Lampton Days!

Our neighborhood has the biggest neighborhood party I've ever heard of! The 29th Annual Lampton Days started on Friday night with a softball game. Lyman played and the rest of us watched, until the thunderstorm drove us away. We missed the outdoor movie due to sleepiness. Saturday morning was the 5k bike/run/walk. Lyman and DJ biked the course, while Amanda (in the stroller) and I did a 1 mile version of the walk.
Then there was a flag raising ceremony in which DJ participated with fellow Cub Scouts.

Breakfast is served immediately after the flag raising.
This year's parade theme was "Go Hawaiian". There are lots of bicycles and ATVs and a police car and grand marshall and sometimes a firetruck.Then there are games for different age groups - usually involving lots of water. Sno cones are lots of visiting happen in the afternoon.Dinner includes a dessert contest. The dinner is served on our street, so we had about 40 people on our lawn enjoying the shade.An outdoor dance takes up a whole cul-de-sac. And finally the event ends with fireworks. Whew!
P.S.(We have two houses for sale in our neighborhood if you are looking for a great place to live!)

Playing in the Shower

Today was the hottest day we've had this year. I'm holding out on not turning on the air conditioning (I have this desire to acclimate to my natural environment) until absolutely necessary (I am 6 months pregnant).

Anyway, the kids came in from playing outside and looked half-baked. I told them to get their swimming suits on and they got all excited. Then I put them all in the large shower we have and they played rain shower.

There was singing and dancing and bonding that they don't normally all get while getting clean, being of two genders and different ages. It was as fun as running through the sprinklers, without the risk of mosquitos!

Gwen and Art

Not to be left out, here's a picture of Gwen with one of her latest art projects. Said art was done while Mommy was in bed. Paint ended up on clothing and hair of both little girls. I'm reminded of the story of Steven Speilberg spreading honey throughout his house as a child and his mother allowed it in the name of creativity. I'm trying to be as patient and allowing in the creative process.

The Thrill of Jumping

Amanda will be two soon. She has been on a quest in the last few weeks to figure out how to jump, with both feet, at the same time. And this week she did it!

Summer Hair Cuts

For years the boys have gotten buzz cuts each summer. This year, Lyman decided to join them. He wanted to see what a buzz cut would look like on him. He's gotten lots of positive comments, but I miss the long, wavy hair. Here's a picture so you can decide for yourself.

The Joys of Not Being Sick

No one likes to hear about other people's illnesses, so instead I'll tell you what I am grateful for after 5 days of being sick.
I'm grateful to have an appetite again. We have lots of fresh fruits and veggies that are calling my name and need to be eaten before they end up in the compost bin.
I'm grateful for my husband doing the laundry yesterday. Not sure I have the strength for it even now, and I was running low. He even hung it out to dry, like I love to do, although I wouldn't have cared if he had used the dryer.
I enjoyed reading four books this week. 1776 by David McCullough was an interesting read, and went much faster than I thought it would. Simple Living made me re-re-re-examine my life and where I can simplify things.
I'm grateful that Lyman's work is flexible and part-time so he could be here to make sure the kids got fed.
I am so grateful for massage and herbs and essential oils and the good old hot shower - all part of my recovery process.

Baby #5 Is...

It's a Boy! I must say I was surprised. I was thinking girl. And I used to be so good at that, got the first four right.

We had an ultrasound at Fetal Fotos and that was a fun experience. We even got 3D and 4D photos and movie. The little guy wouldn't stop moving around - typical for my children!

Maybe if I can get off my sick bed (wicked cold!) I'll even add an u/s photo to this post. Don't hold your breath.