Day Of Reckoning

Six months ago the bishop cut a deal with all the primary children in our ward. In return for every Article of Faith they could memorize he would give them a water balloon, and to sweeten deal, offered himself as the target.

On Saturday morning that promise came due and boy did those kids have fun. They began with water games and treats, ending the morning with the grand finale of drenching the bishop. It was a fantastic activity and amazing to see how much hard work and effort each of those little children had put forth. I'm now forced to consider using this method in our home? You know, "hey kids, for every toy you put away in the house I'll give you a water balloon, and, Daddy can be the target."

At the end a massive water fight broke out.

Haley J just hangin' and enjoying her first twinkie.

Truly Trying

I really try not to complain, but come on.

There is something SERIOUSLY wrong with any school system that starts BEFORE Labor day, AND, requires ALL DAY Kindergarten!

8am to 3pm. What is that?

I only cried for two hours on Monday (off and on) and was so excited to pick the little munchkins up and find both of them smiling from ear to ear. It's a fantastic school and they both were given amazing teachers, so I guess I should at least try focusing on the positive, right?

Hey, only 312 more days until next summer begins. Oh yea!

Thatch and I had fun making this treat to welcome the girls home with.

Magnificent Mississippi

In the downtown area of Memphis there is a place called Mud Island. Until recently we had never thought to take the kids, but last week when a friend gave me all the information necessary to make it an enjoyable and relaxing experience (i.e. where to park for free - and near by) I packed them in the car and off we went.

The entire river walk is a five block replica of the Mississippi river beginning from Cairo, IL to New Orleans, LA. Each 30" stride is equivalent to one mile on the actual river and the "1,000" mile journey ends at the "Gulf of Mexico" with a huge water fountain and play area.

Before we headed down I jumped on the computer and quickly learned how to make paper boats. Each boat lasted half way down the river and then folded into a pile of mush, at which point the kiddos adopted leaves as their personal ships. Next visit we'll know to bring lots more paper. In all of our venturing to find new local attractions in the different places we have lived, this area was without a doubt one of the neatest we have discovered.

Swimming Success

We began with a seven year old who could survive if necessary, and a five year old who refused to enter water without floaties and immediately desired a towel if even a splash of water came near her face.

Five swimming lesson later and..........

voila.

Haley's New Trick

Haley J is sure growing fast. Too fast.

I snapped these pictures the other day and thought I'd post them along with a video of Haley playing her favorite game.