Jared had been promised that when he turned 7, he could have a pocket knife. So for his birthday that is what he received along with a smaller one that he decided to share with Beka. This summer both kids decided they wanted to whittle. First, we started out with reeds from around the pond, but those did not work out so well. Then, we took a walk and found some fallen branches that worked out pretty well. Jared cut himself once on the leg and Beka has only had a few scratches. They both seem to have fun smoothing the wood.

Andrew decided to join to them later in the day. It seems to be a very relaxing hobby.

They day before school started I took the kids to Snapperz for a last hooray of summer. We haven’t gotten to do the parent kid dates yet due to my brother’s wedding. So I thought this might be a nice distraction. The place has inflatables, climbing wall, lazer tag, and a bungee trampoline. Beka and Jared had so much fun. I know they want to go back again sometime.

Hopefully, it will be a wonderful year.

This weekend my brother was married to a wonderful woman. Viki is a much anticipated addition to my family. Beka and Jared are so excited to have an Aunt. Beka couldn’t wait to call her Aunt Viki.

The ceremony was beautiful. It took place at St. Francis and Father James did an amazing job officiating. Viki was, I think, the most beautiful bride and Joe was, well, he was tall.

Beka had the honor to be their flower girl. A job which she took most seriously. I am very proud of how she handled herself over the whole weekend.

Jared was amazingly patient all weekend. He was on his best behavior and I am so proud of his attitude and helpfulness. Jared also caught the garter

I am very honored to welcome Viki to the family and I wish them many years of happiness.

I am sneaking this picture in at the end in the hopes that mom will not shoot me.

We recently went to Conner Prairie with Andrew’s parents. Conner Prairie is an interactive historical park meaning people dress in period costumes and you get to go around learning about the 1800′s through hands on activities. We spent a good 2 or so hours there. Beka and Jared really enjoyed the animals. I enjoyed talking to the people. Everyone stayed in character and so it was interesting to hear what they would say. I learned that women do not gossip, share "concerned news".

Anyway, there were so many activities to do and Beka and Jared had a blast. There were inflatables, a climbing wall, race car driving, and tattoos. Since we were there early, we didn’t have to stand in very long lines and were able to do everything. Everyone was very kind and nice. It was a lovely evening.

Andrew and Jared both climbed the rock wall. Andrew made it to the top.

These tattoos were the coolest thing. They were airbrushed on and lasted for 3 or 4 days. Jared thought his was the best thing ever.

Beka and Jared raced on these inflatables. Jared won both times. But the second time, Beka got her foot stuck so it really wasn’t a fair race.

We decided not to stick around for the fireworks because many of our neighbors put on a great show. We sat outside in our front yard for about an hour and had a constant show.

Beka and Jared enjoyed looking at the animals and petting them. We saw sheep, pigs, rabbits, goats, and cows, and probalby some I am forgetting. Then we went and looked at the crafts. Some of the Lego projects were amazing. There was a baseball diamond with stands filled with fans.

The second part of the week focused on sunflowers. Each child drew a closeup of two sunflowers and colored them with oil pastels. I wish I could have gotten pictures of all of the sunflowers. They were so beautiful. The kids in class really took their time.

(Beka’s picture is on top and Jared’s is on bottom)

We had an exciting week this week. On Monday afternoon, Beka was trying to walk the dog. Well, Kahla went one way and Beka went the other. Beka bruised her foot pretty badly but it wasn’t broken. She is still limping a little, but she is much better. The unintended effect of the injury was a lot of down time on Tuesday and Wednesday. By Wednesday night, Jared was getting a feral look in his eyes. I knew if I did not get him some exercise and outside time I was going to regret it. So Thursday and Friday afternoons were spent at playgrounds around town giving Jared plenty of time to run and play. I played frisbee, soccer, and sharks and minnows. I think I was more tired than Jared, but at least the feral look was gone.

Now, you might wonder what Beka was doing while Jared and I were playing. Beka has been wanting to cross-stitch for awhile now. So I bought her a little stamped cross-stitch kit where you make a whale. It was very travel friendly and kept Beka occupied for hours.

The finished product doesn’t look too bad either.