Monday, June 29, 2009
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.
Monday, June 15, 2009
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.
Friday, June 5, 2009
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.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
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!
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.
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.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Memorial Weekend Memories
Memorial day was also very memorable, for any weekend in which Dad receives an additional day off is definitely considered as such.
We took a risk and attempted the Drive In for a second time on Saturday evening. This experience was fantastic for all. The weather was warm so we could lift the back and watch while snuggling on blankets and enjoying snacks. We all really enjoyed, "Night At The Museum 2". It was as good as the first - which is hard to say for most sequels.
On Monday morning we woke early and headed for IHOP. We then spent a few hours in Toys R Us and ended at home with four water guns. The kids held their own for over an hour but Daddy slowly began to demolish them. Haley was tired so after laying her down for a nap I grabbed the largest water gun available and, in defense of the children of course, went after Steven. We won't say who won, alright, he did. I gave a valiant effort however and more than anything felt validated beyond measure when the children began chanting my name in support. Unfortunately due to my loss, the support they offered in my behalf only bought them more wetness from Dad!
With warm weather upon us we have taken advantage of frozen treats more frequently. A few years back we purchased this ice cream ball in which you fill with the needed ingredients and then roll back and forth for about fifteen minutes. In the end you are left with tired arms but delicious homemade ice cream. The kids love it and I loved Haley J's reaction to it. She just watched but wanted so badly to join in all the fun.
We took a risk and attempted the Drive In for a second time on Saturday evening. This experience was fantastic for all. The weather was warm so we could lift the back and watch while snuggling on blankets and enjoying snacks. We all really enjoyed, "Night At The Museum 2". It was as good as the first - which is hard to say for most sequels.
On Monday morning we woke early and headed for IHOP. We then spent a few hours in Toys R Us and ended at home with four water guns. The kids held their own for over an hour but Daddy slowly began to demolish them. Haley was tired so after laying her down for a nap I grabbed the largest water gun available and, in defense of the children of course, went after Steven. We won't say who won, alright, he did. I gave a valiant effort however and more than anything felt validated beyond measure when the children began chanting my name in support. Unfortunately due to my loss, the support they offered in my behalf only bought them more wetness from Dad!
With warm weather upon us we have taken advantage of frozen treats more frequently. A few years back we purchased this ice cream ball in which you fill with the needed ingredients and then roll back and forth for about fifteen minutes. In the end you are left with tired arms but delicious homemade ice cream. The kids love it and I loved Haley J's reaction to it. She just watched but wanted so badly to join in all the fun.
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