Kids' sky hike and miniature golf in ridiculously humid weather followed up with a ride on the train to enjoy the shade and perhaps catch a few wisps of breeze = adventure.
Getting absolutely soaked by rain on the way to the car and skipping/puddle-splashing/singing rain songs while everyone else huddled under shelter = what made it a most fun and memorable birthday morning!
Gabe's our builder!
He likes to play Jenga the conventional way, but he's thrilled when the tower falls over and he gets to build free form. In fact, partway through the game, he usually commanderes the pile of "already removed" blocks and begins construction. Then, as each block is removed from the Jenga tower, he eagerly claims it for his project!
The kids absolutely love riding bikes in the church parking lot. This time they even raced with Naomi on foot and Gabe on bike. Andrew trotted around, begged for (and got!) rides on both bikes, and played in the bushes.
Turning in summer reading charts and selecting their prizes!
Gabe selected one about Henry and his huge dog Mudge (I was previously unfamiliar with these characters, but we liked the book). Naomi chose one that compared great white sharks to killer whales...not what I GUESSED she would choose, but both kids were fascinated by it!
Andrew often grabs a book, backs right up to me and plops in my lap. On Sunday morning, he thrilled Naomi by plopping in HER lap! And it thrilled this mama to see some quiet group kissin' and gigglin' over books!
Andy's trying out the toddler bed right now. He's thrilled about it, but I see no signs yet of him thinking about actually falling asleep in it!
We actually didn't get pictures of most of our Independence Day activities...but we're big on fire safety, as you can see!
We are proud to be American, and I love teaching my children the significance of our country's symbols, the history of our country and how to be respectful of the flag and the people who have served our country. Happy 4th of July!
I'm back in the swing of things and thrilled about it! Our activity of the day? Washing the van with water squirters! Perhaps not very efficient...or effective...but filled with laughter!
