Summer Reading Party

Friday was the party to celebrate the end of the library's summer reading program. There were lots of kids and many activities. Some of Eva G's favorite things were the bookmobile, the medical helicopter and the bubbles. 

Camping!

This past weekend we went camping. It was a fantastic time and the weather was incredible--nice during the day and not too cold or raining at night. It was very nice to just get away for a few days and leave the rest of the world behind.

Some of the things Eva G did on our camping trip:

helped the cousins set up the tents

 (though we somehow managed to not get any pictures of the tents set up)

played in the creek and played in the creek and played in the creek

played glow in the dark bowling

 played with worms but wasn't so interested in fishing with them

roasted marshmallows

 went on a couple of hikes and saw beautiful scenery

 (here's a wildflower pic or two for you, A in OK. :)

picked and devoured raspberries 

got dirty and had an awesome time

Colorful

We pulled the easel outside in the shade a couple of afternoons ago and let our artistic side shine. We used sticks and leaves and even tried painting with rocks. The best, of course, was finger painting!!

Cleo, who was right there the whole time and managed to not get any paint on her!

Orange Apron

On a recent trip to Home Depot, we happened to be in just the right place at the right time and stumbled upon the kid's project. There was a lull in the action, so the lady invited Eva G over to do the project even though it was really probably aimed at older kids. Anyway, she put on here safety glasses and grabbed the hammer and with daddy's helped, made a nifty little organizer that was filled with rocks found on our way back out to the car.

putting on the finishing touches

 very proud with the official orange apron

 admiring her certificate of achievement

It's been a sad time in our city lately.

On our way back into town on Saturday, June 23, we saw a plume of smoke looming over the mountains. As we continued driving we could literally see the smoke increase and new pockets pop up. It wasn't long before the sky was an ominous color and the smell of smoke was in the air. It was scary. But not as scary as it would soon become.

Tuesday evening was a truly frightening, sad time for our city. We were not near the actual fire or the evacuation zone, but could see flames, saw the sky turn a color we'd never like to see again, witnessed a blood red sun that was really unlike any other, and just watched in disbelief as the fire raged. The next morning there were small pieces of debris on our desk. Picking up a piece and realizing there were words on it, it suddenly hit me that this was part of someone's life, of someone's home. Then a few days later, giving our girl a bath, it hit us again that there were several families that didn't even have a bathtub anymore to bathe their kids in.

It's been a sobering week and a half, for sure. There have been tears and lots of prayers. But through the sadness and devastation, it's been amazing to see a whole community come together, open hearts and just try to help in any small way. And we give thanks to those amazing firefighters who fearlessly fight.

Humpty Dumpty

The scene:
me in one room
Eva G in another
kids' music playing

Eva (completely serious): "Mom, Humpty Dumpty should have been more careful, shouldn't he?"

Me (stifling a laugh): "Well, yes, you're right, he should have"

Oh, that girl!!