Camp Sugar Pine~2019

Amara came home from her week at Sugar Camp-Yogi Pines Session-dirty, exhausted, elated! Camp was a hit!

Amara reached beyond her limits this year at Sugar Pine; reaching out to try new things, making new friends and staying away from us longer than she ever has. Thanks to mail from family and friends, she was able to stay connected. However, she admitted that while she missed us, she loved Sugar Pine so much,  really did not us all that much! 

Amara was glad her friend Anja joined her this summer and that together they made some memorials to last a lifetime. The two are already planning next year's Sugar Pines adventure! Amara has been home for only two days but her stories are on-going. To experience camp is a highlight of childhood. I am so grateful the Girl Scouts for making this a reality for Amara. 

Amara and Anja ready to hit the road!

Thanks to camp staff Flash, we got some great photos of the girls at camp, which are below. 

Richmond Art Center~Summer 2019

                                                                                                

Havana has been going to the RAC (Richmond Art Center) summer camps since she was six years old, following in Big Sister's footsteps. It turns out, that Havana did not need to follow anyone's footsteps. She is one creative and talented girl and made her own path in the arena of art.

This year, with Big Sis away at sleepaway camp, Havana had two blissful weeks painting, drawing, making dioramas, collages, short films and more. Art is Havana's happy place and it makes my heart sing to see her do what is a passion.

Here are some photos of the projects she worked on this summer.

Havana makes friends easily. Being one of the older kids in class made it easy to step into leader role but she is kind and warm to others and I am told, often would lend a helping hand.

Ms. Lisa has been one of Havana's teachers from day one. She told me she has enjoyed watching her grow and develop and complimented on how helpful, thoughtful and smart she was with her peers.  It was nice to learn that Havana, when in her element, shines. She can be shy at times. 

Always a rainbow somewhere in her work!

Casa Coughlin (Atascadero)

Visiting the girls Aunt and Uncle on the Central Coast always proves to be a highlight the year. This year, we made it during the long 4th of July weekend. The drive was long but the destination was peaceful and welcoming, as always.

The temperature was warm enough for pool time and water fights, cool enough under the shade of trees for some pickle ball and dark enough at night for some fireworks. The Snake was a hit, looking like poop once the bright colors burned out! No matter how old the kids (or adults) get, fart and poop jokes always get a laugh.

Cousins David, Jenny, Ben and Theo joined us this visit, which made all the above even better. And since three out of four kid cousins had birthday in June, we had a belated celebration for the three and an early celebration for Ben, who's birthday is not until the Fall. Really, it was just a good excuse for cake!

We don't get to see our family often enough but when we do, we make sweet memories that cement the bonds among us.

                                                                    

Moving Up to Middle School

Ben, Dylan, Emily, Upper Elementary Teachers.

Just two short weeks ago, Amara and her sixth year peers read their thoughtful graduation speeches; pondered on the quote of the day and then said goodbye to Upper Elementary; the place where they spent the last three years learning, growing, thriving.

It was bittersweet watching Amara, along with her peers; I have known many of these children from Lower Elementary when Amara started as a first year; from little kids to young people, they have become strong leaders in their class and yet they remain children. Children who are growing up oh so fast. Yet with Montessori methods guiding them, Amara and her peers are headed into Middle School; where they will have a safe, caring, challenging environment to blossom and grow even more.

Summer Sun on Tree