Summer 2011 - What's the Plan Stan?

I've been waiting for it.......

There is SO much to do and only 87 85 days to enjoy it all!!!  So where do we start??

With our Summer challenge, of course.  2 Years ago, we did the Postcards from 50 States Challenge and last year, we attempted to read 100 Books of Summer.  We were able to get to 100, but it wasn't before school started, so we are at it again - 100 Books (chapter) read by the 4 readers in the house.  We loaded up on books at the library and Sis bought 4 of the Little House series at B & N today.  We have our poster drawn up and we are ready to roll.

We have a few camps lined up these first few weeks - Brody is headed to Cub Scout camp and we are all doing VBS "God is Wild!!" for a week - I am volunteering again this year - leading the worship - so excited!!!

After that we are headed to this
little slice of paradise:

We are spending a week at a house at Santa Rosa Beach, FL.

I can not wait to see the white sands and blue water - the kids are gonna LOVE it!!






We are heading up to Illinois for a few weeks to spend time with family.  I plan to educate the kids a little while we are up there.  We will be learning all about this guy.....

Also, during our cross-country travels, I promised to take Sis to this famous place:

I promised the kids that I would take them to the City Museum in St. Louis again.  Last year, we didn't get there until after lunch and we didn't get to all the fun outside, so we will definitely spend as much time as  possible there this year. This is quite possibly one of the BEST Children's museums I have ever been to - all designed by local artists, with amazing climbing structures, slides, tunnels, etc.  It is so much fun.

We will also get more geocaching, camping (the kids, NOT me) and plenty of time at the pool while we are there.

But the main reason we will be in Illinois this summer is to celebrate the marriage of one of my favorite couples:

We will also be doing 3 room makeovers in August ~ Bubba to Sissy's and Sissy to Bubba's.  Sis wants a room dedicated to reading, Bubba is getting a Letter wall, and Brody keeps going back & forth with a Star Wars theme or a WWII Fighter Plane theme.  Either way, I've told you have "un-crafty" I am, so we will see how all this turns out.

Today I came across the Four Season's Austin Ultimate Scavenger Hunt - 50 places unique to Austin ~ from 2-stepping at the Broken Spoke, to kayaking on Town Lake, to taking a train ride on the Zilker Zepher, to eating at Amy's Ice Cream ~ if you do at least 25 of the 50, you win a prize.  Sounds right up my alley......but with a 2 year old in tow??  Might make things difficult....... 

Lastly, many have asked when the 3rd Annual Bloggy Flip Flop Exchange will be happening.....stayed turned for details coming next week!!