Two Birds

The monkeys have a reading requirement this summer (it is actually a bonus reading challenge, but they are teacher's kids and academics are no joke at their school so yeah, it is required).  The Cubscout has to read 30 books (10 of which must have more than 50 pages).  The Clover has to read 30 picture books (no page requirement).  Although the Cub loves reading, I don't think he will be able to knock out 30 chapter books this summer (even though that is what he reads as "picture are for little kids like the Clover").  So, I made an agreement with them this morning.  I told the Cub that I would pay him a dime for every picture book he read to his sister.  That way, he will get his 20 picture books done, and she will be exposed to other readers aside from me and my DH.  I have been making her read some of those level 1 books with repeated, decodable text, too.  We are on schedule to make it to the goal by the first day (thanks to my stroke of genius).

As for me, I haven't read for pleasure just yet (I am studying for the Sped Praxis).  After I pass, I still won't get to read for pleasure because I have eight books solely about ASD that I really need to read (I so want to read The Help, but can't). 

Day 6*: I hate you Garmin!

I know, I know "hate" is a strong word, but at 11 pm, when towing a camper the little map "helper" needs to be able to find a campground.  It was not.  We ended up staying on the road until we made it to the next state park (where we had planned to visit the next day).  Unfortunately, when we arrived, the gate was closed and the campground was full (remember when I said we didn't make any reservations for this trip?).  Do you know what that means?  It means we slept in the parking lot.  Granted, the monkeys and I slept in the camper.  On a bed.  But, my poor DH slept in the truck so he could guard us (and greet the ranger if need be...we were in their parking lot at the trailhead, after all).  So, we got a good few hours of sleep, talked to the ranger, found out that there were no sites in the whole campground for the whole weekend, and decided to go swimming.  The state park has a river that runs through rocks.  It is so beautiful and fun.  We spent about two hours playing, and then hitched up to head out for home.

*Sorry for the break in posting, I was in the Holler, and couldn't post.  I guess I could have, but I would probably still be there waiting for the internet to connect.