A Visit with George Washington

One day, we went to the pool, as we often do. As we were playing in the water, a grasshopper found us. We played with him for a while and then let him go on dry ground. Then, he found us again. And again. And again.

Finally, Shan suggested to Roxie, "Shall we name him?" Roxie thought so. "What should we name him? George?"

Roxie was thrilled. "Yeah! George Washington!"

I'll admit, my jaw hit the bottom of the pool. Roxie is TWO. How does she know about George Washington? I asked Doug that very question and he just responded with, "Have you met you?" It's true. I love the Founding Fathers and George Washington, in particular, but I haven't really discussed it with Roxie.

Anyway, although we didn't have our camera, the next time we visited the pool, we had it with us. And who should happen by, but George Washington himself!

(Oddly enough, we also ran into him on the sidewalk by Sunflower Market and even once on our windshield. That guy really gets around!)

Christian Grows a Tail

Yesterday, Christian had earned various jobs. We had made plans, though, previously, so he was going to have to wait on the jobs. He said, "I want to stay here and work on my tail." What? "I want to stay here and work on my tail." I was positive that none of his jobs involved a tail. Then, had you been watching me, you would have seen a light bulb appear above my head.

"Do you mean you want to stay here and work your tail off?"

"YES!"

I love that guy.

The Fourth of July

I love the 4th of July. In the area where I live, the celebrations last for three days. We didn't make it to everything I wanted to, but here are just a few of the things we did:

I volunteered at Ellis Island in the Park. I believe in their message. It is one of patriotism, freedom, and liberty. As part of this experience, visitors may listen to a presentation about Ellis Island and hear (via video) actual Ellis Island immigrants share their experiences. Visitors then walk around a huge star made of flags and at each inside and outside point, read about the milestones of freedom and make certain commitments. Number six says, "Are you willing to have hope in America, even when all looks lost?" Number seven says, "Are you willing to pray for America?" I needed those. Visitors then take a citizenship test and then an oath of citizenship. I always volunteer to give the tests because I cry when I hear the oath, let alone having to give it. They also put on a fantastic musical. The whole thing is a beautiful experience. Everyone should go next year.

Ashton had some very cool Fourth of July hair.

We also went to see the hot-air balloons. I am worse than the kids. I got so excited. I think everyone should see the sky full of hot-air balloons. Especially the pig one. It is amazing.

Christian and I ran the one mile fun run. I was so proud of him. He didn't walk at all. He ran the whole way. Way to go, Christian! It was a fantastic mom/son experience. I hope he will want to keep running.

By the way, we tied. I made sure of it.

Then, we went to the parade. The weather was lovely and we had a great time. Some cousins from TX and NM were there. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

Plus, in case you forgot, Roxie is cute.

Then, we went to my in-laws' for lunch with all of those cousins.

We had a wonderful meal with too much food, for which I was so grateful. I kept thinking, THIS is abundance. We are so blessed. Here is a picture of all of us:

Then, we came home and napped. Roxie slept for three hours and we still had to wake her up.

We went to some friends' house, where we barbecued and set off some fireworks. It was lots of fun.

It was a wonderful holiday. I love our country. I love celebrating it.

Family Dye Job

I thought it would be fun to have matching T-shirts for the Fourth of July. But, if we buy the shirts, we will look just like everyone else who buys T-shirts.

So, we tie-dyed them.

I managed a Mickey Mouse on mine. I was very proud. Everyone did their own except Roxie, but she did get to help.

It was so fun! Here is the finished product:

'Tis the Season...

...for Cherries!

Grammie called us the other day and told us that we were invited to go to her neighbor's house and pick cherries. The kids thought it may possibly have been the greatest time of their lives! They climbed the tree, picked the cherries, ate the cherries and generally enjoyed themselves.

Grammie also took the pictures. I should give her credit, because they are cute pictures. I get the credit for the cute kids. (And no comments about how they don't look like me. I still did all the work.)

Christian is RAD, too!

Christian took the RadKIDS course, too. He was awesome. Now, he tells me, "I can go [insert location here], I know RadKIDS!" Don't think I'm fooled. I'm still over-protective. But, I am glad he learned some great stuff.

The man in the red suit tried to kidnap him and he knew just what to do. "Stay back! You're not my dad!"The man grabbed him and Christian kicked and punched (in strategic places, hence the red suit) and screamed and then ran and told someone safe.Way to go, Christian!