can wake up at normal time but then not have to get dressed and hustle around in the morning to leave by 7:30am. I can enjoy breakfast, I can read, I can blog browse...

Yesterday, my first day of summer vacation, found me in Bismarck. I had to get the key code activated for our vehicle, I changed my address on my drivers licence (I still had my GF address from almost three years ago!!), had my hair appointment, and had lunch with my grandma at Olive Garden. Surprisingly, I didn't do any shopping at the mall. I just didn't feel like it! Also, a bunch of the streets were blocked off by the mall for Donald Trump, who was speaking at the civic center.

"The federal government needs to get out of the way of North Dakota coal and energy," Donald Trump speaks in a media conference before his speech.

I agree! 

Anyways, today will find me at Shopko, shopping for my trip next week! Surprisingly, I really like their tank tops for summer and they don't break the bank, like Athleta. So, if you live close to a Shopko, I would recommend their tank tops and athletic wear. :) 

HAPPY SUMMER!

Kimball Bottoms

When Aaron mentioned he wanted to go to the desert today after church, I nodded halfheartedly but said, "why not wait until you're done with the outage and I'm out of school?" I could think of a million things I could do today - adding grades to powerschool, correcting, making things for the May birthdays "muncheon" tomorrow, finishing my purchase orders for school...

We did go, though, and I am so glad we did. Aaron's been working long hours because of the outage at his plant, and I've been a bit stressed from school. It was nice to get away for awhile and not think about all the stuff going on.

It was a really cool place, this "desert" aka Kimball Bottoms OHV area. It's owned by the Army Core of Engineers and there are over 400 acres of trails. The Missouri river borders it which made for sandy, beautiful riding.

Five Friday

5. There are currently 8 days of school left. This year absolutely flew by...I cannot believe it! I definitely had two extremes my first two years of teaching. Last year, to be honest, I wasn't sure if I wanted to teach another year. I remember telling Aaron, while sobbing, that I did not want to go back. I'm glad I did though. I have had so much fun with these kids...I want this group again next year! Also, I just have to brag that my kids have been doing calendar time all by themselves the past few weeks! They love doing it because every day one of the kids gets to be the teacher/leader and leads the rest of the class through the calendar routine.

4. Ruger has Panosteitis again. I had no idea what that was, so besides what the vet told me, I did some web browsing and educating myself about it. It is a painful inflammation of the bone that causes limping (temporary pain/limping - it's like growing pains). He has had it two other times, but I think this time was the worst. He wasn't even walking on his front right leg it hurt so bad, so basically he was walking on three legs everywhere. The vet prescribed pills to bring down the inflammation but after giving one to him (even with food) he got sick. As in throw up sick. The rest of the evening he laid with his head on either Aaron or my lap and he looked so sad and in pain. We really felt bad for our boy. I can already tell today, though, that he is feeling better.

3. Aaron and I have had lots of laughs with the face swap filter on snapchat. It is so terrible, but so funny.

2. 20 days until my NV/AZ/UT trip with my sister! I don't travel a whole lot, so I am very excited. Still trying to figure out a place to go with Aaron this summer though. His request - "not too far". Hmm...there is not much within a 6 hour radius of our home...

1. We are having chili for supper tonight. It snowed today! Not a lot of course, but at recess there were a few flakes coming down. Add in no heat in the school (they turned it off after having 90 degree days last week) and it makes for a chilly day! And of course, today was the school "beach" day where kids were able to wear beachy attire. Ugh!

Quick Trip

I loved the salmon. (Actually, all the food!)

I loved the walks and talks.

But most of all I loved having mom and Will here.

It was a quick visit, but very much appreciated!

Now 18 days until summer vacation starts.

And what a busy 18 days it will be. Uff!