VBS

Vacation Bible School was so much fun!

This was one of the first times I was going to drop off my 4yo in a group setting. She was a bit nervous. I know this because:

1. She had me read Lama Lama Misses Mama, which is about Little Lama being dropped of at school for the first time. Every night for a week she told me "I am never doing that!"
2. Sunday night she announced that she needed her own cell phone so she could call me if she needed anything...like to come home right away.
3. She played "going to school" with her bath toys where they were all crying for their moms. 

So, when we got there on Monday, I kissed her on top of her scowling head, I wished her teacher good luck, and headed out. 

The day went well. I couldn't quite read her teacher's expression when I picked her up, but we agreed that she has one very strong personality that will hopefully serve her well someday.

Yes, I am choosing to look at that as a compliment. 

The older two also had a fantastic time. Both were in groups with old friends and came home talking a mile a minute about the games, crafts, snacks, and the music. It was complete organized chaos!

Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday were bliss! I dropped them off without incident and enjoyed a few hours of sweet alone time. My husband took me out for brunch and we went window shopping on one day. I tell you, it was NICE!

Wednesday night my four-year-old came down with a fever, so she had to miss out on the last two days of VBS. Yet another reason I don't miss school - my kids don't bring home every virus that happens to be making its rounds. She was really down about it too. She had come to really love her teacher and group. The other two are down with it now. Luckily, it seems to last only a few days. Oh, well. That's life! At least I'm not having to read anymore stories about sad little lamas.

Beetles, Bugs, and Butterflies!

My son went to his first day of summer camp today! Beetles, Bugs, and Butterflies at Belmont University is a fantastic summer camp. Dr. Murphree is funny and engaging and my son couldn't believe it was time to go home when I picked him up. 

Hey, Mom! Did you know that lightning bugs aren't even bugs? They're beetles! Why on earth did someone call them bugs?

Photo from BackyardNature. net 

Hey Mom! Can we plant morning glories? There is this BEAUTIFUL beetle that loves morning glories. It's a golden tortoise beetle. I'd love to see it!

photo from what's that bug. 

When looking for camps earlier this spring, (which was almost too late!) this is what I was searching for:

•  A drop off program. I can teach my children a lot of things, but I can't teach them how to be away from me. I need to give them practice at being on their own. They need to have confidence that they can do things on their own, and I need to know that they can behave themselves around other adults and in group settings. 
• Cheap! Not made of money here, and camps can range from free to over the top. This program was surprisingly reasonable!
• Educational. I do not need an alternative to daycare that will provide safe entertainment for my children while I am busy doing something else. I want their experience to help them grow either intellectually, physically, or spiritually. 

Many universities and small colleges have programs throughout the summer. Many of these programs are offered by the school's professors in their areas of expertise. These programs tend to fill quickly but if you missed the early enrollment and have your heart set on a particular program, call their office a week before to see if they have had any cancellations or last minute openings.  So, what great programs have you found in the past or are looking forward to this summer?