Dance Recital

Emma just finished her summer dance class last week. She got to perform in a recital down at the old high school. Here is some of Jake's shaky camera work:

The cute white blur with glasses and a ponytail is our Miss Emma. Fortunately, I captured the same dance on our real video camera too. You can actually tell which girl is Emma on that video. I just don't know how to upload it. Sorry!

Emma's Magic Show and Jacob's Tower

Jake and Emma took a 2-week magic course at the library in July. They studied with a master that has been teaching for 18 years and is a member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians (yeah, it was the first I'd heard of it too). They picked up a few things and had a dandy time. Their experience culmintated with a show in which all the kids got to perform. Here is Emma's debut (turn up the volume):

Jacob chose not to participate in the show because he had scouts the same night. He's really into lashing right now. Check out some of their work:



He also made a small-scale monkey bridge in our front yard with PVC pipe. The kid's a lashing fool!

Dog Days of Summer

Shelby has been sad about all the time we've spent away at museums, zoos, and swimming pools. She really feels like she should be a part of the fun too. So, we took her to the Ultimate Air Dog show to meet other pups and check out the fetch scene in Toledo.

While she loved all the attention she got from other people, she wasn't interested in going in the water or making new furry friends. She was content to be held by Mom or cuddled by the kids. I guess we could have done that at home.

Badges, we don't need no stinking badges!

We went to the Scout Court of Honor last night. Rick presided as the new Scout Master and did a fine job. He brought back a tradition from his days as a scout. Boys that earned merit badges got a fun size candy. Those who achieved a rank advancement got a full-size candy bar. Eagle recipients will be treated to a steak dinner (but they must still be in the ward). Everyone else got a mini PB cup since "no one should leave a Scout activity witha bad taste in his mouth."

Jake received special honors at the event. The Young Mens President awarded Jacob and the other 11-year old Scouts the Pinnochio Award for being "real boys" at "Man Camp". The older boys received their "man cards" with the understanding that they could be revoked by any of their leaders for immature behavior. That was a pretty funny presentation.

Later, Jacob earned his computer merit badge, first aid merit badge, and citizenship in the world merit badge. He received his Scouter badge and advanced to the rank of Tenderfoot. Can you tell he's super excited about scouting? He has the goal to earn his Eagle before he turns 14. Wow!We were so proud of him that we went out for ice cream afterwards with the Luces and the Steeles.

Emma got to "clown" around today at the library. She learned how to apply makeup, make paper ties, and be silly. She was a natural at all of those things.

Don't you love the nose?

This must be her get-away car. She didn't want to go outside with her makeup on. I tried to take her to the Farmer's Market, but she wouldn't oblige.

Meanwhile, Jake and I hit an amazing book sale downstairs and got a haul of great books for $10 total. We now have most of the Lemony Snickett books, The Deltora books, some new American Girls, and a few of The Guardian series. I also rounded out my collection of Jan Karons and Nicholas Sparks. I bet we scored hundreds of dollars worth of books, all for a ten spot. I have no time to read them, but they'll be waiting for me once seminary is through.

More Fun at Greenfield Village

We discovered more things to see and do at Greenfield Village today. Our first stop was the working farm. As we entered the Firestone house, we were greeted by the smells of their dinner meal cooking on the wood burning stove. Laid out on the table was a spread of pickled vegetables and canned peaches from previous harvests. The women in the kitchen spoke to us about their chores as they beat eggs and rolled out dough. They also introduced us to to the variety of chickens and roosters wandering about the yard.

Jacob couldn't resist trying out the old out house.

Emma pitched in with the laundry. Monday is always washing day because it's one of the most exhausting chores. It takes Sunday, the day of rest, to gear up strength for it.

I can understand why it would consume the day. It sure makes me appreciate my new front loaders!

I got three loads done before 9 o'clock this morning, thanks to my modern washer and dryer. It would have taken me 2 days the old fashioned way.

They added more lambs to the fold this spring. They're growing up quickly.

When you see them up close and personal, they don't sees so cute and cuddly anymore. In fact, they are filthy and stinky!

Jake and Emma discovered a "new" game today. It looked like croquet to me. They took to it quite well.

This was a perfect day to play out under the trees. We couldn't have asked for better weather.

Emma and I couldn't resist the hat shop while Jake went down to ride the Model Ts. Isn't it funny to see such a froo-froo hat on this tomboy?

What we women do in the name of fashion...

This face just about sums up my day with the kids. We had a great time in Michigan, but I completely collapsed on the couch when we arrived home. Whew!

New at the Zoo

The Toledo Zoo just opened a new section of the park called Nature's Neighborhood and the kids and I checked it out on Monday. We loved the whole concept because it encourages kids to explore and play. Everything is totally hands-on.
Have you ever seen a giraffe wear a purse?

Jake had no trouble scaling walls with his flip-flops.

One building is dedicated to family pets and their care. Emma got to snuggle this little guinea pig. I didn't realize they were so cute and calm. I always thought they were too rodent-ish, but apparently they're pretty good pets.

One station allows the kids to paint their faces. Emma chose to have a staff member turn her into a bunny.

In "the forest" the kids climbed spider webs...

...and played in bee hives.

I found a little habitat of my own.

We've already decided to go back next Monday, this time with friends.

I'm glad the kids aren't too "old" for the zoo yet. I sure love taking them! Plus, we haven't been to every corner of this particular zoo yet...

Busy week and my cop-out post

Check out my sister Sheila's blog to find out what's been keeping us so busy:
http://orellanaoasis.blogspot.com/2009/07/pretty-perrysburg-ohio-part-1.html