My heart still feels achy for the ability to be back in New York; however, the Lord couldn't have thrown us a larger bone than he did by putting us in our current ward. We've made instant friends (including the boys), sincere members who want to do anything to help us out, and we've already been extending some callings... later on those :)
Summers here are fun. The weather is temperate and humid (but I enjoy humidity). It typically rains and thunders at nights and leaves the days and nice and sunny. There's plenty of rolling clouds over the plains, and of course, endless corn fields as far as the eyes can see. And of course there are hidden gems all over the place. For instance, this week we stumbled upon a fossil Dig/Old Kiln/Log Cabin attraction just 20 mins from our house. It was so peaceful that as great as our week was, it became the highlight. we ate lunch in the field, dug for crustacean fossils, hiked, explored an old brick and tile factory, and visited the Winnebago River.
Earlier in the week we had the opportunity to celebrate the 4th at a friends house with tons of other kids for the boys to play with. They caught lightening bugs, cooked smores, had a bubble and sparkler station, and then we watched the fireworks at the end of night. On the actual 4th we attended the parade in Clear Lake,barbecued in our own home and used or nets to catch more fire flies.
The very next day we were lucky enough to have friends come over and celebrate Aaron's 3rd birthday with us; they swam and played out front, and then shared some Thomas the Train cupcakes. That night we also had a barbecue at the park with Trav's fellow residents in the program.
On Thursday we went with our friends to the library, where we saw a Magician perform for all the kids; I loved watching Maddix laugh giant belly laughs. Aaron lost interest 1/2 way through... oh child. Afterward we played in the kids reading area and checked out a TON of books; Maddix has spend hours with his Where's Waldo book we found. The reading program ends next Friday and to accomplish the whole sheet you have to earn 50 stickers (you get one for everything 15mins you read). We came late and figured Maddix wouldn't make it all the way, but it would just be fun anyway... WELL he only needs 3 more stickers to finish!
Friday we were invited to East Park, a place where an Old train is stationed (one that used to deliver orphans from NY to Iowa back during the great depression). The boys love this park. We played on the sets and eventually decided to go feed the deer a short walk away. Along this adventure we also stumbled on a flock of geese walking in a straight line that chased us for food. And we found a stranded baby snapping turtle and saved his life. It was such a fun time!
Last night we had a farewell party for one of our friends that took us to the Fox's home for pizza, treats, a movie for the kids/games for the adults, and just a nice night amongst friends:)
Today is rainy and consists of snuggling while watching Swiss Family Robinson and baking blueberry/banana bread and having soup for dinner. I love these lazy days.
(oh, also I've been to the gym each morning this week and on one of the mornings, I was minding my own business when in the blink of an eye something darted into the road and thumped under my car several times..... I looked in the mirror to see a baby deer laying in the road!!!! Oh my heavens, I felt horrible!!)
 |
 |
| late night tears |
 |
 |
| Little Fossils everywhere |
 |
| Old Kiln area |
No comments:
Post a Comment