This Week...
...I went with Paul's class on a field trip to the Hanford Reach Museum. It was actually really cool, contrary to my first opinion. They had three different stations that the kids rotated through-furs and pelts, history of the area, and plants of the area.
On display: Pieces of art made out of trash from the Columbia River
The exhibit room
Then it was off to the Playground of Dreams for some lunch and play time. The kids were excited, but it was extremely hot. I snapped one of Paul and his friend Caleb Acevedo.
A wormy face
...Paul started piano lessons. He wasn't too excited at the prospect at first. But, he has since learned how much fun it can be. He loves to practice and sing along when he names the notes.
...I volunteered in Emma's classroom and saw her study skills in action. She came back to sit by me as I worked at the back table.
...we released some lady bugs for Family Home Evening. Aphids were eating our front bushes, and fast. Ladybugs are the cure, apparently. Fun and useful. Lainey helped me pick them up from Fred Meyers, but she wasn't quite sure about them.
...we brought in a load of rock to finish off the landscaping. The Elders came over to help us move it around. Our friend, Ryan Hull let us borrow his truck to get the rock. This was our view out the back.
Elder Wilcox shoveled the rock out of the bed of the truck.
Elder Singley dumped the loads of rock where I needed them.
These two Elders worked hard with us to move the rock, but they also work hard every day as missionaries. They are a companionship that you can tell gets along and works effectively. We've really had a great time creating opportunities for member missionary work with these two.
...our spring flowers are blooming. Our peonies were transplants from my mom. Love them! They were strong and hearty this year. The azalea is one from last year, looking gorgeous. The rhododendron is a new purchase and opening up beautifully.
...Jason went to Lainey's preschool class for career week. Corporal Erickson always looks good in his uniform.
Jason gave a safety presentation to the class.
The kids were more enthralled with the rolly pollies they found along the sidewalk than in the Deputy and Sheriff's car in the front yard.
He handcuffed Allie (she's family). The kids thought that was the best!
Coming through the backseat is always fun for kids to experience.
Photo Op with the group.
...Emma made sopapillas. I admit, I was reluctant to let her try them out. The work and mess were forefront in my mind as reasons why not. But I relented. She mixed them up and I helped with the frying. Then we all had fun eating them! Delicious!
...we received an awesome neighbor gift. As we've started and completed the landscaping in the front yard, we've helped our neighbors on both sides along the way. We've put in curbing and helped with plants. Our neighbors, the Levy's felt appreciative and gave us a nice card and gift certificate to Cedars Restaurant. It touched our hearts. What an unexpected treat to be able to take our kids out for a fun night.
...we made photo stories. This was a requirement for Paul in Cub Scouts. We just got everyone involved. The requirement was to take three photos that told a story. I prompted them at first, but they were soon coming up with their own ideas.
Claire's story: Good Pizza, Bad Pizza
Paul's story: Friend Or Foe
Emma's story: Emma To The Rescue
Lainey and Emma sharing some sister moments after all the photo story making.
...we took a look at Zae's garden. What a special place she and her husband have cultivated over the years.
