Bowling

We were invited bowling with the Fousts and Knaups to celebrate Conor's birthday. Bowling was on our summer bucket list and no one was more excited about going than Soren. If he knocked 1 pin down, he cheered. If he knocked 10 pins down, he cheered. It was adorable! 

Sloane has entered the tiny pterodactyl screaming phase and wasn't thrilled that everyone was eating suckers around her. She might be a little too used to getting what she wants all the time! She was very happy when J was holding her, though! "JJ" is one of her favorite things to say.

Reese won the first game and was chuffed. 

Soren won the seccond game. He isn't used to beating his siblings at anything (unless he cheats), so this win was an exciting thing. 

Happy Bday, cute Conor! Thanks for sharing your day with us! 

Primrose Block Party

We fed the missionaries dinner last week, and one of the kids told them about our upcoming Fourth of July block party. We were met with blank stares and one of them said, "Oh! Like in The Sandlot?" 

Yes! Just like in the sandlot!

Except it's not 1960.

That's sort of what it felt like though as our neighbor's gathered with us in the cul-de-sac with lawn chairs, desserts, drinks, and fireworks. 

We missed a few families who were out of town, and Mary wasn't feeling well, but   we still had a great turnout. Windy and Scott came with Noah and Sabrina. Mike and Uda came (and we bid them farewell, since they just sold their house after just a couple weeks on Zillow), Nita and Dennis, Terry and Carol, Jenna and Max, then Fousts, Knaups, and us. There were 13 kids/youth happily running around, lighting fireworks, playing,  and making happy memories together on the island. 

Fourth of July on the hill

 We celebrated 4th of July with daddy's homemade ice cream, taking the boat out (Aaron and Soren), and a memorable night of fun and fireworks at the Allred's donkey hill. I whipped up these cute and easy cupcakes last minute. 

A giant redneck slip n slide, legit fireworks, treats, and this breathtaking view! After the sun set, we had a spectacular view of the Bentonville fireworks show. 

Reese roasted marshmallows for s'mores. 

Here are some of the pics Sarah posted:

Thanks Allreds! 

Tulsa Children's Discovery Center

After dropping my mom off at the airport, we decided to take advantage of being in Tulsa and set out for some adventure. Tulsa, Ok is just shy of 2 hours away from home, but a good 10 degrees hotter and the humidity was suffocating. We opted out of any outdoor activities and found ourselves downtown at the Tulsa Children's Discovery Museum. It was small, but very fun and my children were just the right age span for everything the museum offered. 

Sloane and Soren loved the tiny tot area. 

This was a fun team building activity. Each child held onto a rope attached to an elastic ring at the center. As they worked together to pull, the ring grew large enough to fit around a bucket and became a coordinated cup stacking activity. 

Sloane also loved these colored buckets and spent a long time stacking and unstacking them. 

The kids were pleased to have enough siblings to form a human foosball team. Big family bonus! 

Corbin destroyed those twins at the "angry birds" game. 

Reese was unsure this foam block bridge would hold her. It did. 

Earthquake table

Slinkies and a sloped conveyor belt. Brilliant! We will be doing this with the treadmill sometime on a rainy day. 

Quincy mastered a balancing mobile and the wall marble maze. 

The highlight of this museum was a giant tunnel system and tube slide made entirely out of packing tape. They said its strong enough to hold 600 lb per square foot. I climbed in as cautiously as Reese got on the foam bridge. Hahaha! 

Very fun! 

Ok so maybe taking Sloane down the slide wasn't my best parenting moment. She was horrified! The other children took a few dozen turns each and never grew tired of it. Great day. And with our Amazeum membership discount, it was only $15 for all of us to have a few hours of adventure. It was a good day. 

First Child

Having an 11 year old daughter is as wonderful as everyone says it is.  Reese, I'm so thankful for the example of love and service you set for your younger brothers and sisters. You are kind to the core, thoughtful, and I love our friendship.   I love you!