Learning to bike

Peter got this tricycle for his birthday last year but sue to lack of practice room and time he has not learned to peddle it yet.  One afternoon a few days after his birthday he wanted dad to take him riding so that took off to explore the cul de sac that we live on.  After about 15-20 minutes he was doing pretty well with the peddling

...just not so much with the steering.  (I don't know which makes me laugh more, Peter's expression or Alan's reaction!)

It's a good thing there is a big handle on the back because Peter is a crazy driver!

Isaac hung out on the swings with me while they had riding lessons.  It still amazes me how big he is and how much he can do all by himself now.

Self Reliance

So we have wanted to start our home food storage for a while but while we were in school money and space were a problem.  So after we got settled here we did some research, made a plan and started the process.  Here is Alan sealing up our first #10 can of food!

An hour or so later here was the beginning of our food storage! 

A suprise visit

After we got back we had a surprise visit from my sister and her little girl.  The boys had so much fun entertaining them and while Peter was at school we met up with my cousin and headed to the zoo.

 

One of my favorite exhibits is the polar bear and the kids had a fun time watching his antics.

We couldn't miss an opportunity to ride the train especially since Emma loves them.

We made a stop at the playground for some monkeying around

and some snack time

Then we went to visit the birds and they had just been fed so they were super friendly.  The one visiting with Isaac and I liked zippers which was a good thing because we both had them!

Isaac was totally fine with them unless they landed on him or touched him.  It is funny that he is always trying to chase down birds and other animals but when he actually had the chance to to touch one up close and personal he kinda freaked out.

Table Rock continued

Our last morning at the lake we packed up and packed in as much last minute fun as we could.  Here is Peter with his "treasures" from the lake.

The kiddos hanging out together.

Isaac multitasking on the seesaw and trying to blow up a balloon...

And then showing off his superhuman strength and body mass!

And of course after watching the kids having so much fun the boys "boys" had to give the seesaw a try and they agreed it was as much fun as it looked!  Isaac of course was watching to make sure they were following the rules.

 On day two of trying out the zipline I was better at taking pictures and the kiddos acted like ziplining pros!

 

We built one last fire and roasted up the last of the marshmallows and Isaac was thrilled to be able to join in the fun.  After a little apprehension and a lick test he decided toasted marshmallows were his new favorite thing!