Big day

Today was a big day for E. We went over to the high school to get her summer school ID. Afterward, we stopped at the bank so she could open her very first checking acount. The banker explained all about using the debit card, what to do if she loses it, etc. She created a PIN number and is able to look up her account balances and activity online. She should have the debit card in a few days. She deposited all of her graduation money and money from her dog-walking job. In the afternoon she had her first lesson in a two-week golf camp run by the high school.

Party time

Tonight was E's eighth-grade graduation party. Aunt Allison came with Matt and Clare; Julie and her family were here; Len and his family; E's friend A was here; and, of course, Grandma Barbara. They ate through an assortment of eight footlong Mr. Sub sandwiches,chips, baked beans, broccoli salad, pasta salad, Asian coleslaw, macaroni and cheese, watermelon, a veggie tray and four 2-liters of soda. It was a fun night. Here's a picture of the dining room table before most of the food was put out. We had cap-and-gown confetti on the tablecloth and a few Class of 2011 balloons.

B helps E's friend, A, master a game on her iPod. That's my arm on the right. That's the only pic I'm in. Nice going, Andy.

Some of the cousins - David, E and Matt.

B and Grandma Barbara

Len and E and cousin Clare in the kitchen.

Welcomed rest

I felt like I was cooking all day for E's graduation party tomorrow so when Andy came home from work we decided to head to the local Mexican restaurant for dinner. We brought along B's friend, L, who was over.

The last day

Today was the last day, actually only one hour, of school for B and L. Since E graduated last night, she didn't have to go in at all today. Good thing since she woke up sick several times during the night and has been laying around all day. After school, three of B's friends, L, I and N, came over to play for a while. I kicked them out when I said when had to run errands for E's upcoming party.

Graduation night

Tonight was the night. E walked across the auditorium stage at Oak Park-River Forest High School and graduated with the Julian Middle School Class of 2011. Congrats, E!

Day in Our Village

All three kids went to Day in Our Village today. At nearby Rehm Park, the park district sets up a variety of carnival games and bouncy houses. E and B went over together and quickly spent $20. L went by herself (a big step for her) and stayed for hours. She finally came back with her friend, J, in tow. They played here for an hour, then headed back to J's house to play volleyball. Here she's wearing a hat she bought at the festival.

Pitching debut

L was chosen as the pitcher at her softball game's first inning today. It was the first time she's pitched. In the inning, she managed to throw two strikes. That's pretty average for these girls who are just trying to get the pitching form down.

It was a hot game, about 90 degrees outside. L kept pouring water over her head to keep cook and her coach brought a bag of ice that the girls were able to rub on themselves and chew. An added surprise, L was named Player of the Game today. Oh, yeah, and her team won!

Here she is being silly with her teammates before the game.

Party time!

L and a classmate, A, share a July 25 birthday. With school winding down, A's mom and I decided to treat the class to ice cream sundaes. I brought the bowls, spoons, chocolate sauce, spoons and whipped cream. She brought the ice cream, caramel sauce and sprinkles.

It was a hot day and the kids enjoyed the diversion and the whipped cream!

L also received her birthday book signed by the principal.

B's art

B is usually the first one running from a room at the mention of an art or craft project. I think the perfectionist in him makes it hard to him to complete a project to his satisfaction. Because he doesn't do many art projects, I'm always pleased when he brings one home and wants to show it off. His latest is this clay African mask he made in art class. We decided to hang it up on the back porch.

Cruisin'

There's not a lot of learning going on in school this week. Today, B went on a cruise with his entire sixth-grade class on Lake Michigan. They had lunch on the boat. B had chicken fingers, chips and cookies. Here they're posing before getting on the boat: B, his friend I, E and, of course, L. After school, I and L came home with B to play Yu-Gi-Oh cards. They also brought in N and I. My living room floor was covered with cards and boys.

E's eighth-grade class trip to Great America was today. She surprised us by showing up a little after 8 p.m. Apparently, she was going to walk home with her friend, M, but one of his friend's mom offered them a ride and they took it. She was sunburned though her future-pediatrician friend, A, made her apply sunscreen during the day (and I sprayed her down before she left). She was most excited to have won this cute stuffed dog on her first try of popping balloons. She only spent $3 on the game. Much better than usual.