Creeping out of the BatCave

The warmth this afternoon tempted me outside. I crept out of the BatCave and ventured into the sunlight. Clothes hung drying in the breeze.

I took our science book and read-aloud novel outside and read to the kids at the picnic table, while Suzy and James climbed the swingset, Emily sat nearby, and David worked on the concrete step removal project.

The younger kids were seen playing baseball in the sideyard and also riding their bikes which were carried down from the barn loft. David tore his bike apart, repairing it and deciding that a new inner tube was necessary. Good thing Mom had a quick trip to Walmart planned. (Wait, is there such a thing?)

Chatting on the phone outside kept me outside longer in the sun, but I didn't get in a walk as I had hoped. I did spend some time organizing my co-op class stuff and made an easy dinner.


James was off to his last soccer clinic with Bob and the girls and I headed to Walmart for that "quick trip". Yes, we did it in less than 40 minutes, although I didn't get everything I wanted and easily could have spent twice that long. Got the necessities though and I will have to find another store for some of the craft stuff I need anyway.

Then I delivered them to their meeting which had a gardening theme. I read my book while the girls had their "circle time" and then I helped them plant some seeds to take home. Delivered one of their friends home and chatted with her mom for a bit.

Came home to a very bouncy David and a very tired James. (And a rather grumpy husband, if truth be told....)

The week only gets busier!

(OK, I'll admit the pictures are from MONDAY not Tuesday. But they did the same things outside on Monday that they did on Tuesday, so I figure it's all the same, right? lol)

Thrift Store Haul

Thrift Store Haul

Spent two or three hours at the thrift store today with David, Emily, and Suzy and came home with the following:

David
-2 pair lounge pants (pajama)
-1 fall jacket, reversible
-2 church shirts
-1 pair church pants

Emily
-1 pr winter pajamas
-3 dresses
-1 pr jeans
-2 pr pants
-2 t-shirts
-3 long sleeve shirts

James
-1 pr church shoes

Suzy
-1 pr church shoes
- 1 dress for next summer (she has plenty of fall/winter dresses already)
-2 sundresses (or jumpers) with tees to wear underneath
-3 t-shirts
-1 skirt with tee to match
-1 pr pants

For myself I got a dress that I hope to makeover into a Renaissance Festival dress. We'll see if I can actually accomplish it or if it even works, but I saw it and it screamed "COSTUME!!!" at me. If I don't use it, I'm sure someone here will eventually.

On the way home, we stopped at a couple garage sales. Our finds: a fake plant with lots of greenery and hyacinths in a basket (just right for the top of my bookshelf; it's been nagging me to put something on it), some 7x7 Creative Memories page protectors (I think I have one of these albums), some girl toys, and, best of all, a VERY nice bike for Suzy for $20. She's happy. It is slightly big for her, so by next year it should fit her great and will fit her for 2-3 years, I imagine.

Great bargain day!

Stay-cation

Wow, what a weekend! GORGEOUS weather EVERY DAY! Too good for me to even have conceived it! Today is lovely still!

After the garage sales yesterday, we had dinner and then went for a bike ride. Yes! Me on a bike ride. Bob and the kids finally dragged my bike down from the barn (upstairs). It was fun, but then David got a flat tire.

S'mores by the fire, fireworks in our front yard. I have some pix of that, but they are still on the camera. We pitched a tent in the side yard for a backyard campout.

We played Scattergories Jr before we went to sleep. The Jr. version has the great adaptation of allowing you to put an answer that DOESN'T start with the key letter, but gives you two points if you DO start your answer with the key letter. This avoided meltdowns in our family! lol They all enjoyed it, except Suzy who declined the opportunity to play. Likely a wise choice since she can't yet read or write fluently.

Yes, we slept all night in the tent. Yes, all of us. Woke up before 6:00 and tried to sleep more, but it didn't happen for a long time. Finally drifted back off and woke up again around 8:30 when Suzy was the first of the kids to awaken.

We went to church and had lunch before heading out to a friend's pool. It was a PERFECT day for swimming. The kids had a great time (even David) on her floatie toys and swimming back and forth. THEN she brought out snacks and pop which made her even MORE favored among the Wagner children!

After that, the kids put on a movie and I headed out to spend scads of money at the grocery store. Now, it's bedtime - and after THREE late nights, every kid is good and tired!

Suzy Rides Bike!