Five on a Friday

We also went strawberry picking. Then the weather dipped cold (low 40’s!) and so we played Monopoly Deal in pajamas and ate cozy curry.

I’m excited it’s Friday because Mom is coming into town with my nieces in tow to help celebrate Kaitlyn turning 7. The girls have had a countdown going all week; we can’t wait! But first, let’s dive into this Friday’s Five!

ONE: Bathing Suit Staples

We have an upcoming trip to raft along and camp alongside a river in Utah. It is going to be quite an adventure and we’ve been compiling the necessary items, like a sun hat for me and rain jackets for the kids.

I’ve also been searching for a sporty ensemble that is more substantial than a typical bathing suit, but still plays the part and found the perfect combo in these swim shorts, this coordinating rash guard, and this Amazon two piece tankini set (the top matches the short bottoms well).

TWO: Harry Potter Movie Viewing.

We finished Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix book and had our big movie viewing party Sunday afternoon.

It wasn’t quite as grand as our previous Harry Potter party, but still, I tracked down chocolate frogs and wands and we all cozied up for it. While we LOVE Harry Potter (and I’m starting to contemplate planning a trip to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter), I think the girls were a little let down by the 5th movie. Many of their favorite parts (Harry’s date with Cho, the death eater whose head turns into a baby head in ending battle, etc) didn’t make the cut.

We enjoyed the viewing nonetheless, but think we’ll take the summer off of Harry Potter read alouds and read other books I’ve been excited to try. I’ve ordered Flora and Ulysses, The Vanderbeekers of 141st St, and The Penderwicks, all well known and loved books that we will be able to move through faster than the Harry Potter books.

THREE: Homeschool Update.

We transitioned into review mode a week ago and it’s been really confidence boosting for the girls. Since we “do school” in some form all year long, the upcoming months look like this: May- review and end of year test, June and July-continue with math and reading plus a focus on life skills, August- start our new school year (4th and 2nd grades) with full curriculum!

This year I feel like we really hit our homeschool stride. I think it’s a combination of finding materials that we vibe with, becoming more confident in our choices, and embracing homeschooling along with the rhythm of life.

FOUR: I love the ages we are at right now.

I’ve always been a believer that there is good in every age and stage in parenting and the secret is to find it and focus on it, but I was a mom that really loved my babies when they were babies. I loved wearing them, the snuggles, the babbles. And deep inside somewhere I feared moving on from that stage.

I wish I could go back and tell that me not to fret. 9 years old and (almost) 7 years old is so much fun. I have a bit of my independence back and I get to listen to the funny things they say and learn what makes them tick. It doesn’t mean we don’t have our moments, but gosh I am enjoying these ages.

FIVE: Spring Salads.

I love salads, and not just the ones I throw a bunch of random stuff on for weekday lunches. I’ve been making some legit salads that can hold their own as a main dish or represent a hearty side for a group. If you’re looking to add some variety to your menu, try these!

Kale Pesto Salad with Roasted Butternut and Chickpeas