Mt Rushmore

We decided to do a slightly crazy thing...we drove to Mt Rushmore on Friday, saw it for a few hours, checked into a hotel for the night, and then drove home on Saturday. That equaled 28 hours of driving in 40 hours. I'm not sure we would have been willing to do that under normal circumstances, but after more or less being in the house for three and a half months it felt good to get out of the house and see other places-even if mostly from our car. Plus, our kids are great long drivers, so why not?

Jake kept telling people we were going to Mt Everest, and about 7 hours of driving he said, "I think we've driven all the way around the world by now!" I love his funny thoughts.

Right before we pulled into the park we saw this handsome fella! SO cool!

All of us were so excited for our first glimpse of the monument...some of us may have squealed a bit (a certain five year old especially).

I think it was worth the drive! We sure have some cool things in this country of ours.

Woodworking

Eli wanted a wand one day, so Logan decided to whittle one for him, and then used fire to burn in the pattern on the bottom. Sometimes I am glad I calm my inner mommy worry and let them try things; often it results in great things and happy kids.

Cantigny

A few things are starting to open up around here, often with limitations. One of our favorite places, Cantigny, has opened just its grounds: no climbing on tanks, no museums. I was excited to hear that, but not sure the kids would go for it. On the contrary, when I told them they declared we needed to go the very next day, first thing in the morning (so we'd be there before they capped the number of visitors). I was thrilled; usually I have to practically beg them to let us wander the beautiful grounds! So we went and ALL had a great time! I guess being stuck inside for months has some good results after all. 

Self Sufficient

We've been working this summer on some new skills to help the kids be even more self sufficient. Ali and Eli now know how to address a letter all on their own!

Skills

Ali wanted to learn how learn how to grill, and her dad was happy to show her. I don't even know how to grill!

Treat and Activity

I was in charge of the FHE treat and activity so I suggested making caramel popcorn: an activity and treat all in one! Yum.

Ice Cream Cake Celebration

The kids had a great year of school, especially considering the odd end to the year, so we celebrated with ice cream cake. I couldn't decide which picture I liked best...hahah!

Bedtime Books

Jake loves getting tucked into bed early enough for a few minutes to read. He sure loves his books. And I sure love him.

Bike Ride to School

Jason took the older kids on a five mile bike ride a couple of weeks ago to their Middle School; it was the first time they'd been there since March 13!

Ministering Fun

My ministering sisters brought a basket full of fun things to do at home, including chopsticks and starbursts (try to open the former with the latter). The kids had a lot of fun with the game, and the candy, and once the candy was gone the fun kept going because now they're chopstick pros!