The girls love the bunnies at the farm. That's where they end up spending most of their time when we go. Of course Gwyn has named them all. Lyla has added a bunny to the list of animals she wants on our "farm" one day. :)
We got a cool old pogo stick at a yard sale. It is really heavy and Lyla isn't heavy enough to make it bounce. Celee and Gwyn try their hardest though. It's also kind of weird that now, in our last few weeks in the apartment, we feel like we can go outside. The girls have been playing in the front (contrary to the sign in the hallway that states there is to be no loitering or playing in the halls or the front of the building) and even chalking the sidewalk. I guess if the apartment police really have a problem with it they'll ask us to stop. Anyway, Gwyn made an impressive hopscotch course all the way to 100 and hopped it. And then it rained the next day washing away all the evidence.
On Friday we finally made it to DC to go to the National American Indian Museum. I had planned this two weeks ago, had been thwarted, planned it again, was thwarted again, and finally purposed to go in the face of a ghastly week no matter what. We did have a rough week. One of those "Why am I doing this?!" weeks. But we did go, found curb parking right outside the museum, and we all really enjoyed it! We picnic-ed on the Mall before going in. As you may can tell from the pictures, the wind was a bit chilly that day. Once inside I was really surprised at how attractive and engaging the exhibits were. First of all - the museum was Native-designed and voiced, which is a really nice change from the usual. Who better to tell a peoples' history than those peoples' descendants? We were given a Family Journey guidebook when we entered which gives children specific things to look for in the exhibits and questions to ponder. There were a lot of nicely animated myths from various tribes throughout the museum. They also have a great family area with 12 stations for kids to learn something about a particular people group and do a hands-on activity. The girls weaved parts of a huge basket, discovered the differences between walking with and with-out snowshoes, challenged their balancing skills on kayak boards, among other things. There was also a childrens' library section where we read a few stories. One was an Inuit story with the moral of appreciating what you have, in this case a house that seemed too small at the beginning of the story. I thought this was particularly apt for me and funny because we are moving out of the small and into a "normal" sized home again. The building was beautiful and the staff were all very nice and friendly. We all definitely want to go again.
When we got back to the van, we had 50 min left on the meter so we walked over to the National Botanical Garden. This without a doubt needs more than 50 minutes! We saw some highlights though. We learned about coffee. The girls sketched some of their favorite plants they saw. We played in the children's area where there is a succulent playhouse, a vine tunnel, a frog fountain, and a bamboo forest for fun. Then we had to scoot. And I did not pick a good time to try to get to Baltimore from DC. Oh well, that was my only strike for the day - the 2 1/2 hr. ride home.
I keep forgetting to take the real camera to Gwyn and Celee's soccer practices. They are having so much fun! Go Turbo Turtles! (Celee picked the name that the team chose) I knew Celee had fun playing soccer but I really didn't expect Gwyn to like it. I'm so glad she said she wanted to play! She is really having fun! Both girls are doing well too. I'm glad they aren't in a travel team or on a really competitive one, but they are doing good for their little league. They got to play a scrimage at the practice on Saturday and Celee almost made a goal. None of the girls wanted to stop when practice time was over, so the coaches just let them keep playing. I feel so normal sitting at soccer practice! Like other moms! I don't want to necessarily feel "normal" all the time, but once in a while is nice. And I love seeing the girls do something that they enjoy and put effort into. Score all around!
The Art Club that the girls participated in all summer had their Art Gallery on Saturday. So Jason got to go see all of their creations on display. I must say, when it is all put out and displayed so nicely, it was quite impressive. We are so thankful for Mrs.Marta for giving her time and creativity and space to all the kids over the summer to create such cool projects! I can't wait to pick the spot for the girls to display their art in the new house!
We have started packing some things. Mostly because we sold the girls bunk bed and all the stuff that they kept in bins under the beds had to go somewhere. Progress is progress though. We just found out today that the closing is going to move up - to this Friday! I can't believe we will have our house in 4 days. It is all still so crazy to me! I am still in amazement that God has done this. I hope I stay amazed. It is a wonderful feeling.
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