Recovery Days

I think we may need to count on a couple days recovery from a camping trip!  I felt a bit like a slug on the day after (partly because it was 11:30 before we got children in bed and the car unloaded).  I did a ton of laundry and we put away camping stuff.  Phil got out the tile saw and we have the fun of cleaning up our beautiful rock finds and cutting the thundereggs.  The children were already asking when the next camping adventure will be and Sawyer and I are itching to get back to Richardson Ranch.


Before

After

Slicing off the uneven edge

Beautiful slices...I am already dreaming of additions to Wirlygigs and Whatknots using thunderegg slices.  

Friday was felting day as well as Saturday morning.  Phil took the children with him to work and I spent about 8 hours and made 4 little "mini" felted bowls.  Saturday morning, I managed 11 felted flowers.  It seemed like I wasn't doing much after getting into the groove of yard work but I am want to get myself organized before my next vendor fair at Dancing Oaks Nursery in 2 weeks.  I am hoping to introduce a selection of cuff bracelets and a bigger assortment of felted bowls.  I need to restock my hair clip and jeweled tree supply as well.  I am super excited about this next vendor fair and want to have everything ready!  

My parents invited us to join them for a children's concert and magic show Saturday afternoon.  It was hosted at a private residence in the most charming little barn.  Apparently the property owner hosts all sorts of free concerts throughout the summer featuring local artists and performers.

I have to say, I love these little moments enjoying my children enjoying life!  They were all so engaged in the concert and magic show....singing, dancing, laughing, being chosen to "help" the performers.  These really are the best of days...the hardest of days...but the best of days and I am SO SO SO happy that the Lord has led both Phil and I to make our life about raising our children, about savoring every moment with them.  I am so glad that we have been purposeful in family first....always!  Most all of our decisions are based on "is this God honoring and is this the best for family togetherness?".  

The children want a zip line!

So much fun!

They also want a merry go round.  

I want this lamp!!!!!  Isn't this the cutest setting?  The barn was covered with posters, little lights, tapestries and pillows.  It was charming!

The children helping "pull out the big turnip".


Being baby birds.

Listening and singing along.

Ok, this was just about the cutest thing:  Several of the songs and the magic show performances needed audience helpers.  This particular song needed volunteers to operated the puppets.  The volunteers were chosen and the song was in progress when Glorielle decided to make her way on stage even though there weren't any siblings up there.  She was a little shy and kept looking around as if thinking, "where is my puppet".  The performer found her a spare and she stood there, stone faced and still with her owl puppet while Phil and I laughed and laughed at her utter cuteness!  When the puppeteers exited the stage, she bowed with the rest of them.  


This tentative look says it all.


Sawyer was quite adamant and involved and was chosen several times as a helper.  Poor Evi was the only Kelly child (except Glorielle) and of the cousins not chosen to take part in the turnip pulling song.  She was fighting back tears and I was so glad that she was chosen to help with a magic trick.  She had so much nervous energy and was dancing around on stage and kept crossing her arms.  So precious!

Sawyer helping with a card trick.  Phil gave him strict instructions NOT to give away any magician secrets if he was to notice.  

The ride home was beautiful.  I love a summer rain clouds.






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