A Perfect 10!

 It is birthday season!  This year instead of Ninja Warrior, (kind of hard to top by the way,) we rented space at a local park.  

Dylan got to play soccer, 4 square, kickball with all his friends.  We also had a dart gun company come and entertain so the kids could shoot each other for 2 hours.  

The weather held out.  The kids ran around like crazy!  Dylan had a great time and got to hang with all his cousins and friends!

Dylan turning 10!

Birthday dinner at Melting Pot!

To the Zoo and Back!

 When Dyleva was little, we would go to the zoo all the time.  Sometimes we would just go to walk around and have a picnic.  I remember once, when Eva was very little, Jeff and I got up early one Saturday morning and took her to the zoo.  She was being so naughty, we walked in, and then turned right around and walked out!  The beauty of membership!

We had a lovely time a few weeks ago when we went.  Today, we returned because we have been entertaining a little houseguest.  We knew she would enjoy it!

There were some amazing encounters we had with the animals.  Today we pet a legless lizard.  I had a Japanese macque jump up at me and scare me half to death, we watched a lynx prepare to pounce on a rabbit, and the ninos played with sea otters today.  

We  were a bit concerned about the weather, but it ended up being perfect; overcast and cool!  

https://youtu.be/mf9I3Y0SbdE

Here are some fun shots from our days at the zoo!

Blowing his horn

 I swear Dylan's primary motivating factor in taking the trumpet, was that he could have access to a super loud horn to annoy his sister whenever possible.  

We are a musical family, but we are not a musical family.  We have music on all the time-all genres (except country).  Eva can tell a Nirvana from a Guns and Roses Song.  I made sure Dylan can name #41 and Jessica from the first notes.  But we have no musical talent.  

Even though their parents are musically talentless, I embraced the thought of Dyleva playing an instrument, if they were interested.

Eva began the viola three years ago.  I'm not sure she has ever picked it up outside of school.  When I asked her, why did she choose it, she explained, "It's better than taking Music class."

Okay.

Dylan initially wanted drums, god help me.  He got stuck with trumpet.  But it all worked out because so did his best buddies....again not exactly the motivating factor I was looking for.  However, Dylan is taking summer lessons for 5 weeks.  Dylan will actually practice his trumpet....especially after a rough day with Eva!

Descendents

My little Eva Magnolia flower has always been an artist, but oh yeah for me, she has also become a stylist.  She loves to put pieces of an outfit together.  Check out these drawings she has created in the name of Descendants characters, all in the name of style.

Nature Challenge

    As Dyleva ages, I always try to find new things to expose them to, and to keep them interested.  Last year, we became hikers.  Of our own motivation.

     But then, I found the hiker's challenge, and that kind of opened doors for us and kept us challenged and organized. 

This summer, I upped the anty.  We are also participating in a Nature Challenge.  There are six catagories.  You only need to complete one, but!

If you complete them all, we get $96,000.

Just kidding.

We get nothing but our sense of accomplishment.  Here are some nature encounters we have already had: