A Visit to a Tabernacle Replica

We went to visit a traveling replica of a tabernacle with a group of homeschoolers. It was a hot day, so we were thankful for all the shade they had set up. Since there were a lot of young kids, we got the quick tour and didn't melt away.

We started with a smaller version for an overview and then went to the different areas.

It was nice to get a big visual of the the tabernacle. I seem to remember things better when I can see them!

Snuggling With Big Bear

We found Eliana fast asleep with her BIG bear one night.

She calls him Chocolate Cookie Dough.

So cute while sleeping!

Fort

When it's too hot to play outside...

you build big forts all over the house!

Chop

Eliana wanted to get her hair cut to her shoulders this summer. We finally got it done and it looks so cute. It's also super easy to brush!

We also painted her room this summer - Fairytale Pink! You can see the new color behind her, but I think it's a bit brighter than in the picture.

Joanna's Back

Joanna's back from camp. She had a great time. We got to see pictures throughout the week while she was gone and keep up with their different activities online. Some of the things she enjoyed were Bible quizzing, the daily treasure hunts, goofing off with the girls, chapel and I'm sure we'll hear more.

Here she is with one of her FUN counselors.
When we picked her up, Joanna showed us around and we tried some things out.

Eliana climbed the tall tower!

Balance!

Caleb and a friend on the big "teeter totter"

Eliana heading down the very fun slide.

Caleb heading back up from the bottom of the slide.

They missed their sister! Eliana had a book and Joanna started reading to them as soon as we got in the car to head home. Well, right after Joanna said, "Ohhh, air conditioning!" =)

New Old Fun

Caleb found a treasure on a shelf in the garage this week.

He found an old train kit that Joel had gotten as a gift when he was probably 9 years old. The kit was for a building to put around a train track and hadn't been put together yet. Fun fun!

A Box and a Pocket Knife

Caleb wanted to make something with dad's pocketknife. He decided he could make a "house" for Belle and here's what he came up with.
We didn't know if she would like her new house or even go in it.


Snoopin' around

Relaxing. She just might like having her own space!

She likes her window too.

Train to Albuquerque

On our last day in NM, I (Joel) took the older 3 kids on a train ride to Albuquerque.

Headin' upstairs.

Caleb loves trains.

The early morning departure caught up to Eliana & Joanna.

Caleb was happy to keep looking out the window.

At the Albuquerque Aquarium, looking around.

They had a large jellyfish tank.

Caleb getting sucked up by a large jellyfish.

After the aquarium, we headed to the nearby gardens.

There was an area that was a children's magical garden where everything was huge. It reminded us of the movie "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids."

Just a fun shot, inside a large, glass building.

Caleb & Eliana especially liked the outdoor electric trains.

We were on a balcony looking down at this guy. We think he was hungry.

The mummy kids.

Map boy

I managed to tucker the kids out in the afternoon too.

Until I told them I would buy them some ice cream.
Ice cream = instant rejuvenation!

Tuckered out and ready to head back.

Eliana getting in some reading.

Getting silly - It was a fun day!