Out Among Nature

Today's adventure included both a hike and some creek time (no picture proof) with friends AND a visit to a local zoo with other friends. We've been outside almost all day!

This zoo just got red pandas and we caught a few glimpses of one of them. Sophie was thrilled!

The kids spent time pretending to be wolves in this den.

They all got to feed goats. Everyone still has all their fingers.

We're packing a lot of fun into this summer!

The Value of a Dollar

We've already started back-to-school shopping. I took Cooper and Phoebe last week. Yesterday Topher and Sophie had a turn. For the last two years we've set a budget, then let them decide how to spend it. I insist that they go through their clothes at home first and get rid of anything that doesn't fit anymore. They also have to make a list of the items they think they'll need, like a new backpack or additional shirts. Last year I took them out one-on-one to shop. This summer has been so packed with activities that we had to double up. I think it's interesting that both girls bought something, then decided they'd rather use that money elsewhere and asked to return the item. They're learning the power of making and sticking to a budget.

This is Sophie's favorite thing that she's picked out with this year's budget. It's really cute on her!

And don't worry. As soon as I finished taking this picture I went and stopped Topher from climbing up the side of the cart.

Geronimo!

We were invited to a pool party that was thrown by the Primary of our old congregation. Actually, I was the one who picked the date and got it on the calendar, but then I had to hand the planning over to someone else. I was happy that the Primary of our new congregation was included.

I spent most of the party watching kids to make sure they were safe, so I took very few pictures. Sophie had a grand time with her friends that came. Topher also loved it. He spent most of the party swimming around the deep end and jumping off the rocks.

This is one of the only pictures I took. It was right at the end when most of the kids had already gone and I was trying to get him out of the pool.

I have to ask him not to land on his head on a pretty regular basis. I guess he liked the freedom to ignore me in this situation.

Back In the Water

We met friends last Friday morning and splashed around in a creek. I think playing in creeks might be the unofficial theme of our summer, we've never done it this often before. It has certainly helped us deal with the many hot days we've had.

A Step On the Path

My nephew Legend was baptized yesterday and we were able to attend! 

Sophie sang a musical number and I was asked to give a talk on the Holy Ghost. Legend's grandma on his mom's side gave a talk on baptism first and had visual aids of a path with footsteps she'd prepared. When she finished her prepared remarks she whispered to me that there were a few footstep cutouts left if I wanted to use them. I incorporated them into what I had prepared and we suddenly looked like we were really well coordinated. I was so happy I could participate in Legend's special day.

On a related note, yesterday I learned that I've been saying the word persevere wrong my entire life. I spelled it on the board the way I have been saying it: perservere. Whoops.

Legend, we love you and we're so happy you chose to be baptized!

The Bells

After many years of wanting them and borrowing some from a friend for Primary on Sunday, I finally bought my own set of educational handbells. Topher and Sophie are really enjoying them. Topher spent time this week sitting at the piano, ringing a bell, and finding the corresponding keys. He was pretty excited to discover how many Cs were on the keyboard.

Tasty and Patriotic

For Independence Day this year I tried to follow the great example of my friend Elise. She makes a flag cake every year as part of their celebration. I modified it a little and made a giant sugar cookie cake.

It was so well received it disappeared soon after it was cut.

Thanks for the inspiration, Elise!

Soporific

Topher: (while driving home from the library yesterday) Mom, sometimes I go deaf. And sometimes, I go blind.

Me: (glancing at Phoebe in the passenger seat only to discover she's just as confused by his statement as I am) Oh? Does this happen at specific times?

Topher: Yes.

Me: When?

Topher: I never hear the end of Moon Song or Mockingbird.

For context, those are his favorite bedtime songs. Based on what he said, I guess they're pretty effective.

Feeling Mischievous

Cooper, Peter, and I have been watching the Marvel movies and TV shows with Phoebe. We finished the second season of Loki tonight. Peter kindly lent her some costume pieces and she was overjoyed.

She's a fan of Marvel, can you tell?

Forever Friends

We just got home from a bowling/dinner hangout with dear friends from college. These are some of our "cousin friends" who we don't see often, but who we love and reconnect with right away.