The End of Summer Somethings

Just as things are heating up around here, it's sadly time for the days of summer non-stop fun to come to an end. And it's time for another snippet of the summer happenings of this Merrill Clan.

Lots of plays, lots of dress up, and lots of goofin' around.

Christian started Tae Kwon Do and tested (and earned) for his yellow belt.

Lots of baking took place, too.

This one was a banana split cake

and was super delicious made by Madison and Brooke.

Another creation by Brooke and Monroe was a chocolate peppermint double layer cake.

It was gooooood.

One morning I said it was time for us all to wash our super dirty car. Then our little entrepreneurs got it in there heads that they wanted to hold a neighborhood car wash.

They made $44 and learned how to properly wash a car.

Madison went to girls camp for the first time which was located at Camp Whittier near Lake Cachuma above Santa Barbara. They got up early for the 6:30 am hikes (here with her buddy Iayn)

did service projects, climbed rock walls, did rope courses

and took first place in the archery competition. I got to go up to drive the girls to the beach one day and stay the night in the lovely cabins. Reminded me of my good ol' camp days.

More dress up and fashion shows. There were a lot of fashion shows. This time with Rebecca Tarbet.

To cap it all off, we went to the Pt. Magu Surf Competition where the weather was great, the beach gorgeous and the giveaways aplenty.

Then we headed over to the Camarillo Air show

The highlight for me was seeing this. So cute!

Ashlyn and Christian in the basket of a hot air balloon.

Ashlyn driving a big tractor.

Then we had an end-of-summer piano recital which doubled as a farewell to our beloved piano teacher of five years Liesl. She will be missed!

One last chance to surf with Gwen during the week before school starts.

Boo Hoo.

School is starting.