On The First Day Of Summer

Summer started off pretty great. Evie asked to walk to the park. Kara and Kiersten both declined in favor of lounging in front of the tv. pffft, boring!

There is a closer park, but she was hoping to see birds, so we headed to New Ballwin park, which is across the street from her school. She packed a sandwich, and I was impressed by that until I realized it was just an excuse to have means of luring ducks and birds to her. 

We did see some birds. 

And some ducks. 

And some geese. 

She loved the ducks, especially how they were paired off, but the geese did not impress her much.

She began to feel threatened. I advised her to hurry and finish her sandwich, but they still followed her up the hill a little bit anyway. 

She was very excited to discover some mushrooms. 

Fortunately, the geese left her alone once she made it to the safety of the playground. 

She was pretty tired for the walk home. But I was glad for her to get some exercise and sunshine. 

She claimed that this squirrel was her estranged husband. His name is Mike. She almost didn't recognize him, as he usually wears a blue tie. 

The pool opened, and that means Ben bought the girls a fun new float. This one didn't fare to well after a couple weeks. The rainbow part just has a rough time. 

Everyone was pretty happy to be back in the water. Ben didn't let a still healing foot interfere with his kid tossing responsibilities. It's actually shocking that he re-broke it somehow...

Free At Last

 Kara made it through the 7th grade, and I think it should be noted that I did too! We did it!

 Kiersten washed her hands of elementary school and hasn't looked back since. Evie is still there holding things down, so no worries. 

 We took pictures for too long, and the girls had to run to catch the bus. Whoops!

 Some friends came home from school with the girls and we all went to the park to celebrate. 

 It was So. Freaking. Hot. 
So, being the cool mom that I am, I took everyone for frozen custard. 

 As you might imagine, we ran into a bunch of school friends there. Guess I'm not the only cool mom.

Brownie Graduate

Evie could never let Kiersten have all of the graduation spotlight. She got all dressed up for her bridging ceremony from a brownie to Jr. girl scout. 

These girl scouts are proudly patriotic. 

Why are they pointing up in a panic to the sky?

An escaped balloon is why. 

Walking the bridge!

They did it!

She adores he troop leader. They have a lot of fun. 

School Carnival

So, I realize it's not longer called a carnival, but I can't remember what the end of school field day/fun evening activity is called now. We Miller girls just call it a good time! Ben got home from work in plenty of time to join us, but opted for a quiet night in with Mr. Scooty. 

Kara does not mind attending events at the elementary school. She always manages to run into a buddy or two. 

Sno-cones are always a draw.

You know they're enjoying themselves when they really start getting sweaty. 

Kara had fun beating all the boys in the obstacle course.