The fortress

The kids have been pretty creative during this summer. This is their fort that they have been playing in from time to time. It is like another world in there. Each kid (their friends Brody and Kayla are "fort people" too) has a different job. There is always a "food person"... his/her job is to (surprise) get the food and drinks for everyone! Then, there is a captain, usually Kayla, who is the oldest....the captain is basically "the boss". The next two positions are a little confusing. One is a guard and the other is a look-out. The look-out yells if any enemies are coming... oh yeah, I usually play that part, even when I am not playing...If the look-out yells, then the guard begins to retaliate, but only the guard can fight, not the look-out. It is all very complicated and very planned. While in the fort, they really do not plan for battles. Typically one will hear loud singing coming from the fort. There are even some creatively original and lyrical songs that are composed within the fortress walls. It's been fun.

Good-bye Teeth

Ayden has become a toothless wonder. He lost his other front tooth yesterday, and of course, the tooth fairy brought him a dollar! Pulling teeth is Ayden's new expertise. He just yanked it out all by himself, in front of his proud sister, Claire. I'm not sure who was more excited!

Summertime Body Art

These are the kinds of things my children do to entertain themselves in the Summer! This week their creative side was unleashed when they were inspired by their Uncle Brian's new tattoo. As you can see there are so many likenesses, although Ayden's arm may be a bit beefier than Brian's!
The detail is quite elaborate on Ayden's close up. You can see how seriously he took this new role as a tattoo artist.




Claire, on the other hand, is still just trying to look cute even if she does have a big purple tat on her arm. Where the detail is lacking, the emphasis on color and style is the priority in her design.
So, we are sending a big THANK YOU to Uncle Brian for his creative inspiration. I am sure the kids would lend their body art expertise to anyone wanting a trial tattoo. Washable marker makes a great alternative to the real thing!!

LAKE TOBIAS

When the kids are with their cousins, Trent and Eli, they are all about playing, playing and more playing!
Lake Tobias is a type of zoo where many of the animals roam on 100 + acres. They drive convertable school buses through the "safari" and stop when the animals are approachable. The kids can pet and feed them. Of course, THEY LOVED IT. The picture above, are the kids reaching for a certain type of small deer. They also had the chance to feed buffalo, llamas, yaks, longhorn cattle, and a few other things that I am forgetting.
Below, Ayden and Claire are petting the very eager elk. The elk are extremely friendly and love to beg for food. This was the highlight of the day!

My Garden

These are pictures of the first rose bush I have ever planted, and the roses are just perfect. I know it is not the most exciting thing to most of you, but I am so excited over them... yes I know I am a HUGE dork. I am NOT, however, as much of a dork as my husband. Yesterday, out of the corner of my eye I spotted him "pulling weeds". As I am shouting, "That is not a weed", he continued to pull. Needless to say, he is not going to do ANY gardening, whatsoever, unless under strict supervision of myself, or the kids. Yes, the kids. Oh, well. At least he was TRYING to help! There are plenty of other plants to make up for the one or two we now lost from Jason's efforts!

CLAIRE TURNS 5

Claire's "dress-as-a-princess-party", also included a sprinkler, decorate-your-own-cupcake, and face painting. This was all, of course, under the direction of the birthday girl!!
She had a terrific time, along with her cousins and about ten of her friends. Claire just lives to have a social life. She loves games, party food, party clothes and LOVES to be surrounded by people having fun...I'm not really sure where she gets that!

Claire and Addy (a bestfriend she has had since her 1st birthday) are waiting patiently for their cupcakes. Sadly Addison and his family are moving to Washington state THIS weekend. Our whole family is pretty bummed, considering we have all become very close friends! BUT what a great excuse to take a trip across the country. (We keep trying to look on the bright side!)

THE STATUE OF LIBERTY

While in NYC in June, we took the Liberty tour and the Ellis Island tour. This was a first for all of us. We had a great time with Brian and Erica, and enjoyed the ferry boat rides! It was SO hot, but the kids were such troopers. Fortunately, Brian suggested bringing the kids' scooters to make traveling around the city more fun for them. They loved it, and needless to say, thought they were very cool.

WELCOME TO THE FAMILY

Not everyone has had a chance to meet our newest family members. We are pleased to introduce, Rosie and Ginnie Guinea Pig. They are about 4 months old and very spoiled. Even the dogs like them,( especially Lilo!!) I think she thinks they are her babies!

KINDERGARTEN GRADUATION

AYDEN'S FIRST FIELD DAY

Musical chairs isn't quite the same when you are required to fit your bum into a bucket filled with ice cold water. Fortunately, Ayden did not get stuck...unfotunately, there were some kids who did!

Ayden and his friends are racing another group of kids, who are also trying to use team work to fill a jug that is laced with holes. He was working at high speed under the direction of his friend Abby!

CLAIRE'S FIRST DANCE RECITAL

Claire made her grand premiere as a ballerina and tap sensation this May. She was striking her poses at home in preparation for the evening show!

She was so proud to accept a dance medal from her teacher and flowers from her big brother!