Dear Gamma 6th grade team teachers and Mrs. S--

Here's what my kids did on their summer vacation:

1.  Picked strawberries

2. Cooked dinners together

3. Learned the age of a fallen tree

4.  Identified bugs in our backyard

5. Learned how to KenKen (math puzzles)

6. Visited the fish at That Fish Place

7. Created pictures with Tangrams

8. Talked to the animals at Lake Tobias

9. Enjoyed produce from our garden

10. Read great books

11. Went Bananagrams

12. Made Origami

13. Visited the hallowed ground at Gettysburg

14. Created art

15. Made our own ball and cup game

16. Completed crossword puzzles

17. Practiced math skills

18. Laughed along with the Popcorn Hat Players

19. Became certified expert pretzel makers at Sturgis Pretzels in Lititz

20. Enjoyed the unique science of the Mythbusters

21.  Smelled the roses at Hershey Gardens

I hope my daughters learned some things this summer.  I know what I learned:  that I was just happy to be doing things with them, and I stopped being so concerned with what they were learning and focused more on the experience we were having TOGETHER.  I've become a believer in providing experiences over providing things for my children.  I hope that's something they will pass on to their own kids someday.  I hope you got to have some fun experiences with your family this summer too. 

Both of my girls are looking forward to their new school experiences this year (6th grade and kindergarten)  I know they are a little bit nervous and excited both.  Know that their dad and I will be standing behind them, supporting them, and cheering them every step of the way.  We hope you enjoy getting to know them. 

Sincerely,

J and K's mom

PS for the readers:  This isn't the end of my blog--I plan to add entries on our families activities and experiences as things come up.  Although I can't promise that the entries will be as frequent, but I hope to keep them up as I'm able.  Coming up in our lives--my husband is running a half and a full marathon in October!  Thanks so much for reading and I hope everyone has a terrific start to school.