Helicopter Landing

We went today to see a Helicopter Land.  The kids were excited.  I have never seen anything like this and was just as excited as the kids:) 

 

Our dear friends Alana and Aaron joinied us. 

 

Above they are learning about the ambulance from a paramedic. 

Here they are in the back of a fire truck.

Above Arianna is in the front of the firetruck and below Ryan is in the driver’s seat. 

 

Cutie Pie!!

The helicopter was a little late so the kids spent the time playing chase, and then duck, duck, goose and then Pictionary.

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work.

If one falls down, his friend can help him up.  But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!”  Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Here it comes!!!!!

Above is Arianna in the back of the helicopter.  Below is Ryan buckling himself into the back of the helicopter.

Happy Birthday to Nanny

Chris’ Grandmother is visiting us for a couple of weeks.  Today is her 82nd birthday!  She is an amazing woman!  Her wisdom and Christian values inspire me!  I love that the kids get an opportunity to know their great grandmother and that they can spend time and learn so much from her! I hope they cherish these memories as much as I do!  One of Arianna’s favorite things about Nanny is that she makes playdough with them and the toys at her house are made out of everyday household things. 

Nanny is a very frugal woman.  I hope to become more like that and desire to teach my kids to also become more like that.  She is a great example of the simple life.  She loves God and is constantly serving others! 

This morning the kids all on their own went upstairs and chose presents for Nanny and wrapped them for her.  She was so excited to open up the sweet gifts from the kids!  We are having a little birthday celebration this evening when Chris gets home.

Nanny and Ari are making aprons this week.  They cut out the pattern yesterday and are hoping to sew the material today! Nanny took the kids on a nature walk yesterday and today they were exploring sunflower seeds!  Who needs lesson plans when you have Nanny here to teach:) 

Ryan the Brave

For the longest time, Ryan has not trusted the breaks on his bike.  He would put his feet down to stop himself just like he does on his big wheel. Because of this, he would not go up hills because of how fast the bike would go on the way down the hill.  He has been slowly working his way up our driveway over the last month or so.  Yesterday he finally made it to the top and now he is off.  He uses the brakes most of the time and loves to fly down the hill.  He wants to ride his bike to the pool now.  (Background story is that we tried to ride to the pool at the beginning of June and it took us a long time to get near the pool.  It was full of tears and frustration).  

Hooray Ryan!!

Arianna reading to Nanny

Arianna read 5 books to Nanny this morning.  She is doing so great in her reading!

 

The Simple Life

One of our family’s traditions is to spend July 4th with the Mishue Family (My Mom and crew). We usually go to the beach but this year we went to a cabin in West Virginia that belongs to Jeremy’s (my Brother in Law) Family. The cabin was beautiful and if not for the long trip there, I would love to go back. Lately the kids and I have been reading Little House in the Big Woods and discussing pioneer life. The kids were very excited to go and catch a glimpse of what life might have been like for Laura. The cabin did not have running water. It had 2 rooms (1 with beds the other living area). It also had an outhouse. We cooked meals in a large cast iron pot. It is amazing how many of life’s luxuries we take for granted!! It really inspired me to live life more simply! (yes I realize the irony that I am blogging about simplicity…the computer seems to me to really have affected living a simple life).

Unfortunately at this point my camera battery died and I didn’t bring my charger. I took pics with my Mom’s camera but I do not have those. We also enjoyed roasting Marshmellows!

According to Arianna, her favorite part of the trip was “I really don’t have a favorite part, I like all of it. She liked going in the lake and napping.”

According to Ryan, his favorite part of the trip was “being with Daddy, Papa and Graceson (all the boys) there”.

101 Uses for A Purple Blanket

Arianna loves her purple blanket.  She has used it for everything from blankets, to a wedding dress, to head covering, to rope…here she is dressed up as Mary.  She says she is going to take it to college:)