All in a Day

I have been a little, actually a lot, worried about summer since the beginning of May. Picturing long days at home with cooped up boys complaining about being bored, arguing, and wanting to eat snacks all day. It has been nice to have a change of pace, but I've tried to plan plenty of activities to keep us from driving each other crazy. Here are some of the things we did all in a day a couple weeks ago.

We visited Bass Pro Shops to pick up some flyers about some activities they're putting on during the summer. They have lots of different workshops for kids about fishing and hunting and outdoor things. They are perfect for my Cub Scouts to go to and pass off a few electives during the summer.

This was my first time going to Bass and I thought this little statue was cute. Dallin is standing behind it because the sun was hurting his eyes as usual.


We took a few minutes to watch the fish in the giant tank. We might go back some afternoon to watch the fish get fed. They had a penny smashing machine next to the fish tank. Parker had brought some money with him and had to get a smashed penny. Then he had to get one for Dallin and McKay. Very thoughtful, but what do little boys do with smashed pennies? They go in the trash eventually, a waste of $.51, since you have to pay $.50 just to smash your own penny. Oh well, they had a ball turning the crank and taking their pennies out of the machine.


Then we met up with some friends at Jump & Shout. It's an indoor playground at Riverview with climbing toys and inflatables. It was our first time and the boys had a lot of fun running around with their friends. I would definitely recommend getting a group together if you go, you can get a discounted rate for having ten or more kids.


We ate lunch at home and then Dallin and McKay were invited to go play with Gage and Jack. While they were gone Sophie took a nap and I got to spend some time alone with Parker. We had a fun time playing Monopoly Jr. and putting together a puzzle. I love being with Parker when he's in a good mood. He's smart and funny and he makes me laugh. Something I need to do more often!



Just a note: Beware of buying puzzles at Goodwill. This one was missing five pieces. But, it was the perfect challenge for Parker. It was the biggest puzzle we've done together.


Dallin is our biggest snacker. He rarely eats his dinner. I guess that's something I should work on, maybe tomorrow. Here is a pancake he made for himself after he and McKay came home from playing. He's into pancakes with faces lately. He put it together all by himself.


Late in the afternoon we headed to Water & Ice. It's a tradition for our family that after getting a good report card we treat the boys to an ice cream cone. Parker always picks Bubblegum and Dallin always picks Cotton Candy. McKay goes back and forth between the two. And just so that I wouldn't have to pay and extra $.55 for using my debit card, I got a shaved ice. Another note: If you want shaved ice, definitely spend some gas money and go to Bahama Bucks.


And because his money was burning a hole in his pocket, Parker wasted, I mean spent, the rest of his money on two gummy crabby patties. Check him out in the background making his purchase. He said they were the best he's ever tasted.


What a fun day. The kids were busy and happy, keeping snacking and boredom at bay, at least for a day.