Second Verse, Same as the First

There aren't many pictures from this past week and much of what we've done is a repeat, nonetheless there have been plenty of good times, including FHE fun, a visit to the library, an epic water balloon fight with Maya and Jaden, movies at home, horseback riding lessons (!), and evening neighborhood scooter outings.

Disclaimer: My camera battery was left in the charger so did not come along for the fun in Tucson :(  Pictures from that happy day will only be available on Ayrel's blog.

Grandpa and Gabe enjoy the Homerun Derby together

FHE

These boys really like scripture-related activities and playing Scripture Man. This week we had an outdoor scavenger hunt and talked about why the Lord created this beautiful earth for us, relating it all to Moses 1:39. I love how all three want to use their scriptures, and race to be the first to find a verse. And they SING, joyfully!

     

Family Home Evening Treats - Mini Root Beer Floats ~

Don't worry, everybody had more than 1!

After the lesson and treats we made some yummy rice krispy bars and the boys wrote a very sweet and beautifully illustrated thank you note for the McDonalds*, which we delivered later in the evening.

Horseback Riding Lessons

Before starting the lessons Miss Kimber introduced everyone to the newest animal on the farm. She is a rescuer, and had told us last week that she hoped to bring home this little guy:

(are you ready???)

Hamilton (Hammy) is a 2-year old Vietnamese potbelly pig. He let the kids pet and brush him, but wasn't used to all the noise and attention since he's been a housepet until coming to the farm the day before. Miss Kimber explained to the kids that all the other animals were quite skittish because they could smell him but didn't know what to expect. There was a pretty good chance that the horses wouldn't settle down enough for a decent lesson. That's just life on a farm!

Cookie finally makes an appearance. She was one of the kittens we met last summer.

She needed to check out the new kid on the block.

Hamilton really likes to be brushed. He rolled over so Gabe could brush his tummy.

Emily rode with the boys today.

The horses behaved themselves very well, and it was a great lesson.

Gabe on Rio. These two are just made for each other!

Gabe's posture was great today and he seemed very much at ease.

Seth rode Dutch. I love the way he looks on this gorgeous big boy,

and he handles him so well.

Anastasia had her lesson following Gabe & Seth's, and she asked if Alex could ride with her!

She calls Alex her "friend boy", and now he calls her his "friend girl".

Miss Kimber let Seth and Gabe take turns leading them around the arena.

Then she had them do the hula...

and helicopter whirls...

and airplane arms.

Miss Kimber always has fun ideas!

Another great day in the saddle for all.

* Mony was Seth's Primary teacher several years back, and she is always so happy to see him and his brothers when they are here. On one of our evening scooter outings the boys wanted to knock on her door and say hi. It was meant to be a quick porch-stop visit but turned into a much lengthier stay and a great visit with both Mony and Greg. By the time we left we were heavy-laden with a bin full of educational games and books for the boys to keep, along with a request to to critique them for her as she sells to schools and organizations throughout the state.

Flashback Photos:

  

August 2008 - I had heard about how one moves all of one's possessions into a high-rise apartment in Korea, but it was amazing to see it happening. There are no service elevators. One's belongings are placed on a platform and then lifted up to a window of the apartment, where they are unloaded by the movers. The process continues until all is safely gathered in.

If you don't know the story, ask Sven why he took a ride up to his 19th floor window on one of these things!