Thursday, March 28, 2013

Start of March

We really took advantage of the sunny weather to get outside early and decorate our Easter egg tree.  Every year we add more and more eggs.  It's become the start of our Easter tradition every year.
It's almost the end of the unicycle season for Millie.  We are getting ready for the big show at North Bend Elementary next week.  Lots of practicing.  All the kids in this program are pretty amazing. You need lots of determination and patience....on top of very good balance!
Stretching out before a practice.
Working with partners...
...and in groups. 

Monday, March 11, 2013

Moon Over Edisto by Beth Webb Hart

Moon Over Edisto is about the Bennett family and the aftermath of a divorce.
Julia's best friend from college, Marney betrays her by falling in love with her dad. Her family divorces. Julia moves to New York to pursue her passion of art, her mom, Maryellen moves away to find peace with why her marriage fell apart and younger sister Meg struggles to create the picture perfect family of her own.
The book opens when another tragedy forces Julia to return to her childhood home on Edisto Island in South Carolina. This time Julia is asked to care for her three half-siblings. She stays a week, but in that short time, she begins to questions why she was unable to forgive Marney and her dad. She also discovers that her home is pulling her back and away from her new life in Manhattan. Julia's dad is no longer alive, but the rest of the family comes together (usually over a delicious southern meal) and slowly begins to heal.
I really liked this story, much more than I thought I would. I love books where each chapter is told from the point of view of major characters in the book. Julia is great with her half-siblings. They in turn are kind and appreciate her help, as well. I kept wondering if Julia and Meg would be able to reconcile with Marney before the book ended.
I was happy at the ending of the book, as well. A great conclusion to a heartwarming book.
*Disclosure* Booksneeze has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions in this review are mine alone.