Rain, Rain

We've been in a drought this summer. A Pennsylvania drought looks different than a California drought or a Utah drought. The grass is still mostly green, but it's not the vibrant green it usually is. We've had a few storms, but not as many as usual.

The storm we're having today feels like it's trying to make up for all the rain we've missed.

The youth activity for tonight was cancelled because roads are flooded.

I had to drive through the storm multiple times.

It felt biblical.

This picture doesn't do it justice.

It's Too Darn Hot*

Today is a stay-inside-with-the-curtains-closed-to-keep-the-heat-out-and-the-cool-in kind of day.

*Can you name the musical?

Nature in Action

"Mom! Mom! I know a perfect picture I can take, can I use your phone?" -Topher, moments before he captured this picture of a bee visiting the lavender in our backyard.

Airborne

Bye Spring

The last day of spring was spent having s'mores at a campfire with friends after a rainy morning. We even got a double rainbow.

Parked

Today was a beautiful day, just the right temperature. Topher, Sophie, and I spent the morning at a park for a primary meeting, the middle of the day at a different park (with Phoebe) for a ukulele performance, and the afternoon at a state park swimming in a creek with friends.

After a shower and dinner, once he climbed into bed, Topher fell asleep almost immediately.

The secret to a good sleep is a day full of parks.

Camped

Phoebe and Sophie went to girl's camp last week. I drove Phoebe up on Tuesday morning for YCL (Youth Camp Leader) day.

Then I drove Sophie up on Wednesday morning.

They both had a wonderful time and said it was their best camp experience yet. I failed to take any pictures when I picked them up, but I did get this amazing shot of Sophie's hair after being in Dutch braids for a few days!

We missed them while they were gone, but we're glad they had such a great time!

Play Ball!

A few weeks before school ended Sophie had the opportunity to sing the national anthem with the other elementary chorus singers at a local AAA baseball game. We went to support her, then stayed for the game. Peter even joined us after a long day of missionary work. Phoebe was on a school trip, so she missed the game.

She did a great job!

The weather turned cold during the game. I held on as long as I could, but I finally retreated to the van during the eighth inning. I took Topher with me and he found several more photo ops.

The game went into extra innings, so Bryan, Cooper, and Sophie (Peter had driven separately and had already left) decided to call it and headed for the van. As they were walking out a hit ball landed right at their feet. It was a pretty cool souvenir.

Lazy Days

Summer break so far has included turning off alarms, swimming at a friend's pool, and spending many hours at a different friend's house today. I think we're off to a good start.

The Giving Tree

A half-day of school equals mid-day conversations under a tree.

Feels Like Summer

We've had two exceptionally hot days in a row. It's supposed to get cold again over the weekend, so we tried to enjoy it while we could.

You Missed a Spot

I spent a major chunk of my day mowing the lawn. It's the first cut of the year and it's overdue, so it was a slow process. I thought ahead and made sure I put sunscreen on my arms, neck, and face. I ran out of time before I could finish and had to hurry inside and shower so I could pick up Topher from the bus on time.

I knew I was tired from all that manual labor. But I felt extra tired. It wasn't until Sophie pointed something out that I realized why. I had put sunscreen on my arms and neck and face, but not on my legs. It was nearly 90 degrees today and I wore shorts. Sophie asked if the back of my legs hurt. I looked behind me and saw that the backs of my knees are very sunburnt.

'Tis the season.

The Best Day

Monday was the last day of our spring break. It was actually a four-day weekend, but it's all we got. To celebrate, we took the kids to see The Super Mario Galaxy Movie in the afternoon. Before that, Bryan took Topher to the park to play. On the way home from the movie, Topher announced that it was the best day of his life.

Welcome Spring

It warmed up enough to go on a walk over the weekend. It's cold again now, but for just a little bit, being outside was pleasant.

Drenched

We had three days of beautifully warm weather. 

And today it snowed.

But yesterday, it was still warm. Rain was expected right about the time I needed to pick Topher up from the bus. Sure enough, just as he ran from the bus to our van, fat raindrops started to fall. He asked if he could please run home while I drove next to him, even though it was raining. I would normally have said no, but on a whim I said yes.

He was soaking wet when we arrived, but so very happy, despite the look on his face in these pictures.

What Goes Up

Yesterday Topher's tree climbing required an intervention. He's never been that high up. Thankfully Bryan was able to talk him through climbing back down.

Thanks to Sophie for grabbing my phone and taking pictures.

Warming Up

It finally warmed up today! For the first time in months there is no snow in our yard. The temperature was in the 30s when the kids left for school and in the high sixties by the time they got home. Topher changed into shorts and spent the afternoon playing in the backyard with his friends next door. I opened all the windows and let fresh air blow through my house.

It was glorious.