July 4th Yea, Fireworks Nay

What a week! A free day off for Dad and a chance to celebrate our country's birth and the wonderful freedoms we hold as citizens of this great nation. We played hard over the weekend, spending time swimming and making treats to fit the occasion. Steven and the kids spent Friday morning at the zoo and we ended our days chasing them at the park - thanks to the gift of low humidity that came to us over the weekend.

The only downfall that comes with this holiday is the fact that the girls fear fireworks. Our neighbor puts on a large show each year and until now each year has gone something like this: Steven gets himself and Thatcher set up with a fun movie and treats. The girls and I cross the street, set our lawn chairs out (a large distance from the show) and settle in for all to begin. The first firework is set off into the night sky and then you see two little girls run for their home proclaiming, "we'll watch from the playroom window". This year was a little different. Ryley packed up her lawn chair and headed home before the fireworks even appeared and Kadyn actually made it through a large portion of the festivities. Granted, her hands were covering her ears the entire time, but still she made it. Steven and I are indifferent either way. If our kids enjoy the lights and sounds, great. If they don't, that's alright too. With or without fireworks - it was a holiday weekend to remember.

Same Old and Skating

We have enjoyed a relaxing few weeks filled mostly with our usual summer activities. With 98 degree temperatures plus humidity we have been lazy at the pool, checked out a meek and humble dinosaur museum - but the kiddos loved it, hit the zoo, and once again gave roller skating a go. I'm lacking in pictures due to my fear of juggling all four at a skating rink but once we arrived I knew I made a mistake in leaving the camera behind. This time we drove to a town about 45 minutes away to try their brand new skating rink and may I say it was well worth it. There were only six children in the entire building - and that included our four. The area not only had a huge skating floor but also included a playground just adjacent to it. It was a great set up for Thatcher's needs and while I couldn't talk him into strapping on skates he had a great time "rescuing" his sisters from the floor whenever they would fall.

St. Louis in Summer

We took a trip to St.Louis last week and thus far in our family travels it has been one of our favorites yet. With the magnitude of options that St.Louis offers we had to choose our activities wisely so we centered our picks around things that interest the kiddos. We had been told about their amazing Zoo and fantastic Children's Museum and now having experienced both we would have to agree with the high ratings. We also made it to (and up) the Arch, as well as Grant's Farm. Each day the kids endured from opening 'til closing and even managed to sneak in evening swims back at the hotel. It was an enjoyably busy time to spend as a family. Steven looked at me as we entered the free way to return home and with a smile said, "Are you rested and refreshed from our vacation?" We both laughed and thought how true it is that after returning home from a vacation, you often need one.

Ryley's Spring Recital

Bottom line:

Steven out of town + kids in bed by 8pm =

lonely free time for me and video overload for all of you!

(Remember, you'll want to mute the music bar)

Ryley sure enjoys the piano and did a wonderful job at her spring recital.

She performed two pieces and this one was her favorite.

No Title Necessary

I'm only about six weeks late on posting this one but better late then never. Enjoy Grandma's!!

Thatchers Articles of Faith '09

Our church has thirteen "Articles of Faith" that assist individuals in better understanding the basic principles and beliefs that we hold as members.

To "challenge" the primary children of our church the bishop decided to offer one water balloon for each Article of Faith that a child can recite. To make it even more interesting, the bishop will be their "target". This offer has created quit a stir for the kids and has ended up being an amazing incentive for many. Ryley and Kadyn are well on their way to earning "double digits" for water balloons but the truly amazing thing is hearing what Thatcher has picked up in the process of merely listening to his sisters. It's not perfect - but for a two year old I was pretty amazed.

Sensational Summer

Isn't summer the best?! Schools out, weather's great, and it's time to play hard. Our neighbors offered us full access to their pool since they are gone most everyday. This has been a gift for the kids and a blessing for me. The girls love their pool (Thatch not so fond of water this summer) and we can still go as frequently as they desire without the hassles of packing up four children, pool accessories, lunches, baby needs etc...

Now we can cross the street for swimming and lunch and then cross back over to nap and rest from the sun. On days they are up to it (and trust me they are frequently up to it) we can cross right back over for more!

Thatch happy just by the pool.

Thatch sad that he's wanted in the pool.

Thatch and I compromised. He can sit by the pool all he wants, however, he must have a "floaty" suit on. Now we are all happy

What's up? I'm ready for the pool.

The zoo (of course) has also been a frequent part of our schedule. The kids were sad to arrive and find the butterfly exhibit had not returned for another summer. Their disappointed was quickly swept away however, for in its stead has been placed an exhibit in which parakeets come and eat from each child's own personal stick of food. These birds have been specially trained for this exhibit and were comfortable walking, flying, and interacting with everyone around them. It was pretty incredible and the girls were absolutely beside themselves with excitement! (Remember folks, we are talking about two young ladies who love animals so much that Steven and I find them more frequently as "animals" then themselves, not to mention the pact already set in place in which one will be a veterinarian and the other an animal trainer. That way they can have the best of both worlds.) After almost an hour I had to bribe them out with the promise that we would come back soon to visit their birds again.