The Ward Family - Visit July 2008

This past weekend we had a visit from Jesse and Brandi Ward and their 4 children (Kaylen, Julia, Jayson & Sean). They came Saturday evening and then left for Utah early Monday morning. It was a quick visit, but we had a really nice time. Eliza and Sherman enjoyed playing with their kids and it was nice to just sit and visit with Jesse and Brandi. We hope they will come again soon!

Jesse

Brandi and Sean - It was Sean's 1st Birthday on Saturday, so we had cake and ice cream to celebrate! Boy, did he enjoy that cake. He dived right in and never looked back!

Sean - He was quite a sight!

The kids all enjoyed the piano and singing with us before bedtime!

4th of July Weekend

We had a very nice 4th of July weekend. It started off with a nice pancake breakfast with our ward at Bethany Park. The food was good and the kids had a great time on the playground with their friends. We then did a little shopping at Lowe's for some supplies to fix up a play set that was given to us for the backyard. Mark spent most of the afternoon cleaning the wood with a little help from me while the kids took naps. (Now, if it would just stop raining long enough for the wood to dry out, we might get the would stained and be able to get it all put together.)

Later that evening we attended the Lincoln City Fireworks Show with some friends. The fireworks were spectacular, but probably would have been more enjoyable if we could have heard the music.

Waiting for the show to start!

Lucas, in the blue shirt, is Mark's intern from Brazil this semester. Both Sherman and Eliza adore him.

It was a bit windy, so it was a great night to try out the pinwheel.

We didn't do anything too exciting on Saturday, but on Sunday we attended the Columbus Branch so that Mark could meet some of their Young Men. Their was a very friendly atmosphere in the Branch and we had a great time. After Church we went to dinner at the Carley's. (Brother Carley is the YM President.) We had a delicious meal and then enjoyed roaming around looking at their animals. They raise "Bore" goats and chickens and have a small pony. Sherman was fortunate enough to get a little ride on the pony and thought that was great. Both Sherman and Eliza really enjoyed trying to feed the goats some hay, but neither were very fond of the two dogs that were roaming around. Unfortunately, I didn't take any pictures - maybe next time.

Wild Wednesday at the Zoo - July 2, 2008

Last Wednesday the kids and I went to the Zoo in the evening. They have "Wild Wednesdays" where they stay open until 8 PM. We had a great time seeing the animals, riding the train, and doing the other activities that they had that night. Sherman and Eliza even participated in a little obstacle course. We only stayed about an hour but it was perfect timing to leave as the rain started to come down.

Here is Sherman having a great time riding a pony.

Island Getaway - Pioneer Park - 6/28/2008

On Saturday evening we had a stake party out at Pioneer Park. The theme was an "Island Getaway". They had lots of fun games for the kids and a very nice pork dinner and yummy desserts. Sherman and Eliza's favorite thing was trying to do the hula hoops. Fortunately they had one just their size.

6/28/2008 - Dairy Days - Firth, Nebraska

Last Saturday we went to Dairy Days at the Prairieland Dairy in Firth, NE. We had a lot of fun! There were lots of activities for the kids and free food. :)

Sherman especially enjoyed climbing all over the straw castle! Eliza was not quite sure about it!

Sherman enjoyed his turn at milking a pretend cow!

Both Sherman and Eliza had a great time digging and playing in the corn box!

Before we left we walked through the cow barn. Sherman led the way and enjoyed watching the cows move away from their food as he passed by.

The cow barn was definitely Eliza's favorite part. She really liked the cows. It's a good thing she had a bit of a stuffy nose, because the smell wasn't all that pleasant!

June 22, 2008 - Sunday Movies - With Hats On...

Sherman loves to watch "Sunday Movies". (His favorite happens to be "Called to Serve".) We hope this is a good sign for the future! So, while Daddy was gone to his meetings we watched a "Sunday Movie". Sherman came downstairs with his hat on, so Eliza thought she needed to wear hers. I just wish she would keep it on this well when we are outside. I thought this was such a cute picture!