Sum-sum-summertime!

We are having a blast this summer! There are so many things to do in this beautiful part of the country... Even if the humidity makes you want to gag when you walk out the door. Once you get used to it (and decide that a hairstyle is just not going to happen this time of year), you just sweat and have fun. The boys are swimming, I'm working out--everyone's happy! Here's a little bit of what we're up to lately... in no particular order :o)

We have started a little tradition--for Christmas Bennett got his own cookbook, and every Saturday morning he or Ethan gets to pick something to make. I found the most adorable "manly" kid aprons at the Williams-Sonoma/Pottery Barn outlet in the spring, and the boys put them on every chance they get. Here's last week's menu: Bennett made French Toast with strawberries, peaches, and powdered sugar--straight from the picture in the cookbook!

Chef in Training

This one gets a thumbs-up from the critic

The parks here are incredible. Even in the middle of the summer, it's still green and you don't have to drive far to find plenty of open space. We found this park literally in our backyard last week; it's what's on the other side of the trees that back up to our house. We're just soaking it in...

This little guy hopped out of the trees onto our deck--
any idea of what kind of frog he is? Should we be worried???

Each Monday morning the local city hall pavilion sponsors a different children's entertainer--ie: kids' rock bands, magicians, animal specialists, etc. There's a stage and a huge grassy area--you bring a blanket and snacks, and the rest is covered! Yesterday a magician did the show and he was fantastic--I could not believe that he held my boys' full attention for 45 minutes; Bennett even waited until everyone else had left so he could go talk to the "magic guy". I got his card, and who knows when we'll be able to afford a magician for a birthday party--but when we can, I'll call him!

We've obviously moved into the right ward. On Saturday we went to the bishop's house for an activity, and we were floored to find that he lives on 12 acres in a children's dreamland. Literally! He and his wife run a summer camp, complete with a moonbounce, 2 pools, a waterslide, huge sandpit and playhouse--and that's just the beginning... The boys had a grand old time playing and making new friends. Jeremy strained every muscle in his body playing SpeedBall, and I got a fantastic sunburn :o)

Ethan: "There's a crocodile in the pool, Mommy--
is he going to eat me?"

Instead of a carwash, it's a kidwash... Cute, huh?
Ethan's in there somewhere!

So there, you should feel extremely up-to-date on the goings-on in our home... Little by little, we're expanding our comfort zones, exploring more of the world, and having a great time in the process. We're all making new friends, keeping in touch with old ones, and are grateful for life. We love you!