Branson Continued

The last day we were in Branson I took Romy to the butterfly palace again because my admission was good for 3 days. Ben took the older two to a petting zoo. The sign said something about bottle feeding a kangaroo and Ben had said "this better not be $20 a piece to 'bottle feed' a stuffed animal. It was real indeed!

Pam and her grandchildren. Cuteness all around!

We came home to a cucumber the size of Romy's arm. Also we came home to take Zeke to urgent care, (He's ok) Gwen had a fever today, Romy has 26 mosquito bites on her legs, and Ben went to the Dr.today with an ear infection. I am the only one unscathed.

Romy hugging Malachi.

Romy got on the puddle jumper floaty and she became a little fish.She calls it her backpack. She didn't want anyone holding her. She was suddenly an expert swimmer that could do tricks like lean back and stick up your feet. It about gave me a heart attack, but it was ok. 

 Speaking of hearts, I made a heart shaped cheesecake for Jeff for his birthday. It was one of the days we were there. He swears my cheesecake is the best he's ever had. I think the secret ingredient is using vanilla sugar in there.

Gwen helped prepare by helping make rice crispy treats.

Romy's help consisted of accompanying me to get stuff at the store and library books on tape and dvds and cds.

Branson Family Vacation

Ben's family and siblings (minus one that lives in California) spent a few days in Branson, MO. We had a very good time. I've been to Branson once before, but have never stayed in cabins. That is the way to go in Branson. It has beautiful lakes and wooded areas. I enjoyed feeling secluded and having no phone reception. 

Here are some photos of Ben and the kids on their first canoe ride. 

The first day we went to a large five and dime store. Zeke was feeling ill so Gwen and I had to hurry and look around. Gwen got a bow and arrow set, we got Zeke a gun that shoots balls, and Romy a metal top. Here's Gwen modeling a skunk hat.

The second day we went to the Butterfly Palace.  They have an aviary with lots of butterflies flying around. 

Hammered dulcimer accompaniment.

They also had some amphibians like the poisonous dart frog. They are so pretty.

Look at the crysallises!

First flight

More to come...

Final Days of Summer

 Our church had a serve day yesterday at the apartment complex we minister to.  Gwen got face painting done. 

Later on in the day we had Chinese food and the kids were very excited to use chopsticks.

We went to Earnie Miller Nature Center on Friday.  It was very hot, but shady, and beautiful.

My kind of beauty.

Friday night we went to a friend's house for dinner and their little girl had a solar system hanging up in her room that she had made.  Gwen decided to make one herself, but instead of a solar system, she drew the four eggs from a library book called "Masha and the Firebird".  I recommend the book highly... so cool!

Gwen and Zeke at Earnie Miller.

We all have special talents... Romy's is wearing two shoes on one foot.  She was very impressed with herself.

Gwen had the biggest meltdown over this rattle.  It was comical really, so we kept it and have it hidden.  Maybe it will reappear in her Christmas stocking.

Romy smiling.  She is such a sweet gift.  She's never too far from me and wallows all over me and that sometimes frustrates me...but I can't imagine my life without her.

On A Thursday

 We took a walk today and this tree looked inviting.  I'm glad I got these pictures.

 Doesn't it look inviting to you?

My Romy.  She likes to scream and gets time outs/spankings/put in her crib these days a lot.  But she's still sweet.  She talks like a big girl. 

We decided this is the tree's face.

Lovely bark.  Tree skin.

Zeke in a tree.

 We made paper chains counting down the days until school.  20 more days to go!