For our summer vacation we went to Alaska for two weeks.  It was a wonderful trip with one week on land and another cruising.  The rest of the summer was the usual swimming and other outdoor activities.  School began in late August at our local public school where Olivia entered the first grade.  It took a while for her to get accustomed to a rigid schedule as she was used to the Montessori method where the clock is not so important.  Olivia was a bit behind in reading so she joined the HOSTS program where she got some one on one help.  By the mid year she was reading at grade level and finished the year above grade level.  She made good grades all around but will do three weeks of math camp this summer to help build her interest in that area.  For Christmas, we were in Florida at Disney for a week.  The parks were crowded but very nicely decorated and I think once will have been enough at that time of year.  Spring break found us in Phoenix for a week at the Biltmore, a fine hotel that was designed by Frank L. Wright.  Great food and nice rooms.  Once school was out, we headed back to Arizona, this time to a dude ranch near Tucson.  Olivia rode horses three times a day but still did not get enough.  Karen and I rode too but not as often as Olivia.  Now we are enjoying Summer at home and thinking about second grade.....

In Alaska... A great holiday.

At Disney for Christmas.

There was a sock hop at school....

With one of her school chums

For Halloween Olivia became Harry Potter

There have been many parties this year...

With the birthday girl.

Getting ready for a formal party

 

Waiting for the limo!

Olivia can ride a bike like the wind.  She has a new five speed with about 1000 miles on it already...  well, maybe 10 miles...

Stay on the side walk!

At the dude ranch.

We visited my mother in Minnesota for the forth of July.  There was a big picnic out at the farm where there was lots to things to do.

Jumping on the trampoline.

 

Lets go crazy fast.

 

Getting ready to go fishing with Uncle Don.

 

Olivia can hook em'.

All Images Copyright Douglas R. Wheeland