Summer Fun

Our family has 'school' through the year since we have the philosophy that living is learning and that happens all the time.  But since others have a summer break it makes for some extra fun with friends as well as random experiements.  The kids recycled our shredded bills and made paper one day with Kent.

Friends from Tucson came for a day and kept my little ones happily occupied. Its funny to think that the last time they came was when Bubby was being blessed and so much has changed.  They really do grow up fast.

Our annual pass to Wet'n Wild has been wonderful and we've seen Bubby get more comfortable and try out new things.  He seems to enjoy the rides and will often go if he has a sibling to take with him.

Our monthly visits to AZ on the Rocks has paid off.  Pumpkin finally decided to try climbing since the three of us were having so much fun.  She didn't go too far up but she was proud of her efforts.  Given time I think she'll be climbing as much as her sister.

The kids wanted me to do a birthday cake for the country so this was what I pulled together last minute.  Anytime there's singing and cake Bubby is a happy man.

Bug started chess lessons and the first few tournaments were a little rough.  She's starting to hold her own as she thinks more about strategy rather then how to just survive.  This was a particularly intense game that I had to quiet the boys so she could think and make her moves for herself.

We have found a library we love and are willing to make the drive for.  They had some amazing art classes over the summer that the older two enjoyed and a massive area for the littles to play and learn.

Free slurpee day!  Once a year I allow this sugar craziness.

I took out a book about Keith Haring and on an afternoon of mild boredom we watched a short documentary on his work and the restoration of it.  It had them doing their own artwork for a few hours after.

We never like it when friends aren't well but it had been a while since we'd seen these ones from Snowflake. We took a day to visit with them in the hospital and hope it cheered their hearts.

We've begun culinary classes of sorts.  Bud is now in charge of every Sunday meal and Bug does the dessert.  It's been great to see their confidence grow with working in the kitchen.  Bug is learning fractions quickly since I often give her only a half cup with which to measure everything and Bud is learning to work with meat, beans and tofu.  He now understands why I cook the way I do and there's less complaining.  I hope he'll be a good chef in a few years make a real difference to his future wife and family.

All in all, lots of fun and learning.  We are so blessed with the life we live.