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.

Kentucky And Cousins

It's not frequent to get family living within a days drive from us, so, when Steven's sister Kathryn moved to Kentucky with her family we wanted to make the most of it. We have been able to see one another a few times and have enjoyed each visit immensely. At Thanksgiving we were even lucky enough to visit them, and, enjoy the company of another sister, Tamara, with her sweet family. That visit alone brought together twelve of the kids already thirty one cousins, and believe me, they were in complete heaven. Ryley definitely takes after her mother when it comes to leaving family gatherings because she proceeded to cry the entire drive home about how much she loved and missed her "friends". We promised then that she would get one more time with them before we or they move.

That time has come. They are now preparing a move to New York and the moment this news reached the ears of our daughters they began pleading for that visit. How can you say no to two little girls when the seven year old proclaims, "it will be the perfect finale to a wonderful summer", as the five year old jumps up and down behind her nodding yes over and over. Since Steven wasn't able to take off with such short notice I packed the kiddos in the car last Tuesday and headed out. The drive is about six hours but with snacks, movies, and an hour pit stop to run themselves ragged at a McDonald's playground, it went by in a flash. We of course had a fun and fantastic visit and hope that some day soon we will once again live at least a days drive, or closer, to our wonderful families and cousins.

Thatcher And Three

This past Sunday our sweet little Thatch turned three. We therefore spent Saturday in celebration of him and had a wonderful time doing so. The "Incredible Pizza Place" must be a child's dream because he followed in his sisters footsteps and chose it as the destination to kick off our day of celebration. We returned home after several hours to enjoy cake, ice cream and presents. He was set on having a smily face cake but didn't quite expect the surprise colors that awaited inside. It was great to see his happy reaction - but even greater to cut into it and find that it had actually worked. We opened presents shortly after and can only assume he is happy with our gift choices judging by the fact that he has yet to put any of it down and returned to the garage four times yesterday just to sit in his car and honk the horn.

Giving Thatcher his gifts this year was by far the most exciting aspect. As you know Thatch is surrounded by girls, and with girls comes a great deal of pink. With the exception of his train tracks and cars he has not yet shown strong interest in any specific "boy" toys. For the past few months I have been a fervent "Craigslist/Ebayer" and was able to purchase a variety of great boy toys for fantastic prices.

Thatcher has been such a blessing and gift to our little family. We are so grateful for his sweet smile that brightens every morning and for the joy he brings us each and every day. Happy 3rd Birthday Pal! We love you.