Birthday Zoo Trip

 For about 8 months Grace had Edgar had the desire to go to the Point Defiance Zoo for their birthdays.  Due to the busy schedule of summer and the increase of Covid-19 cases we postponed the zoo trip till today.  James had 3 days off and it was the perfect time.

Tuesday we drove up to Grandma Sharolee's house and spent the night at Grandma's house.  

In the morning we hung out with Grandma and her birds before we headed tot he zoo.

We listened to music the whole drive having a super fun dance party in the car.  We arrived at the zoo around noon.  A little later then we hoped but it was still fun.  We watched a sea cucumber spawn.  Gwenevere's favorite animal was the red wolf, Everett's favorite animal was the tigers, Grace's favorite animal was the puffer fish, Edgar's favorite animal was the elephants, Mama's favorite animal was the jelly fishes.  The time at the zoo slipped away too quickly and before we knew it the zoo was getting ready to close.  We rode the carrousel, slid down the otter slides and collected squished pennies. 

We miss the walruses 

After the zoo we made our way to the University of Puget Sound so that James could get a new sweatshirt.  Edgar fell asleep on the drive so I stayed in the car while the kids and James visited the campus bookstore.  When they returned James and I took a stroll around the campus grounds while the kids stayed in the car.  

When we got back to the car Edgar was awake and it was time for dinner.  We drove to MSM Sandwich Deli so James could get a Rubin Sandwich and then we went to Frisco Freeze to pick up fish and chips and milkshakes for the rest of us.  

The weather was so nice I just wasn't ready to leave Tacoma so we drove down to the waterfront and had our dinner picnic style with beautiful views.  

After eating it was time to get on the road again.  We drove to Grandma Sharolee's house.  She had apple cobbler ready and a birthday surprise for Everett.  

We arrived home shortly after midnight.  It was a super good day.  I only wish we had more time.  

Happy Birthday Grace I hope you had a good experience at the zoo.

Happy Birthday Edgar I hope you enjoy seeing the brew brews (elephants)

  

Father's Blessings

 At the beginning of every school year James offers the kids and myself father's blessings as we prepare for the upcoming school year.  

This year was no different. As we gathered in the living room a gentle reserves entered our home.  Edgar was a bit wiggly and at the moment I didn't feel it but later that evening as I relistened to the words of the blessings i could feel the spirit was present.  

Everett was the first to receive his blessing.  Edgar was wiggly and I didn't catch everything about his blessing.  Just the jest that he would have courage to overcome struggles, that he would work hard and learn and grow.  

After Everett's blessing and my lack of ability to concentrate I asked that we record the other children's blessing so I could take notes and add them to our family journal later.  James agreed.  

Grace was blessed to find new way s to strengthen her mind mentally and her body physically.  Courage to try new things, listen to the spirit and make good choices and to be a good example to her siblings.

Edgar Arlo full of sweet little giggles sat on the chair folding his arms as James blessed him to learn new things in school with mama.  learn to be a good little brother and be happy and helpful.  

Gwenevere was giving a blessing of comfort and strength.  "You will have the patients necessary to work through hard challenges and experiences the upcoming year."  She was blessed to work hard and learn new things.  And to be a good example to her younger siblings.

I was blessed to be able to use all the things that i've researched to help the kids develop good habits of learning.  I was blessed to get myself organized in a way that will help the family and to have patients with everyone in the house.  

I only wish James was able to receive a blessing from his Heavenly Father as well.  

Thank you James for your selfless service for our family and all that you do that brings the presents of Heaven in our home.  We love you and pray for you.