Rainy Day Reading

One rainy morning when everyone was busy learning Emily asked if she could go outside to do some reading.  I said yes and knew it was raining so I assumed she would be reading on the porch swing.  I peeked outside 20 minutes later to find this.  Looks like a wonderful, relaxing way to read to me, too!

First Scriptures

We have a tradition of giving the kids their first set of scriptures sometime after they turn 7 but before they turn 8.  We want their first scriptures to come from Mommy and Daddy and we always write our testimony and special little message to them inside the front cover.  Ashley was quite excited to get her first set this morning and has been reading them and flipping through the pages ever since.  

Emily's 11th Brthday

This little girl is 11 years today.  Emily has such a sweet, nurturing spirit.  She loves mothering her younger siblings and helping me around the house.  She is learning to play piano well and loves reading and drawing.  We had a "Little House on the Prairie" birthday party for her.  They went outside and played kick the can, made homemade butter, and their own wax candles.  We are so blessed to have this sweet spirit in our home.  

Butterflies

Ashley received a butterfly kit for her birthday from her friend, Kayla.  We finally ordered the caterpillars in August and have had fun observing them change into butterflies.  She was sad to let them go but really happy about getting to hold them before they took off into our backyard garden.  

Ashley's Under the Sea Play Area

Ashley is always building and designing her own little play areas.  I don;t take pictures nearly as often as I should, but I did et a picture of this one.  She built it under the living room window and played for days with it.