More summer activities

Yes, we've been out of town a number of times this summer (more posts of that of that to come...), so we've had to make use of the time we've had here to play before kiddos start 1st grade.

Dani has had Jacob and Claire participating in the local library's summer reading and science programs.  The reading program is pretty simple: read 20 minutes per day for 20 days and get some prizes (free ice cream at Sonic, free pizza at Domino's, etc.).  Claire has been reading for a while and loves sitting down with a book.  Jacob, this summer, has really started to like and gain confidence in his reading, and it's been fun to watch.  He now likes participating as we read scriptures in their scripture picture book (and he can read some pretty good words).

They also did some cool science projects.  They learned about static electricity and water (combing Claire's hair, then getting a stream of water to bend away from it), magnets, planted some plants, learned about potential and kinetic energy, went on nature walks, and did a color absorption experiment, shown below.  There were quite a few days where the kids were excitedly telling me about the experiments they were doing.  Dani thanks the internet for some of the ideas!

We got out a water toy for Jacob and Claire one day.  Even though they had their swimsuits on, they ran and grabbed their umbrellas.

While I was on my mission in Portugal, I served on the Azores.  One of the traditions they have there throughout the summer was to have a bull released in the streets (held loosely by a rope and 5 Azorian cowboys).  The Portuguese would approach the bulls like a Spanish Matador, except untrained intoxicated and with an umbrella.  This kind of reminded me of that (well, except the intoxicated part).

One thing we love about Portland is there are bands that play in parks.  We were able to go to a couple this year in Wilsonville.  We brought dinner and enjoyed the music.

Jacob and Claire really liked being right in front of the stage.  Sometimes they just stood there.  Sometimes they danced.  Sometimes, they were moving in a way that I'm not sure I can quite call dancing...

Babies enjoyed the concerts as well.  Liam mostly kept within a few feet of the stroller and blanket (perhaps because the food and baseballs were there).

Kate, on the other hand, was a little escape artist and made friends with all the people sitting in the area.  For the record, she does not like sitting on my shoulders!

Here's Claire at the Farmer's Market in Wilsonville... notice anything funny about her pants?  Someone asked, "how did she get her pants buttoned?"  I guess when you have a skinny rear, you don't ever have to unbutton your pants!