Last Dregs of Summer...

The humidity has finally lessened.  The school supply kits are out the door.  The backpacks are packed.  Outfits are laid out on the couch.  My spa time is reserved.  (ha ha!)   It's the night before school starts and a mere two days ago, Spencer informed us that he had to visit three war memorials and write in a journal about his experience for his summer homework for World Civ. due the first day of class (three days hence). 

After a 40-minute lecture on the woes of procrastination and then canceling any procrastinated last-minute plans we had been trying to conjure up for the long weekend, we finally decided to make the best of it and just bring the whole family along while Spencer did his homework....

Here he is at the Iwo Jima Memorial, which ironically enough was our very first visit to it ever.  After 13+ years of living out this way, we consider it quite a feat to find a place we've never been.  We thought it was a very cool memorial and hope to visit it again soon. 

Next it was off to the FDR Memorial, which happens to hold a special place in my heart.  As of Saturday morning, it officially became the site of Spencer's first willing smile in a photo taken by a family member since 1999. 

Next it was off to stand in line for the bathrooms, although we couldn't really figure out what was taking everyone so long....

Our last memorial of Spence's assignment was the Vietnam War Memorial, where we spotted this really cool looking family there.  This was the best shot we could get, but believe when I say, that that husband was HOT!!!

Shortly after we left the memorials and headed back to our car, another amazing photo feat happened.  I actually didn't cry when I saw this picture big on the computer screen.  The fitness challenge worked!!!!

After Spence's homework was all done, we were off to play some mini-golf.  Pretty much there was a whole lot of giggling and cheering...

Afterward, they waited on baited breath while Glen tallied the scores.  I was dismayed to find out that it is indeed possible for a 37-year-old woman to get beat by a five-year-old.  So much for my awesome ambidextrous golf swing. 

Then we went home to watch BYU beat University of Washington on our brand new big-screen tv!  Somewhere in the middle of entertaining fellow Cougar fans and calming a big bed-time battle upstairs, I had my own battle with stupid wall that jumped into my path... 

Haven't bothered going to the doctor, but based on the loud crack I heard when it happened and how it looks and feels now, I'm a tad worried it may be broken.  Luckily, as far as toes go, the pinky toe really is one of more expendable ones and doesn't bear much weight. 

Oh yeah, I almost forgot.  Spencer learned this afternoon, when he went to finally write in his Summer Journal about the war memorials,  that his World Civ. class had been canceled along with all accompanying homework assignments.   He's been bragging all afternoon how he's so glad that he hadn't wasted his time doing homework that didn't need to be done.

So much for the life lesson.