Kim and Audrey come to visit!

My dear friend Kim and her 5 month old daughter, Audrey, flew in from Crown Point, Indiana to visit us and it was so exciting to have her around for a few days! We relaxed and had some girl time - literally with 5 girls in my Tahoe whenever we went out! Pedicures, movie nights, dinner out, playing with our girls, late night chats and a little shopping was how we filled our days.

What Haven does in her spare time...

Haven HAS to wear her tu-tu while listening to music so she can dance in her room. She has this notion that she can't dance without wearing some form of skirt. It is very cute to watch... even harder to catch on camera.

Family Fun Sunday

On Sunday, my in-laws' church had a big picnic after the service. We enjoyed LOTS of fun activities: jumping gym, cotton candy, snow cones, horse back rides, and lots of good food! It was a fun day to close the summer month of August. Is summer over already?!

In the life of Parker...

Parker is definitely NOT like her sister. She is determined, tough, picky, loves to cuddle, and is into EVERYTHING! We had to safety proof our house a second time this past weekend after she walked over to me with the Drain-O in her hand! And, sadly this past Friday she got on her tip-toes, found the curling iron cord on top of the bathroom counter top and proceeded to pull the cord until the very hot curling iron fell on her arm. This was very traumatic for me (and for her too, I suppose). We went to the doctor, got some special antibiotic cream for burns and are now praying this nasty burn will heal quickly and there won't be a bad scar. She was also stung by a bee on Sunday and today fell backwards into the kiddie pool, scraping her chin and biting her tongue. I am praying that God will protect this tough girl until she can develop more common sense and agility! In the meantime, I am doing the best I can.

She also will ONLY eat the following foods: strawberries, yogurt, mandarin oranges, Gerber raviolis, chicken nuggets, apple sauce, mac-n-cheese, grapes (50% of the time), bananas (50%). That's it. Anything the color green she automatically starts shaking her head, no. Unbelievable. I am still trying to get other foods down that hatch! Good thing she also likes her gummy vitamins.

The Old Montana State Prison

This last Tuesday, we (girls and in-laws) took a trip to Deer Lodge, Montana. My father in law had some business to do there, and we heard that the old state prison is a very fascinating place to visit there. It is now a museum since it was closed in 1979 (opened in 1871). Haven was very intrigued with the idea of a prison... hence, we had a LOT of explaining to do. During our lunch break, Haven asked Papa to tell her more about jail. She just wouldn't shake this idea of a place where "bad" people go. Papa continues to tell Haven that people who go to jail don't get to see their family anymore - they can't be with their mom and dad. Haven's eyes widen and she turns to Papa and says, "Don't tell Parker that... she would be so upset!" Funny how they filter information.

Of course I forgot my camera, but if you click on the title of the blog above, it will take you to a website describing the old jail and the frequent hauntings that have occurred there... I have to admit, it was a little spooky, but well worth the trip! There are five other museums around the prison that make it worth the drive and the $9 charge. Montana's history is rich and interesting.

Silverwood

We had a great time at Silverwood this past Saturday. We were there from 10 am to 10 pm and did both parks with the family. The girls were superb and handled all the fun, food and festivities with lots of energy and excitement (we won't talk about the details of the day after, but it wasn't pretty). We can't wait to go back and will definitely make this an annual event.

Tips to Make Your Silverwood Experience an Enjoyable one:
1. The big sip "coaster cups" are a good deal - .99$ refill. We refilled at least 4 times and visited the bathroom at least 8 times...
2. When the inevitable punk 8th grade kid cuts in front of you while waiting in line, charge him a $1 or 3 Pokemon cards. Either way, you'll be out on top.
3. You will be told continuously that Silverwood's "chicken strips" are "the best around." What they mean is - the best around that particular physical establishment. But, the fries are actually REALLY good.
4. Buy a scoop of ice cream inside the amusement park. They are HUGE and you will eat it all since you are at Silverwood... an it's a treat... and you don't do this all the time... and you only live once...
5. You WILL go off your diet if you are on one. Diets don't exist at Silverwood. It is an all out assault on all foods healthy.
6. Roller Coasters are meant to be ridden with your hands in the air. Warnings against this, however, are placed conveniently at the exit of the ride... along with a neck adjustment.
7. When waiting in line for a roller coaster, have some carefully crafted questions prepared in order to "blend in" with the locals. Such as: "So, that's an awesome cut-off! Is that real flannel?" OR... ""So, how did Pabst get that blue ribbon?"
8. If going on a Saturday, arrive an hour early so you can get a covered spot at the water park. Shade is priceless. Seriously. You can auction your spot to the highest bidder when you leave. Now you have money for that ice cream cone.
9. The security are obviously x special forces and should not be taken lightly.
10. In order to not look like such a tourist, stop by the temporary tattoo booth and get a nice BIG tattoo of "mom", KidRock" or any of the Nascar drivers. This will ensure that you will be treated like family... also mullets and rat tails are not necessary, but always welcomed.

Swim Lessons

Haven had swim lessons these past few weeks and she LOVED it. I saw a huge growth in confidence and boldness this year. She would confidently jump into the "big" pool with her blue noodle tied around her waist. For the most part, Have would listen to her swim teacher, Bre's, instruction and guidance. Although she gave Bre plenty of her own advice and directions as well. At the end of her two week session, she was able to swim a few seconds on her own (dog paddle style). YEA Haven!

Vampire Baby

Parker's top "eye" teeth have popped through which gives her a very "Twilight" quality.  I am calling her my little vampire baby.  

The Dish Washer

Haven told me today that she wanted to wash the dishes... well, sure thing!  Go right ahead... here is the soap, grab your stool and go to town!  I hope this lasts... 

Tea Party!

My mother-in-law and her church - Crosspoint Community Church - hosted a beautiful women's tea this last Sunday.  They went to the full extent of bringing England to rural Montana: scones with lemon curd and clotted cream, tea, finger sandwiches, salads and of course, tasty desserts!  Even Haven was invited to sit at the "little princesses" table.