Lost Turtle

Amber and Daddy ran out to get ice cream for us the other night and it poured down rain. As they returned home, this turtle was stuck at the curb near across from our home. Daddy caught it and the kids enjoyed it as a "pet" for a few minutes. 

Then Daddy released it back into the woods. ;-)

Clara

8-Year Anniversary!

It will be eight years for Lucas and me this next week!
Amber asked about my veil and wedding dress the other day. I still have my veil that Granny D. made, so I let Amber try it on with me. ;-)

Amber took this picture of me.

Brent Pumping On His Own Now!

The kids are slowly getting better.  

Here we were at the park last weekend. Brent loves his independence on the swing. 

Helping Dad Put the Trash Out

While I was at vestibular PT this past Monday, Lucas had the younger two kids help him take the trash to the curb for pick-up. Brent really likes to do "man jobs."  [Amber was sick inside with a high fever, and in another day or two Brent and Clara followed suit with sickness]. 

Church/Homeschool Friends Now Moved to FL

Drew and Evan were good friends to my kids this year. They saw each other on Sundays at church and Thursdays (Bible study mornings), and sometimes for a homeschool picnic. Their mom is a great friend and mentor to me as well.  Amber, Drew, and Evan were all in k5 this year. Now the family has moved to FL; we will miss them lots. But Brent thinks it's pretty cool they live in a state now with alligators! lol. 

Bottom Bunk

While we had family staying and helping me for 6 weeks, Lucas built the bottom bunk bed so that our guest could use Brent's room/bed. All 3 kids shared a room for those weeks...they had a great time. :) Now the bottom bunk is Clara's regular bed, and the toddler bed in the corner is the "reading nook." Brent is back in his room. 

City Life

Brent drew this "city" skyline picture last week. Interesting, last night we were watching the World Cup, USA game, and the TV panned a shot of Rio city. Brent said, "I wouldn't want to live in a big city! I like to live in a little city like where we are."  

So interesting to view the world and DC through the eyes of a child. ;-D

Enjoying a Freshly-Sealed Street

They hadn't let the cars drive in yet, but...several of the neighbor kids and us were enjoying the open space. 

Clara was making "soup" and watching the kids. Later she joined them, riding around on her little Mickey bike. 

Strawberry Picking on Father's Day

A Walk on Family Date Night

A pond near Lucas' work building. 

Amber and Brent are looking down at a snapping turtle!

Some big fish in there too!

Clara and Her "'Let It Go' Braids"!

Brent

Elsa and Anna Dolls

The girls are a little obsessed with the Frozen movie. ;-) As part of their birthday presents, they got Anna and Elsa dolls. 

Back to the Farm Park

I have been feeling better, headache & dizziness-wise, so we ventured out with G'ma to Frying Pan Farm again. The birds and pigs were quite active that day; the kids almost got splashed with mud from the pigs. 

Of course the kids loved the carousel. (And I didn't get dizzy on it - so thankful!)

Fun Random Things

Grandma has been teaching Clara how to play "big kid" games better. 

This gentleman lives in our neighborhood and we often see him walking his three Newfoundlands in the evening. These dogs are like bear-size! One night I asked if we could get a picture of his dogs. He told me to get in the picture as well. lol.  I don't know HOW he can manage 3 big dogs like this in a townhouse!

A little bit of work...to catch a frog at dusk. ;-D

Church and Church Picnic

All ready for church. Clara likes to carry her own diaper bag sometimes. 

Later that evening we had a picnic with a few other church families. The hosts had a trampoline!...a huge favorite with the kids!

Such a nice table setting. 

The "boy table." 

The "little girl" table. 

More trampoline fun after dinner.