Fabulous Family

Grandma and Grandpa Chandler and Kristi, Josh, Adam, Alyse, and Ely all visited in June.  We loved having them visit.  We just wish the weather had cooperated a little more - we had tons and tons of rain.  We enjoyed hanging out in the house quite a bit and playing outside when we got a chance.  We can't wait to go see Kristi and Josh and kids at their place in Ohio - August is just around the corner!  

The beloved children's garden

Longwood was, of course, on the menu, and we even got one whole day of sunshine to go!  

Megan and Grandpa staining my curbside find

My parents are amazing and went to work on so many of our unfinished projects - and finished them.  THANK YOU!  

Story time with Grandpa

Grandpa played Halloween with Matthew and Jacob and had a special Halloween story time.  I loved finding them sitting like this.  Priceless.

 

Mom, Kristi and I had some good talks.  I am so grateful for them and their love and support.  What a blessing to have such amazing women to talk, cry, and laugh with. It's always hard to say goodbye.  Love you, Mom and Kristi!

I love this picture of my dad.  I don't even know who took it - probably one of the kids. Anyway, I love the my dad can be goofy and have fun with everyone. So many good memories of him "hee-hawing" (laughing) . . . now you know where I got it - the goofiness and the uncontrollable laughter.

Whistling with grass
One of my dad's talents is "whistling" with long pieces of grass.  He spent some time teaching the girls last summer while we were in Utah, and this summer they perfected the skill.

Walking to Washington's Headquarters at Valley Forge
We love you, Grampy and Grammy!

Blah

Today I've felt a little blah, a little blue, a little under the weather. No particular reason that I can put my finger on. Just blah. I've felt a little like toad in the story "Spring" from my Frog and Toad Treasury. I called Kristi, and she suggested I do a little blogging. Well, you got it, my friends. Several posts, and guess what, I'm not feeling nearly so blah now! Thanks, Kristi! I also put up some pictures I've been meaning to hang, moved around the furniture in the living room, and ate some rocky road ice cream (thanks mom).

Incidentally, there is a great little story about ice cream in my Frog and Toad Treasury, too. And one about cookies needing to be tied up in a box so they are not all devoured with resulting sick stomachs, and one about making lists (a personal compulsion), and one about looking ridiculous in a bathing suit (ahem), and a whole bunch of others. Who says those are kids' stories? Arnold Lobel was plainly writing for adults (me) with fun pictures for the kids. Check it out. Read it. You'll laugh out loud and agree.

There. Now I'm not so blah. Thanks, Kristi, Blogspot, Mom (and Turkey Hill creamery) and last, but not least, Frog and Toad (even though I can't get the stupid image to upload of their cute book. Oh well, not gonna let that get me down - you all know what they look like). And now I'm going to bed.

Memorial Day Weekend

We had guests for Memorial Day weekend - Laura and Tim (who is an expert at avoiding the camera)! it was so fun to have them here. We enjoyed yummy Indian food, a Sunday stroll at Jenkins Arboretum, our ward's annual Fun Run at Valley Forge, and a killer Italian dinner courtesty of Laura and Tim.

Darin, Laura, Tim, Sarah and Megan all rode bikes at the Fun Run - with bright pink, green, and blue hair! Well, the girls had colorful hair anyway. They have decided they should spray their hair everytime they are together (see top photo that will not cooperate and move down). The girls always love Laura to come visit - she is so much fun and will do things that boring mom won't. Sarah came in first place on the ride and thankfully, Laura and Tim stuck with Megan after a nasty fall. They all finished, though! The boys and I opted for the shorter bike path around the pinic area, but we had a great time, too. Thanks, for coming, Laura and Tim! Come again soon!

Skip to my Lou my darlin'

We go on nature walks . . . a lot. No surprise there. We had a great time walking along the river a few nights ago. Darin remains the rock skippin' king - nearly skipped a couple of them all the way across the river. The kids are getting better and love to keep trying. Jacob does especially well skipping sticks. I'm good at making splashes and not skippin' a bit.

I love all the old stone buildings hiding in the woods around here. This one just needs a new roof and some windows and doors and I'd move right in.

Junk

I made some lemon squares for Activity Days and let my family have some small pieces that we didn't need. Matthew's comment: "Mom! This is the most delicious junk I've ever tasted!"

Two Graduates

Matthew graduated from Pre-K on May 22nd, 2009. He attended a Christian preschool and it was so fun to have him come home telling us Bible stories and singing songs about being a child of God. Thanks to Mrs. Tyrell and Miss Maureen for a fantastic year! Watch out Kindergarten - a firecracker is on his way over!

Megan was promoted from elementary school on June 12th, 2009. She has been a great student and friend. Thanks Miss Zinicola and Mrs. Thompson for a great year. Some highlights: Megan's rainforest presentation, 4th grade talent show, fun day, circus field trip, 4th grade picnic. Way to go, Meg! Good luck in Middle School next year!

Playing Catch Up

The next few posts will probably be updates on a few of our activities lately since I've been way too lazy to post.  Here goes. . .

Easter was a fun weekend with our great friends the Howells.  We went to Longwood, had a fun park day, had an indoor egg hunt thanks to the rain, enjoyed a parents' night out (thank you Sarah for watching ALL of the other kids!), and a middle eastern meal on the floor for our Easter dinner.  We love having them around.  (I wish I had remembered my camera on our outings, but these will have to do.)


My Grandma Chandler (Mama) and Aunt Lynn came to visit a couple of weeks ago.  We LOVED having them here.   We enjoyed a trip to Longwood, of course, and a sheep shearing day at a colonial farm.  We also enjoyed a BBQ with Lynn's brother and his family. Turns out they live pretty close to us!  Mostly we enjoyed talking and laughing together!  Thank you Mama and Lynn for spending some time with us!  You are welcome any time. We love you!   

LONGWOOD

Mama and all of us




Aunt Lynn and the Italian Water Garden

SHEEP SHEARING DAY - BAAAAAA!

Before. . .  HAAAAAAAWT!


During . . .  AWWWWWWW! (This was actually amazing to watch.  The sheep really didn't fight at all - which I'm sure was good considering the size of those shears!)

After.  AHHHHHHHHHH!

Carding wool is tougher than it looks.  Sarah and Matthew opted for the team approach.

We had a great time.  More to come . . .