First Piano Recital

Richard played in his first piano recital! I teach him, but I don't teach anyone else. So, having a recital was not really at the top of my list of things to do. However, one of my good friends does teach piano lessons and was having a recital. She invited Richard to be part of her recital so he would have an opportunity to play. I thought he did a great job for his very first recital. We weren't totally ready, because I only had two days notice, but I think he played very well. Hopefully he won't struggle with nervousness like I do.

Family Reunion

The day after Scott got home, we went to a family reunion with my Mom's side of the family. We sat around and ate and talked and caught up with cousins and aunt's and uncles. The kids played on park equipment, made bubbles, and played water game. I had a very enjoyable evening.

Fun without Scott (is there such a thing?)

Scott decided to be on the staff for a scout camp. He also is the leader over Varsity scouts in our church and had to take them on their summer camp. So, between those two things and his being busy trying to prepare for those two things and to be ready to be away from work, he was not around much in July. I did my best to find fun things for the kids to do to keep them occupied and to make the time go faster. I figured they deserved to have a fun-filled summer even though Scott was gone and so couldn't help.

We first went to a nearby railroad. Peter LOVES trains and we thought it would be fun to take them on a train ride. I found a coupon back to use, but Scott just couldn't find a time to make it work. So, I took them by myself. The kids had a great time! I was glad we picked the shortest ride, because they were definitely getting bored. However, we were just climbing in the car to leave when Peter asked when we could go again. I guess that makes it a success!

We also went to a local water park quite a few times. The kids had a lot of fun with that. We often went with either friends or family, and so that helped keep things exciting. All the kids seem a lot more confident in the water. I am glad we got the passes that allowed us to go an unlimited number of times, because then I felt OK about only staying for a couple of hours. On time we went and they closed the attractions 10 minutes after we got there due to lightning. We decided to wait and see what would happen, because there seemed to be sunny skies in the distance. Most people opted to just leave. So, a little more than an hour before the park would have closed anyway, they opened the attractions. There was hardly anyone there! Marie and Peter had the whole baby pool to themselves for quite a while. Only about 4 other kids ever eventually joined them. It turned out to be a great outing! (I have no pictures of this. It's too hard to maneuver a camera around water and keep four kids safe by yourself. Sorry.)

Richard and Audrey took swimming lessons and passed their levels. I was able to carpool with a friend. We'd take turns driving and watching the littler kids. That worked out really well. Hopefully all the time in the water this summer will help them keep the skills they've learned.

Part of the crowd

Peter just wanted to wear a headband like Marie and Audrey. I figured if we're just in the house, does it matter? Besides, Scott was gone and couldn't tell me no :).

July 4th weekend

We invited some friends up to my parent's cabin. There were 10 adults and 16 kids. We had a full house but had so much fun! We all have young his, so a night out with all of us without our children is difficult. We were bake to stay up late playing games and eating snacks while still being able to monitor the kiddos. The kids had fun running around outside, riding bikes, swinging, and being crazy. We all went on a walk to a nearby abandoned coal mine. That assured all the kids were plenty dirty. 

On Monday night, we joined those same friends in a backyard to have a BBQ and eat leftover food from the weekend. We then went to the sidewalk in front of our house and enjoyed fireworks. It started to rain, though. Oh, well. 

I love to celebrate the freedoms our founding fathers worked so hard to provide for us