It seems like only yesterday...

...we were bringing home this beautiful baby. And now she's 6 ("and a half!" she reminds you sternly). And almost a first-grader.

It's BAAAA-AACK!

Yes, summer vacation is almost upon us again. There are 5 more school days (3 of these--field trip, Fun Day, and report card day--don't really count) until the bliss (and bother) of another summer vacation. Last year, when Elizabeth finished preschool I finally understood that commercial that Staples used to run every August. You know, the one where the dad is wheeling about the store collecting school supplies for his frowning youngsters with giddy abandon while Andy Williams is singing "It's the most wonderful time of the year" in the background. It's awesome to have her, and Brad, all to myself again, but man! It's also a lot of entertaining and feeding and cleaning up and planning. This year I am trying to go into it more prepared. I have a whole list chock full o' ideas of things for us to do, some less work and some more. Since I have been blessed with a child who is, shall we say, very attached to me, day camps and classes where Mom doesn't stay are not an option right now. Luckily, with Brad off, too, I will still be able to get some time alone for me occasionally. I can't believe that Elizabeth will be in first grade in a few short months. Anybody know how to slow down this clock?

Hulick Girls Escape Tolono! (Film at 11:00...)

Tomorrow we are playing hooky! That's right, no school for Elizabeth tomorrow! No chores (well, no major ones) or book reviews or church work for me! We are taking the day off and heading to Normal, IL to a park, the Children's Discovery Museum, and the great ice cream shop next door to the museum. We may throw in a stop at a used bookstore as well--who knows? We can do whatever we feel like doing (within reason, of course)! My lovely cousin and her adorable 1-year-old daughter are meeting us there to play. A good time should be had by all.

This is a test. This is only a test. Had this been an actual post, it would have been much, much more interesting.