Summer Homeschool Begins....

Whether it is a focus on 'community helpers,' 'time/money/calendar,' 'basic math,' or 'social skills,' our royal summer homeschool program is now underway. Our goal is to ensure that our little ones' minds don't turn to mush during the summer months--although we're certain to sprinkle in plenty of fun, exercise and adventure to balance things out. In the past week, we've worked on several areas of 'self-help/home' and community-focused themes--including a visit to an actual working farm, where we enjoyed not only visits with the farm animals and rides on mini tractors, but blueberry and cherry picking to highlight the results of the work that Farmers do on a daily basis. Thanks to Ellen from Parlee Farms! (www.parleefarms.com)

Yum! Blueberries...fresh, ripe, delicious and the size of quarters...seriously. :)

The royals tended to eat more while in the blueberry patch than they put into the bucket.

Good thing they brought Mom along so we could pick enough to make Papa a fresh blueberry pie!

When back at home, working on basic chores--including table setting. The best news that came from this effort was that the kids not only enjoy setting the table, but we are finally (after years of fruitless effort) eating together as a family--almost everyone eating the same (gulp!; knock on wood) things!!! :) Whew!!

Up next: Lawn mowing 101, followed closely by, Culinary Arts 101!

Happy 4th, 2011....

It certainly is an image that none of us would have imagined seeing...King Tony on a superslide!

The summer started with a 'bang' -- including fireworks on the 4th of July and the above adventure, courtesy of Abby's Godparents--Abra and Peter--and a lovely invitation to a seafood feast on the south shore. :)

The kids enjoyed another pool with friends.....

...and 'superslided' their way into near-coma due to exhaustion!

Queen Wendy worked on a new gluten-free/casein-free cake recipe...

It tasted way better than it looked...thank goodness for 'experimentation.'

(Note to Wendy: REMEMBER to cut all layers in half and build slowly with dowels. :) )

One of the most notable and fun experiences all holiday weekend long was taking in CARS 2 at a drive-in theater! It was the royals (well, Ari's and Alec's; Abby went to see Pirates of the Carribbean III when she was a tyke) first drive-in and the family's first of the Summer 2011 season! Pack a nice evening picnic of snacks, goodies and hidden liquor...and all worked out fantastically well!

Fun in the Sun....

The views were breathtaking...from every angle and from every corner of our favorite annual vacation spot, the island of Martha's Vineyard. From the lighthouse in Aquinnah (taken from wrap around roofdeck of our uncle's palace by the sea) to the passing schooner, to the sunset after an incredible day at the beach--each beautiful picture represents the absolutely wonderful time we had on our first vacation this summer.

While island residents, we celebrated Father's Day and of course, Princess Abigail's birthday! :)

We think she was happy to celebrate in the 'special house'

We played in our pool.....

We went to the beach...a lot! :)

We kayaked....

Did some luxurious swinging on our porch swing.....

Went on mysterious hikes through the marshes/forests/beaches on the island....

Visited with our awesome relatives, the Ranallis....

Visited the permanent home of a particular comedic celebrity....

Rode the oldest platform carousel in the world....Attended (and made several purchases at) a craft and artisan fair at the artist compound on the island....

....and walked on the beach, of course, at sunset....holding hands, no less!

All in all, a STELLAR start to the Summer of 2011...

Hello sunshine and warmth!