Bubblegum Blowing

Over the past couple of weeks Lilly has practiced and practiced and finally mastered blowing bubbles with her gum. She was very persistent and was so proud of herself when she finally got it. She is now trying to whistle.

Family Outings

On Saturday we went to Burke Lake Park. It is a big lake with a few playgrounds, miniature golfing, a carousal, and a train.

We had a great time taking a ride on the train. Lilly loved it. We got there too late to ride the carousel so we let Lilly play at the playgrounds for a while.

It was a good family outing.

Today we went and hung the two wind chimes that Susan sent us. Lilly has always loved playing with the wind chimes in the tree next to Jax and Rook's grave. So it was very nice of Susan to send us some to put in the tree for our boys.

Miniature Golfing

There is a miniature golf place right next to the rec center where Lilly takes ballet. She tells me everytime we go by it that she has never been miniature golfing before. I thought it might be about time she try it out.

Lilly had a wonderful time swinging her club around and occasionally hitting the ball. She only hit herself in the head with it once. The weather was beautiful. We had a great family night.

Church Songs

I was called to teach in Lilly's Sunbeams class and I love it! I love watching her learn and interact with her little friends. But I especially love watching her learn and sing the songs in Primary. She sits very quietly during singing time and comes home singing many wonderful songs.

Pennsylvania Trip

Saturday morning we left for Pennsylvania. Our first stop was Intercourse, Pennsylvania. It was a beautiful place with lots of corn and Amish people.

We stopped at a Pretzel Factory. We learned how to make pretzels and we ate pretzels. We love pretzels!

Next we stopped at an Amish house that was selling homemade root beer.

They had this booth in their yard and a young girl was selling all these fun things. We decided on the root beer. Well, it was the wrong descision because it tasted like death. It was horrible root beer, but a fun experience.

I liked watching all the buggies go by with little families inside. I told Gus that I would like to live like the Amish. But just for a few day, to see what it was like.

There was a CAL Ranch type store with cars parked out front and horses and buggies parked on the side.

After a few hours up in Intercourse we drove to Lancaster.

We got a bite to eat and then drove to Dutch Wonderland. Lilly was all smiles when we walked through the princess castle gates.

This took us really high and the dropped us little by little. Lilly thought it was great fun, I did not.

This was the kid roller coaster. I thought it was pretty intense. When Lilly got off she said, "Now I want to ride the BIG roller coaster!" 

So we walked over to see if she was tall enough. You had to be at least 42" to ride. Well, Lilly was BARELY 42" and looks like she could be 5. So she rode this one:

She LOVED it. She smiled and laughed during the entire ride while I screamed! My little dare devil rode it another 5 times.

Then she spotted the games. She really wanted that giraffe.

And of course she won it!

This ride took you up and dropped you over and over. There was one mom on it that kept screaming. I guess it was intense. Lilly loved it.

At 8:30 the park closed and we left. As we were walking to car, Lilly turned to us and said, "I had such a fun time with you guys." It was so sweet. Gus and I had a wonderful time as well. The weather was great, the rides were fun, and Lilly didnt cry or whine one time. It was a trip to remember.

That night we drove  about 25 minutes to York where our hotel was. Lilly fell asleep on the way but quickly woke up when we walked into our hotel room. She had to check everything out.

The next morning we drove to Gettysburg. I had never been and wanted to see the sights. It was a pretty hot day so we only stayed a few hours. But we had a fun time.

At the Visitors Center

The Battlefield

The summer is going by fast and we have been doing a lot of this....

And this...

Trip to Richmond

Last weekend we took a trip to Richmond to meet with LDS Family Services. Yes, we are starting the adoption process! We feel like this is the right path for our family at this time. We recieved a BIG packet of information and paperwork. We are excited! Lilly has finally stopped asking me, "When are you going to be pregnant again?" and now asks, "When are we going to adopt a baby?" I think she might be more baby hungry than I am!

After our 2 hour meeting we headed over to the Richmond Children's Museum. Lilly had a blast running around and exploring.

Lilly's favorite thing to do was pick apples from the big apple tree

While milking the fake cow, Lilly told me, "I already know how to milk goats. You just stick the sucking things on. Its lots easier than this." 

Building with her Dad

Going shopping

Lilly tried to stay in the craft room all day. She made about 10 crafts.

 We went outside for only a little while because it was over 100 degrees with high humidity. It was insane!