First Day of School

Thomas went to his first day of kindergarten last week. He was very excited. The first day his teacher said that he was "rambunctious." I smiled and told her to tell me when he has behavior problems because he definitely will. I have been pleasantly surprised though as his teacher has had raving reviews the last three days. This might have something to do with the starburst he is promised if his teacher says he has been good. I hope this lasts far longer than just kindergarten. Maybe the one starburst at the end of the day will last me through elementary school although I'm sure I will have to bribe him with more.

Hewitt checking out Thomas's cool locker. (I didn't get a locker until middle school. I must admit that I was a little jealous.)

Hewitt liked his first day of playgroup. I must say that it has been nice to get back into a routine!

Greenfield Village

The more and more I get to know Michigan, the more I love it. We recently bought a membership to Greenfield Village, which is advertised as the greatest history attraction in the country. Having moved from Philadelphia I don't necessarily think that this is an absolute, but it has proved to be an amazing place. The village is similar to Williamsburg as everyone is dressed in period pieces and gives tours as though they are actually living in the early twentieth century. (There was a farmhouse where these two girls were cooking beef stew and you could smell it before even reaching the house.) The really neat thing though is that Henry Ford has brought historical houses and buildings from all over the country. For example, he brought Orville and Wilbur Wright's bicycle shop and house from Ohio, the Heinz house where Heinz invented his food products, Abe Lincoln's courthouse, a "Rose Cottage" from England, Noah Websters (Webster Dictionary) from Connecticut, Thomas Edison's lab where he perfected the incandescent lightbulb, etc. We have only visited about 20% of the village, but it has been a lot of fun. The highlights for the boys were riding in a 35 minute steam locomotive ride around the park, riding in the 1924 Model-T, and watching the glass blowers. My favorite has got to be the glass blower shop. I am seriously considering making one of my sons become a glass blower. I would have an unlimited supply of great presents. So feel free to visit us anytime and see this sweet attraction. We have yet to visit the Henry Ford Museum and Ford Factory Tour. The indoors activities are being saved for the upcoming winter months.

Noah Webster house and tobacco field--cash crop


Riding in the Model-T and train

Train ride and Thomas playing on the farm equipment

Feeding the ducks and catfish (scary) and washing clothes

One More Reason

Here's one more reason to have a boat. I am including a picture of my brother and sister-in-law. Can you feel the fun?

The Reasons I want a Boat

I think most of my friends and family know that I want a boat someday. In fact, I think we will buy a boat before we buy anything else in life including a house. I know this is probably not the most financially smart thing to do, but I feel like the investment into family and fun is much more important. Here are some of my reasons. FYI. I am talking about boating on the Puget Sound although I like inland lakes too.

1) Inner tubing. Nothing like the thrill of a great ride and that frightening moment when you realize that you are about to hit a big wave.

2) Learning to ski. This builds character. It's a hard thing and you join an exclusive club when you can get up consistently. There is nothing like the feeling of soreness the morning after your first ski of the season.

3) Good for friends. I have loved all of my friends who have included me in their boating experience. I definitely want a boat that can be enjoyed by all. I am in debt to many people.

4) Learn to drive. The pressure of launching a boat with a long line of people waiting behind you is something that will teach you to how to back a boat down a launch real quick. I hope Thomas can learn by the age of 15:)

5) Family time. Everyone is forced to sit and talk on a boat. There is an intimacy created by all being together. No one can leave. Everyone is working together to have a great time. Also, there is not a lot of cell phone coverage especially at many lakes and on the Puget Sound. I know this has been a great escape from work and church responsibilities for my Grandpa and parents. Many of my fondest memories are with my family members on a boat.

6) Freedom. Nothing like the freedom of driving a boat on the Puget Sound. You can go anywhere and park on some random beach and have a nice barbecue. Perhaps my real career in life was to be a sailor.

So here's to Steve getting a real job so that one day I can have a boat and invite everyone on it.

Donny loving the Water

Tim's Homecoming

Welcome home to my brother Tim for serving a two year mission to Portugal for our church. One would think that after being away for two years, your brothers and sisters would be able to greet you at the airport. However, we misunderstood what gate he was arriving so after sprinting through the airport upon realizing our mistake, we showed up with posters at the baggage claim. Yes, a bit anticlimactic, but we did have sweet posters. Thanks Khia. We are so glad our Tim is home!

Wedding

Our whole family flew home to Seattle at the beginning of August to attend my brother Daniel's and new sister-in-law Brittan's wedding. Even Steve got to attend although I did have to fly both directions by myself with all three boys (he could only stay for less than three days). I must say that the way to Seattle was fairly uneventful and all three boys fell asleep. The way back, however, is a different story. Donny was so unbelievably tired and couldn't fall asleep. He and Hewitt kept fighting over this one particular blanket. The climax came when Donny threw himself in the airport aisle in a full out tantrum. It was amazing really. I was throwing suckers, candy, and toys at him to try and distract, but nothing worked. Thankfully, most of the airplane passengers just gave me sympathetic looks rather than mean scowls. I was also lucky to have one of my high school friend's Moms on the plane. She couldn't really help with the tantrums, but she did help me to smile rather than cry. I guess we are helped in simple ways.

Well, the wedding was both beautiful and a lot of fun. It was so nice to see all of my family and many friends. Special events like this don't happen too often. Now, I must brag a bit. Brittan put her wedding together for $1000. She even stayed within her budget. I included many of the reception pictures so that you can see how amazing this bargain shopper truly is. Enjoy.

Luncheon

Family at the reception

These pictures are to impress those of you who know how difficult turning a culture hall/basketball court into a beautiful reception truly is.