Performance Art

This was from a few evenings ago, but Mom has been too tired in the evenings to post. Anna is a ball of fire these days. She asked to use her sidewalk chalk paint, but decided her body was a better canvas (plus it kept the mosquitos from munching on her legs - BONUS!) When she was finished, Daddy hosed her down. I'll bet that was very refreshing for Anna -- and satisfying for Daddy.

G&D Corral

Today we visited the G&D Corral, better known as George & Debbie's place. We had a beautiful afternoon to be outside and ride the horses. While Anna has ridden Zip before, we had yet to be introduced to their new horse, Trios. After Anna had a turn on each of the boys, and everyone else got a turn out on the prairie, we hung out with the dogs and ate. We had pulled pork that George had been smoking on the Green Egg, and peach cobbler thanks to Debbie. What a great day with friends!

Visit to the Museum of History

This evening we headed over to the Museum of History. We saw some really cool things, including a buffalo and two petrified dinosaur eggs! As we left, Anna enjoyed walking past the native plants, and stopped to smell the Russian sage. They were holding an outdoor showing of Bringing Up Baby, which we would have LOVED to stayed and watch, but our baby was too tired this particular night. Maybe next week we'll bring our camp chairs and blanket and watch Raiders of the Lost Ark. Who says there's nothing to do in this town?!

Happy Birthday to Dad

This past weekend we had a birthday party for Daddy. Nana and Grand-Dad stayed for the weekend, and Grandma, Papa, Aunt Wendy and Ryan came to the party on Saturday evening. (Uncle Rick was home recuperating. We love you, Rick! Heal quickly!) Several of our wonderful friends came by, as well. The kids played in the sand table, doused each other with water, stomped the stomp rockets, and had a grand, raucous time. The adults played ladder-ball and ate barbeque. It was a great evening. We're so lucky! Happy Birthday, Alex. XOxo

(Oh, and notice the late night party crasher! top photo)

VBS

This week Anna attended vacation bible school with her friends Rebecca and Nathan. The theme was Paul and the Roman underground church. One room was staged as a jail cell with Paul and Brutus, the guard. Brutus asked the kids, "What is a sinner?" Anna excitedly shouted out, "Table toys!" She had misunderstood, and thought he said, "What is Centers?" At her preschool, every day Anna does what's called Centers. They have different activities that they cycle through, many involving different table toys. Later they did "chariot races" with cardboard chariots. And the marketplace had lots of fun things like pottery painting, face painting, beads and a loom. She had a really great time.

Special Delivery

Okay, just a quick post, but this was too cute. Anna was outside swinging on the porch swing while I watered plants. While I stepped inside to put the watering can down, Anna knocked at the front door. When I opened the door she said, "Hi, I'm Jerry. Here's your pizza."

Celebrating Independence

Happy 4th! We spent a really fun day among neighbors and friends. We started the morning with our annual neighborhood parade. But this year, instead of just watching from our curb, we decided to join in. We decorated Anna's wagon and strolled with the dozens of other families, a band, bagpipers, fire trucks, classic cars, festively dressed dogs on leashes, a couple of tortoise (yes, you read correctly!)...for 11 blocks! Then we quickly ran over to watch ANOTHER neighborhood parade (our old neighborhood) with friends. Anna and Mom got to take a ride around the park in a 1930 Ford. With two parades under our belts, we headed over to Liz's house to help set up her pool. Anna was really itching to get in, so finally, when it had filled up enough, we let her dive in. The water was absolutely freezing, but Anna didn't seem to notice or care. (Note the water cannon.) By the end of the day, none of us were too concerned about heading out to see a big display of fireworks, and Anna was out long before any fireworks displays began. Maybe next year, when all of us have more stamina...or a nap.