Yesterday went really well. We were gone all day long on our little shopping adventure. Cassidy got almost everything on her list, we still have to find those perfect little flats, but that can wait. Jacob seems to be happy, although I admit; he is very easy to please at this age. Rachel took me completely by surprise with her obvious dislike for the whole shopping for everyone trip. By the time it was her turn to shop she was ready to go home. So, we took a break and ate and let her rest for a while. This temporarily improved her attitude. We got her clothes so quickly that I have to exchange about 5 items. When I do, she and I will go alone and definitely NOT all day! I am still worn out. Who knew shopping was a sport?

It’s that time of year again. While shopping for school supplies is a bore, clothes shopping holds a certain magical appeal. The chance to start the school year off in new outfits, new shoes, new accessories. Cassidy spent every possible moment since we returned home on the phone to her friends. I could hear parts of the conversation from my room. “How many pair of capri’s are you going to get?” “Short’s? Walking? You know the rules on that!” ” I want some ballerina flats for first day.” On and on they talked for hours,off the phone with one to talk to the next. Did we ever spend so much time talking about clothes? I think just maybe I did. We venture out today to find the needed attire for my teenage daughter. Please keep your fingers crossed for me! LOL I hope she remembers that Jacob and Rachel also need clothes!

After finishing the unpacking last night I thought of some more tips to share. I think I may have shared some of these before, but it never hurts to be reminded.

1. When packing for vacation, always pack an extra bag or duffel for the items that will be purchased while you are there. We always have more when we come back from vacation, then we did when we went. On this trip I should have taken a couple of empty boxes! Ha, ha, ha!

2. If you are going someplace and are at liberty to stay as long as you want. Plan ahead, just in case you do. This is where the extras in the car come in handy!

3. Prepaid Debit Cards! These are the handiest little inventions, much easier to keep up with than Travelers Checks and less hassle as well. I had purchased one for Cassidy to take on her day trip with her cousins so she had money as well. She felt the big shot and I didn’t have to worry about her spending more than she should. I am definitely going to use these on our next vacation.

4. Remember you are on vacation. When visiting family especially, we sometimes forget to relax. It’s still a vacation! Treat everyone to dinner or a movie. Have fun!

I am off to restock the car and start breakfast!

We stayed much longer than planned with my parents. It had been so long since we had spent more than two nights that I the children and I stayed until yesterday! Of course my husband had to come back home for work, but I think he enjoyed the break. (He admits he did get a little lonely. Ha-ha.) We took in several historical sites in the area and we to a water park and went on some lovely hikes. The children are all terribly spoiled now, thinking they can have candy for breakfast, lunch and dinner. At least they seem to think that’s the way it works. Not on my watch! I think I feel some tips in the making as I look at all the things that came home with us, that we didn’t have when we left. Let’s go unpack!

The horse show was fantastic. They had all the children showing their accomplishments and talents. Jacob received an award for greatest improvement, a very BIG blue ribbon and Cassidy received and award for being an inspiration to all! It seems that several students were on the verge of quitting. Three of the students stayed after seeing Cassdy out there every day and seeing her work so hard to learn and compete. It’s a beautiful plaque and she couldn’t wait to get home and have her father put it on her wall. Now it’s off to my parents. I just had to take the time to brag a little.

Tomorrow the center where Cassidy and Jacob are learning to ride is having a special show to highlight everyone’s progress. We are all excited! We have that tomorrow and then Sunday we are going to visit my parents for a few days. I am not sure if the excitement is the show or the “spoiling” the kids will receive from my parents. At any rate, a fun time will be had by all! I will let you know how well Cassidy and Jacob do tomorrow!

Due to the excessive heat, we have moved our camping trip indoors to a hotel. It was horrible, no one slept last night at all. The newest tip I have, when camping in the summer, bring a fan!

It amazes me how very fast time can go by. Here it is July already. Before we know it, it will be time to go back to school. We have been so busy thus far with ridding lessons and the daily routine. Tomorrow we are going camping to a near by state park for the weekend. Everyone but Rachel is thrilled! While she absolutely loves staying anywhere with a bed, she does not like camping at all. We have a cot for her and she just can not seem to sleep well without an actual bed. I hope that someday will she will love camping as much as everyone else!