Cousin Camp!

The summer was winding down, what better way to send off the hazy lazy days than by celebrating with cousin camp! Lead by my fearless aunt this was the first year of what we all hope to be an annual event. Our fabulous camp leaders not only opened their beautiful lodge for all of the little campers, but held contests, games and provided the campers with a water park and, wild wood bear hunt! If that was not enough the food would bring you back for more! A five star chef provided BBQ and the peach pie was out of this world. Each camper walked away wanting more and confident in their new found skills and friendships strengthened though their experience. In other words a wonderful time was had by all!

Our Favorite Books To Read On A Fall Day

We LOVE read at our house. The girls think books are the best way to to cuddle up and spend an afternoon. I love all books, however children's books have always held a special place in my heart. Here are just some of our favorites:

Frances, books by Russell Hoban and Illustrated by Lillian Hoban. (The language and turn of phrase makes the stories a favorite of kids and parents alike. Paul and I have these at the top of our list!)

Arthur, books by Lillian Hoban. (These are great, I Can Read Books, for beginners)

Little Bear, by Else Holmelund Minarik, Pictures by Maurice Sendak. (A series of gentle and charming stories illustrated by Maurice Sendak, need I say more?)

Amelia Bedelia, by Peggy Parrish. (This is another great series that the kids find quite funny.)

Frog and Toad Are Friends, by Arnold Lobel.

Hot Potato Mealtime Rhymes, by Neil Philip. (A new favorite.)

The Little House Series, by Laura Ingalls Wilder. (We read these again and again and even listen to them in the car; they are much beloved. The girls like to call themselves Mary, Laura and Baby Carrie and my, how those personalities match up!)

All books by Laura Numeroff, If You Give a Pig a Pancake, is my favorite.

Fancy Nancy, by Jane O'Connor, written by a mother of all boys! (These are books that scream: Wear a tutu while you read me! My girls LOVE them.)

How I Became a Pirate, by Melinda Long. (Almost all pirate books are welcome in our house, this one is extra good.)

Happy Birthday My Little Pirate!

Lila celebrated her birthday pirate style! Friends and family joined our crew as we claimed Grandma and Grandpa"s Sandbar as our own pirate island to hunt for real buried treasure and some serious sword fights! Lila was Captain Jack Sparrow, Anya was Elizabeth Swan and Annette was Baby Jones of Baby Jones locker. Although her sisters wanted to dress her up as the kracken. She said "NO! I Baby Jones!" hence her take on the infamous Davey Jones and his locker. And let me tell you she was one tough pirate!

A Summers Worth of Pictures

Here are some of our favorite summer moments, we had a great time swimming, playing with cousins, uncles, aunts, grandmas, and grandpas.

One memorable trip was to Hurricane Ridge for the girls first hike. After FOUR trips to the bathroom, and a picnic lunch followed by another bathroom trip we made the hike. And it was great fun! There were deer, chipmunks, and grouse to be seen and chocolate in our pockets to keep us going, we couldn't have asked for better. We even made it back in time for another bathroom break. It was evidently the girls favorite spot, although Paul and I preferred the views.

As always the summer went way too fast, and we didn't get everything in but it gives us something to look forward to next year.

My Eyes

Hello there. Its been awhile however I have a good reason this time: I couldn't see!

In May I came down with Irititus Uvitis, a fun name to say less fun to have happen to you. The cells in my eyes were inflamed and while I could see somewhat it was like having lotion in my eyes or living in a smokey world. To top it off the treatments were steroid drops, not a problem, and keeping my eyes dilated 24/7 with drops, not as easy, and some herbs that taste, I swear, just like dirt. All of a sudden I couldn't focus or go out into the light without sunglasses and guaranteed headache. My kids faces were blurs, I couldn't see to take care of injuries or read to them, and cooking became extra fun. (Are those carrots I'm chopping? How hot is the oven?) Reading wasn't possible except for the hour before my next round of drops and if I tried really hard. I did find the joys of large print and have a whole new appreciation for the elderly and their sight issues. My mother bless her became my driver, and Dad the babysitter for my numerous doctor visits.

I am happy to say as of this week I now have a clean bill of health and only have to see the eye doctor if this pops up again or for a normal checkup. I started going to our local Acupuncture and wellness clinic for Chinese medicine and herbal treatments the day after my diagnosis and that's an interesting experience unto itself, I know it's been helpful, even my eye doctor and his family go to the same place! So going through one of my worst fears (losing my eyesight) it took a small army to help me, but God is good and life is back on track. Bring on the books, and let the adventures begin!

Quick, quick before April is really over: A little news from the zoo

I have been a bit remiss about posting lately, The blog has been still, but the zoo is a busy little place. The weather here has been fine and we have started back with our walks to the park to air out. The girls are excited to be back and not to bundle up for a day out, and I loved how worn out we all are after our outings.

March brought many fun moments and seemed to fly because of it. Anya's Birthday was a fun day, we went to the Dancing Brush Art Studio to paint teacups with our friends and Grandpa took some great photos I will post soon. There was also a kite making party at church, followed by a kite flying picnic, I missed the picnic because Annette was under the weather, but I hear that the gals were in their element running around like crazies trying to get their kites to fly. Again Papa has pictures, they will be up soon.

As April dashed in we celebrated Easter and Lila accepted the Lord into her heart in Sunday school, I am her teacher and it was very special to help her as she came to an understanding of God's great gift to us, His Son. We rounded out our day with an Easter egg hunt and party at Grandma Teri and Papa Mark's house. Annette is just sure that chocolate should be the main staple in her diet, she can't help it's in her blood.

Lila asked the other day if broccoli was good for her she said: "It's full of vitamin seeds isn't it mom?
Also said by Lila: "You know God, and Jesus and the Holy spirit?... They're just really great guys."

Also, I almost forgot, Annette is daytime diaper free!!! This is a great day for me, and we're all doing the happy dance at the zoo. That kid will do anything for chocolate!

Happy Birthday Anya!

Happy Birthday, my big seven year old!

Daddy and I are so proud of you and all your adventures. You make us smile, laugh, always keep us on our toes and are the helper we could not do without. You ask the funniest questions sometimes, Daddy is still trying to explain to you what air quotes are.

We love you more than you know.