Happy 250th America!

     America celebrates 250 years, and we celebrated in style. First, we headed to the Home Depot for the kids' workshop. 

    Then, joined two wards for a cookout at the park. As we were two wards, they had a battle of wards. Emily enjoyed the water balloon toss, then they had tug-of-war, first the primarys competed, then the Relief Society.

    Blue Springs beat Burr Oak handily in each event. Later, we joined a few neighbors while Daniel set up to DJ for the fireworks. We brought the bubble maker this time. The boys had fun with that.

    Teddy had fun with the chalk; he made designs that put the sister Missionaries in one box and him in another. They were very sweet to him. We have a Sister Bartholomew, she's Daniel's third cousin. 

    One family brought a pogo stick, and Charles tried it a few times with marginal success. Devon tried a bit too with less success, but they had fun.

    It was a fun night. We had glow-in-the-dark bubbles, and when they popped on you, the residue glowed in the black lights. It was cool. Lizzy had to join us after work. She was tired, and the older boys were ready to go home, so they headed home early while Daniel, Teddy, Emily, and I shut the party down. 

June Delights

     The local homeschool group has a weekly temple trip during the day. Now that the kids are free, we joined them a few times. I took the boys to lunch afterward. This was their first time at First Watch. Devon really loved the seasonal drink: Purple Haze. I found the recipe, and the kids have decided it needs to be on our drink rotation.

    Several ladies commented on how good-looking the boys were. It was cute. While the boys were at FSY, I took Lizzy, and we went to Corner Cafe. It was nice and cozy. 

    I have an update on my bird nest battle. I was seeing some birds going up to the light, but I thought it was secure. Daniel checked, and lo and behold, this massive nest inside the box!

    While I was sad to destroy their hard work, I was more than happy to clean off the lamp. 

    Our summer fun continued with a trip to the climbing gym.

    Daniel and I went to see Mrs. Christie. I liked it. It was a bit like Julie and Julia, having a modern and not-so-modern element. I have been a fan of Agatha Christie for years and have had a fascination with her life for nearly as long. There were plenty of inside jokes and nods to her life. Daniel liked it even though he didn't have the history to help him out.  

We had Ron over for Father's Day. The kids were, predictably, a bit crazy. But it was nice catching up.

    This year was Devon's first time at FSY. He was not delighted by the prospect, but went anyway. I ended up driving 5 boys up, and Devon remarked that he felt he was going to an all-boys school. 

    They had a good time. Lizzy and I went to lunch at a local Thai restaurant. She demolished those edamame. I loved the Chicken Satay.

Summer isn't complete without playing in the water in the backyard!

This summer is really going fast, but I'm glad we are embracing it.

Lizzy Is an Adult?!?!

     Lizzy celebrated her 18th birthday. While the younger kids were at summer school, I took Lizzy and the older boys to lunch at V's. Lizzy's friend works there along with her mother, and Lizzy really likes it. Charles and I had the buffet, which was very nice, and Lizzy had her favorite Shrimp Fettuccine. Devon had spaghetti.

As it was a birthday meal, she was presented with a birthday cake.

    Later, the kids had a water fight, but then they went for head shots, so I put a stop to it. Kids, I tell ya! It's all fun and games until someone loses an eye. 

    On her actual birthday, we went to Fort Osage to relive the past. We got caught in a downpour, but it only lasted half an hour, so we contented ourselves with sheltering under the few tents until the tempest abated and we could return to our activities.

The boys made magic potions.

    The final festivities included a lemon cake with some of our berries from the garden. Our berries are growing wonderfully. They really made the cake pop.

    

Happy Birthday, Lizzy!