Monday, July 21, 2025

Norfolk Zoo

Recently we went to the Norfolk Zoo with some friends. It was our first time there and we were so impressed! We were fortunate to go on an overcast, more tolerable day weather-wise. The zoo itself was beautiful, and so much larger than I thought! We will definitely be going back there at some point. 


I was also super impressed with Bonnie. She was so curious and had so many questions. Every time I turned around, she was asking the employees specific questions about whichever exhibit we were at. I was proud of her for being curious and eager to learn, but also so proud of her for not being afraid to go up and ask whatever she wanted to know. There were times we didn't even notice she was lagging behind because she was deep in conversation with one of the employees.

It was a very fun experience for us and we can't wait to go back!

Friday, July 11, 2025

4th of July

4th of July weekend started early on the 3rd with Eric coming in town and going to Water Country. It's always more fun with cousins!


The morning of the 4th, we helped the kids decorate their bikes and got ready for our neighborhood's bike parade.




Bonnie was at the front of the pack with some of the big kids. 


This was Riser's first year participating and he did great!


Then we went to Katie's pool and had some family pool time which was so nice!


That evening we went to a neighbor's house for hamburgers and river time with friends.





Bonnie got to ride on a jet ski for the first time and loved it.



Riser didn't last in the river too long as he couldn't really keep up with the girls, but Bonnie had a blast and could have swam all night.



We went home for a quick bath before going to our neighborhood beach for fireworks. This is the first year we've let the kids stay up late enough to watch them - which means it's also the first year I've seen them here as well! 






They were beautiful! Another neighbor gave the kids these sparkler swords which they were very excited about. After about one second Riser decided it was not for him and passed it off.




On Sunday we all went to Mom and Dave's for family dinner - it was a wonderful feast! I love that we've started family dinners and it was so nice Eric was able to be here for this one. 


Proud to be American - Happy 4th!

Monday, July 7, 2025

June extras

With summer in full swing, we have been taking advantage and going on lots of adventures, playdates, and getting creative. Earlier last month we went to visit Bluebird Gap Farm with some friends. 


We've gone to a couple low key bible studies at church. 


We continue to hang with our homeschool friends and do field trips with them. 


As much as Bonnie says she doesn't want to do quiet time in the afternoons, she ends up never wanting to come down. She will spend hours up there. She often spends her time crafting/painting/coloring, reading or listening to stories, dressing up, dancing, and playing with her dolls or stuffed animals.



She particularly loves changing Kirsten's outfits.


We've seen lots of friends at the library. We have also been participating in the summer reading program. One day we got to see a magic/juggling show.


We did a pizza/pool party with friends from my moms' group. 


Bonnie's style is flourishing. 



Riser has been officially potty trained for a month now.


Grandma took some of the kids to a movie one day and they had a blast! It was Bonnie's first movie experience.


Riser and I have gotten creative with his cars. 



Benny and I took the kids on dates. Eric took Bonnie to a go-kart/arcade place near us. I took Riser out for ice cream and to find him a big boy bed (unsuccessfully).

The kids love doing tea parties for lunch.


Bonnie still loves helping in the kitchen. 


Mom watched the kids one morning so I could go to a work meeting, and they had so much fun getting Grandma time. 


We've continued to take advantage of Water Country, and have been fortunate to go with cousins multiple times!


Our book club nights have gotten interesting. We had a nerf tournament to see who would be most likely to survive in a dystopian world (based off our most recent read). I came in second. 


And of course lots of beach time. 

I have always been and will forever be a summer girl - I love this season!