We had a lovely time with my parents.  The children really enjoyed playing croquet with them in the back yard, especially after Grandpa decided they should take two strokes at a time for every one of the adults'.  Without being able to do that they had a hard time keeping up.  When they get a little better at the game they will lose that advantage.

Swimming this year was both a success and disappointment.  Both children made large gains in their confidence and abilities.  Boo was able to pass his level fairly easily.  Belle, however, had a long list of criteria to meet in order to pass hers, and she achieved over half of the list.  Turns out that only a few in her class received their badges, and she was not one of them.  One of the lifeguards informed us that several of them were talking about what a joy she was to teach!  That was an encouragement to us.  She really tried hard this year!

Grandma and Grandpa left this afternoon.  We were able to postpone the worst of the doldrums by taking them out for chocolate milk and cookies.  Then they played in the sprinkler for a while before their baths.  That was fun too, but you could tell that at times the pain of missing grandparents was acute.  Now they are both in bed, and I think, both asleep, but not before tears of sadness from Boo.  It is such a blessing having them close enough to visit at times though.  We would miss so much if they were far away.

Next week will be a week of preparation for starting our lessons the following week, as well as for doing some tasks we haven't completed yet this summer, all Lord willing.