I wash curious to see what Ben would think of the splash pad at the YMCA this year. It turns out he loves it. The grumpy 10 year old – not so much. (They also have a pool but he got tired of that pretty quickly too.)
Everyone had a good time at the splash pad/pool. Not everyone was excited about the picture.
Is it any surprise that this guy gets most of the attention from the grandparents?
Someone stole the soccer ball.
(reference the picture immediately before)
I got smart and now keep a soccer ball in my car for times like this.
Three generations of Burch males eating onion rings at Art Bradish.
Wade’s family is in town for a visit. We left the kids with a sitter and went out to celebrate. His parents have been married 50 years!
Popcorn for all – in bowls made by Pop.
Ben just swinging away with Granny and Pop.
I had heard about Mud Day at the Ecotarium last year, but we had been unable to attend. I thought it sounded like so much – wear old clothes and have lots of fun makes mudpies, mudart, mud digging, mud sculptures, etc. Today we loaded up the kids, brought a change of clothes for all of them and headed out. To my surprise, nobody was very interested in getting messy. The big boys just looked at the activities but didn’t participate. Kaitlyn loved all of them, but didn’t get a drop of mud on her at all. Ben, now Ben is a completely different story. He dived right into everything.
Has anyone missed monkey lately? She is still around. Sometimes she still rides around in Teague’s shirt just like she used too.
Mud Day at the Ecotarium.
Mud Day at the Ecotarium.
(Alex mostly observed. He decided he was “too old” for most activities.)
Mud Day at the Ecotarium.
(Kaitlyn makes a mudpie and still doesn’t get a drop on her.)
Blow up slide for the win!
He’s into everything!!
This has been the best winter gift. The kids have loved it. It has been a great option for when we want to stay at home or when Ben is napping. Thanks Gram!
Back to Silver Lake.
Back to Silver Lake.
Back to Silver Lake.
Back to Silver Lake.
It looks like this summer is going to be a little different. I had no idea “10” was the year it would suddenly be no fun to go on outings with your siblings. Alex is initially okay with going the pool or lake. Then after about 30 minutes the complaining starts. He wants to know when we are going to eat or when we are going to leave. I have suggested bringing his book or drawing supplies, but that is not something he wants to do. It’s going to be a LONG summer.
I think their favorite part of the beach was the snacks.
Beach girl.
I think his favorite part of the beach was the snacks.
Today we went to the beach with friends. I love having the ocean only an hour away. The big boys were definitely in it for the snacks but they didn’t complain too much. The little kids had a great time swimming and playing in the sand.
Today was the last soccer game of the season for Kaitlyn. Because Wade was out of town that also meant everyone had to come with me to Kaitlyn’s game. Unfortunately, it was insanely hot and the fields have zero shade. Ben had a stroller with a sunshade but zero desire to sit inside. The big boys tried to use his stroller for shade (which I found hilarious). The girls on the field did great considering the weather. I’m not sure Kaitlyn’s foot touched the ball, but she did travel with the pack. Afterwards it was medals and snacks for everybody.
Soccer Sunday was HOT!
Soccer Sunday was HOT!
Soccer Sunday was HOT!
Wade is out of town, so the kids and I are doing all kinds of fun stuff. Today we drove to Vermont. We visited Ben & Jerry’s Factory in Waterbury, VT. We went on the factory Tour. We tasted samples. We shopped their gift shop. We ate scoops from their scoop shop. We bought our favorite flavors to take home. We had a great time and might have even had ice cream for dinner too.
We took a road trip to Vermont and visited Ben & Jerry’s.
This slide has been waiting and waiting for warmer weather. At our house we have Christmas and then almost all the birthdays are winter birthdays. Sometimes that means we have cool summer things that come as gifts and then have to wait a while before they can be used. The kids were so excited to try this one out. We even used it twice today.
This is definitely the best Christmas present for the kids. It’s perfect for days we can’t make it to the pool or beach.
Little booger.
Local shopping is all the rage these days. You can’t get any more local than the market in my sunroom. I had the cutest shopkeeper too. (Wade’s market is one of my top favorite things he has ever built. The red checkered awning was lost in the move from Chicago to Grafton but it’s on the short list to be replaced this summer.)
I don’t think I have ever seen all four of my kids drawing/coloring at the same time. Miracles do happen.
The natives are already growing restless and the practical jokes have started. I walked up the stairs to find the note below. I’ll translate it just in case you have a little trouble reading elementary boy handwriting (Hi pay no attention to me This is called fun).
We love Silver Lake. I expect we will be here most of the summer.
Today was our first day at Silver Lake. We spend most of our summer here and it was so great to be back!
Alex is our “big idea” guy. Ever since moving into this house he has wanted sell something on the side of the road. The “something” has varied. It has been lemonade, cookies, artwork, etc. Wade finally convinced him the first step is to build a stand or cart. Alex took the advice to heart and built a cart. That boy is definitely creative. Now he is talking about walking the neighborhood selling his cookies.
I am having trouble keeping the boys in books. We desperately need suggestions!
Three little bakers.
Today we had an extra kid around and everyone seemed to enjoy it. Alex’s friend equally enjoyed outside sports and video games so they did some of both. He also has a ton of siblings so he wasn’t bothered by all the little kids hanging around. It made for a very nice playdate.
Kaitlyn used Pop’s $20 to buy the game Pop the Pig. Obviously, we then had a family game.
Today we celebrated Father’s Day. The kids loved giving Dad some extra treats and especially helping him open them!
Third graders said the Lord’s Prayer and got their Bibles. What a great Sunday.
Kids in church are one of my favorites.
(Teague is in the back row but you can’t really see him.)
Magnets on the dishwasher are always a favorite.
We loaded up the kids, packed a backpack with a few snacks, found the backpack carrier, and surprised the kids with an afternoon hike at Purgatory Chasm. The big kids had a lot of fun climbing over rocks, Ben loved the ride, and the adults enjoyed being out of the house. Wade’s knees and toe were not so happy with the adventure. (Poor guy is showing his age prematurely.)
