Fairly

One of the favorite attractions for our kids at the state fair. We decided to forgo the rides since Rhianwen would be the only one big enough for them. Since they've never done them before, there was no precedent for them, and that way Alden wouldn't be sad.

A giant chair! And why? It's the state fair, that's why. Everything has to be big there.

Loved these.

Alden could have stayed here all day.

One day we'll be on it! I think fair rides are scary and look like a 3 year old's attempt at constructing something out of tinker toys.

More big. 522 lbs.!!! More than our entire family's combined weight!

Aw.

Family fun on the tire swing at our park.

Today Rhianwen was calling herself "Rainbow Jewel Flylady". They're flying here!

And now for her latest trick...

I just left him for a few minutes, and look at what he did! Demolished our deck. SIGH. (Just kidding). Wally has torn down our rotten deck and is in the process of building a new one. It's a little scary b/c the back door now opens to a 6 foot drop.

"Playing" Enchanted Forest. We actually have played it with them, but they love love love to just play imaginatively with the board and pieces. Thanks Uncle Christopher! This game was one of my favorites when I was little even though one of my best friends always won! She's probably still better at it than I am.

Early morning story time. Their "green alien clock" (OK to Wake clock) turns on at 6:45am, and they often will go to the family room where Rhianwen will "read" books to Alden. I never thought I would see the day when they would voluntarily do something calm and cozy early in the morning. Rhianwen has also started narrating what she is acting out in a British Accent. We just finished listening to The Little Princess on cd in the car, and the reader on there had a lovely accent. So don't be surprised if you see Rhianwen in a princess dress and fairy wings flitting around commenting in her best British. She also has started asking God direct questions in prayer, like, "But, God, why did the bad king throw the law into the fire?". Then she'll finish, look at Wally, and say, "How is God going to answer me?". Wally then usually goes to the Bible and reads the answer to her question. It's been a very interesting development in family devotions. She certainly knows how to keep us on our toes, as do some other people I will not mention specifically....you know who you are ;0) Alden also has begun thinking through his prayers. The other night he prayed, "Thank you for the trees and flowers and all the glory forever. Amen."

Rarely does my big girl take a nap, but this day she was snoozing away when I came in to say that rest time was over!

A spur of the moment craft project since they missed Bible study this week b/c Corwin's car seat was MIA in Wally's car, they were very sad they didn't get to make the creation story craft. So we made birds. I am amazed at how things have changed. These projects aren't half as messy as they used to be, and I just have to provide the supplies, and they do the rest. They really are growing up!

Corwin is also growing up. He abruptly has stopped using his infant swing (we got the one that goes up to 30lbs when he was 2 months old b/c he loved it so much). He really doesn't want his morning nap, but so far I've "made" him take it. His favorite place to play is the toilet. If you notice that he is quietly playing alone for long periods of time, you'd better start racing down the hall to the bathroom. You'll have a nice cleaning job to do when you get there. The kids have learned the importance of closing the lid!!! Corwin also has mastered nesting and will nod his head in enjoyment as he does it or sees us do it while playing with him. He also has really increased his baby talk and has started raising his hand in greeting or to get a high five.

Oh, and just in case you were wondering, Rhianwen informed us that cookie monster does NOT eat cookies, he eats carrots and potatoes. PBS brainwashing??? I don't know....