EKjourney Backup

What a fun birthday bash for Zell's third birthday. Hot dogs and fixins for lunch, pony rides, and cupcakes on a beautiful summer day! I just couldn't decide which pictures to post so...here are a whole bunch coming your way!! The theme was horses! Zell is horse crazy and all the children had these adorable hats and bandanas to wear. Aren't they too cute!

Second to the Littlest Cowboy How fast can she drain a juice box? Very!

Fortunately, B loves his backpack. He spend three days straight in it! With Grampy The littlest cowboy with his Daddy! I love how the children are all lined up in 2's catching bubbles!

Meeting Cookie Give us a bit smile! Yum! Look at Zell's face. LOL! Yep, she bit it!

The birthday girl's ride! Notice anything odd about this picture. Hint, I did not superimpose anything.

Pony rides! Sawyer was a natural. If given a chance, I am sure he would have taken the reins. Sigh...is an urban farm too small for a pony? Phil says yes! However, I am permitted to keep a miniature horse on our lot! One cute cowgirl! Evi was quite unsure of herself. After a few steps, she said, "I don't want it pony!" I walked with her and had her finish her turn. About half way through she was enjoying herself.

Delicious cupcakes! Can you see the little horse topper! This is Evi to a T!

Phil and I were blessed to attend a 2 day homeschooling conference in Portland. It was a great opportunity to be encouraged by experienced homeschooling pioneers and to view curriculum. We also decided on our math program. I was glad that Phil got a chance to see what was available and choose the one that he felt would prepare them best for high school math concepts. Friday, we took Sawyer with us and listened to a few speakers and did a walk through of the curriculum fair. Saturday, we just had B with us so we attended a couple more sessions and revisited some of the booths for a more in depth look at the curriculum that caught our eye. Saturday was really a special day for us. We don't often have time away from our children (or most of them LOL) so it was nice to be able to talk with one another without distraction. We had lunch out, discussed future plans, and just enjoyed being with one another! It really refreshed us. The children had a wonderful time playing at Uncl...

Apples that ripen in June and a big box to choose from, what could be better! The pool was such a hit, that we got one on the way home. Hanging out with Uncle A

....a battle I can not win. I am not wild about guns. I didn't grow up around them, didn't hunt, didn't feel the need to protect myself with deadly force, etc.. Then, I met Phil, who does like guns (ok, loves them). Our most heated "debate" (we really have never "fought") was over guns. This was something that I have learned to let go of. Phil is very responsible about guns and I trust his judgement plus he doesn't kill animals for the "fun" or the "sport" of a moving target, which is huge for me! Then, I had a little boy. Who grew quickly into a Daddy's boy, a true boy, different from my girls in so many ways! He became obsessed with weaponry of all sorts, the instant he had the mind to do so. I do not pass the day (or the hour) without hearing a continual outpooring of shooting noises, see him carrying around a bow and arrow, a sword, a dagger, a shield, a gun, a lance, a whip, or anything else that could possible ...