Summer Adventures with Kate & JR by Edith Hawkins Page A

summer vacation. There were so many things to do.
    Down the hallway, Kate’s brother, JR, was waiting his turn to tell his life story. He was in kindergarten. When the teacher called his name, JR walked quickly to the front of the room. “Ladies and gentlemen, my name is JAMES RONALD!” JR shouted. His teacher, Ms. Smith, said, “Now, JR, use your inside voice to tell your story.” Everyone in his class laughed, because JR hardly ever used his inside voice. But this did not bother JR. He continued on with his story.
    â€œMy nickname is JR, pronounced Jay R, not Junior. My Grandpa Jim gave it to me when I was real little. I was born in November and am six years old. My mother said that I had to wait a year to start school because of my birthday. When I was born, I didn’t have any hair.” JR held up his baby photo to prove that he had no hair. “Now my hair is dark brown just like my dad’s. I have green eyes and about a million freckles.” JR leaned forward so that the class could see his freckles. “Grandpa Ron says I get my eyes and freckles from him.”
    â€œOh, I almost forgot. I have a big sister, Kate. She is in the second grade.” JR held up a photo of Kate. The photo showed Kate swinging in their backyard under the tree house.
    â€œI like school, especially recess. I like to play ball with my friends.” JR turned to his teacher and said with a grin, “I like to talk with my friends at recess so we don’t get in trouble during class.” Ms. Smith gave him a nod to show she agreed with him. “My dad and I built a tree house in the backyard. I like to play with my friends in the tree house. We play with toy race cars. When we get hungry, my mom brings us lemonade in a canteen and peanut butter sandwiches. She puts them in the bucket at the bottom of the tree house, and we pull them up using a rope.” JR pretended to pull up a bucket by a rope. He then pretended to eat a sandwich and drink from a canteen as he said, “Mmmm.” The class giggled. Ms. Smith held up one finger to let JR know it was time to finish, but JR was too excited to stop.
    â€œI have a train set and track in my room. I like to watch the train go around the track. I want to ride on a train one day. I have a dog named Buddy. His fur is brown, the color of chocolate. He lives in the backyard. Dad and I painted his doghouse. He likes to play catch with me. I throw balls and Frisbees, and he catches them in midair. Kate thinks Buddy is too rough. He likes to jump up and give you a great big wet kiss. He’s just happy. She has a silly old cat. All he does is purr and sleep. Don’t tell Kate, but I like Samson, too. When she is sleeping over at her friend’s home, I let Samson sleep in my room. I have a bike without training wheels that I can ride really, really fast.”

    â€œJR—” The teacher started to speak, but JR continued. He had one more thing to say.
    â€œThis summer is going to be very exciting. What do you think I am doing?” he asked.
    The class laughed and shouted, “Fishing!” They all knew. JR had talked about going fishing with his grandfather for weeks.
    â€œThat’s right! I am going to sports camp next week, too.” JR bowed to the class and returned to his seat as they clapped and giggled. JR’s teacher had to applaud also as she said, “Well done, JR.”
    The bell rang. School was out for the summer! Kate and JR said goodbye to their friends and teachers and ran outside to the car pickup lane. Their mother was waiting for them in their blue SUV. They couldn’t wait to start their summer adventures.

Kate and the Giant Sunflower
    On the first week of summer vacation, Kate went to visit Grandma Sue and Grandpa Jim while JR went to sports camp. She and Grandma Sue discussed planting a special flower bed. Kate planned to keep a journal and take photos with her new camera of the flower bed as