Primary Talent Show

Our primary had a Talent Show for the kids to show the unique talents that makes each of them special.  It turned out really cute and the kids had a lot of fun.

 When I told the kids about it, Shane said he wanted to show some of his dance moves- and I subtly suggested he make a piece of art;)  He ran with that and after many, many ideas he thought of creating, he decided to make a dragon.  He had a very specific plan in his head and it was fun to watch him carry that out, even when cutting all those claws and spikes out was harder than he had imagined.

 Marissa wanted to bake something to bring and decided on chocolate chip cookies, so I dusted off my mom's old recipe and we went at it.  She was so excited, she tells me all the time that she wants to be a momma someday, and when I was helping her make the cookies she said "you're teaching me all the things to be a momma!"  When she got up to share about her talent she was pretty shy but finally said, "My name's Marissa.  I made these cookies with my momma.  I like making cookies because I want to be a momma someday."  And then she got embarrassed and almost knocked her plate of cookies over!

 Our cute sister missionaries even performed a rap for the occasion.

BYU 50

Much to the annoyment of lots of people on Twitter, the BYU 50 box for Indiana dropped in Fort Wayne again this year!  Of course we had to try to get it again, but we didn't have the same luck as last year.  They tweeted out this for a clue:

 and we had no idea where that even was, and had never even heard anything about it.  But the winner managed to find it in less than 2 minutes- a little suspicious!  But we got new shirts for being 2nd place, which we can't complain about too much since we already have a box!

Go cougars!

Chi Town

Shelley, Jessika, and Rachel were so nice to watch the kids for us so we could to Chicago with a bunch of the family to the Cubs game.  We rode the train there, which was definitely the way to go- no dealing with parking or traffic.

 We walked around a bit and checked out the Bean

 and ate at Giordano's for lunch.  They kind of misplaced our order so it took forever- but on the plus side they gave us a bunch of appetizers and didn't even charge us for any of the food!

 It actually was not my favorite- way too cheesy, but I'm glad we got to try it.  They even had gluten free pizza for Josh (though of course thin crust)

Going to Wrigley Field is kind of one of those bucket list items, right?

 It was a fun atmostphere even if the Cubs usually disappoint, and a fun day with the family.

We weren't so sure about being under the upper level at first- til it started pouring, then we were glad!

Blueberry Picking

I don't know what it is about picking your own fruit fresh off the tree or bush that is so satisfying but I am a total sucker for it.  Last month we went blueberry picking for our first time and it was a lot of fun.  The blueberries were big and juicy and right at our level and came off very easily.  I think we ended up with about 5 pounds and they were gone within the week- and that is without one member of our family (Shane) contributing to the eating.  Funny thing is I really do not like blueberry flavored things or blueberry desserts at all, so I didn't waste my time on any of those- but fresh blueberries as a snack are delicious!  

The Indianapolis Temple

We are so excited to finally have a temple in Indiana!  Our temple district has been Chicago, which is at least 3 hours away- without traffic.  So basically, we didn't go much.  We went to the open house a couple weeks ago and it was a really neat experience to take the kids through.  The older two were fascinated by the whole thing.  Shane told me he had a really peaceful feeling and that he could feel the Holy Ghost stronger than he ever had, and Marissa kept asking when we could go back again.  I love the peace the temple brings and am so happy for the blessings it brings, most especially my eternal family.

The Frog Man

We have had a LOT of rain this summer.  The poor cornfield behind our house is not doing so great, it has pretty much been a huge marsh most of the time.  But that means we have had a lot of frogs in our yard, much to the kids' delight!  Here is one of the littler ones Shane caught,

Marissa has caught one too.  They name them, create temporary little homes for them, and catch little crickets for them that they never eat.  I think it's because they are probably scared out of their minds with all that attention!

The Picture of Domesticity

Sadie, helping me make muffins, with her baby, while wearing a dress.  She'll make a good wife someday.  Or doctor, she does a mean checkup too:)