Old-Time Banjos and Rainbows

One half of the double rainbow...

...and the other half!

Jackson liked playing with umbrellas, but really preferred the pirate one (of course!).

Patrick was literally screaming with laughter as he got splashed.

Jackson wanted a picture with the rainbow.

The Old-Time Ragtime Band

Civic Green Park hosts some great family music on Thursday evenings during the summer. We didn't make it to any last summer, so I was determined to see at least one performance this year. I packed a picnic supper and the boys and I got to the park WAY early to get a spot. Jason was planning to meet us after work. I was so focused on getting everything together, I never heard the weather forcast. When we got to the park, there was hardly anyone there, so we definitely had our choice of spots. However, as soon as I had the blanket spread and the food out, it started to rain!

We dashed for the picnic shelter I deemed would have the best concert view and grabbed a table. We shared the shelter with three other families and a singles group from the nearby condos, which made for some interesting conversations. A somewhat soaked Jason found us in time for supper. One of the other families had a boy about Jackson's age, and they played together while we waited it out. They took turns holding umbrellas in the rain runoff and splashing each other with much giggling. Then they spotted a baby rabbit, and it was all I could do to keep Jackson from chasing after the poor wet little thing.

The rain finally let up, and to our wonder, a complete double rainbow appeared over the concert stage. It was very clear, and so beautiful against the dark sky. I asked Jackson if he knew what rainbows meant, and he said, "A promise!" We discussed again the story of God's promise to Noah on our way to our lawn spot.

The band was really fun. The performers were mostly older folks, and they were pretty talented. Each musician was given a chance to shine, and several of them sang solos. It was good, down-home folk music and made you want to tap your foot. A local bank handed out free mini beach balls and ice cream, a very winning combination for all ages. Jackson and the other children ran around between the parents and the stage bopping the balls all over. We all had a great time, and I hope we get to do more of these, minus the rain!

This Is the Way...

Jackson was in need of a new toothbrush, and on our trip to Target this morning, I picked up one for Patrick, too. I can't believe he already has enough teeth to brush! He didn't understand quite what to do with it, so Jackson gave him an impromptu lesson. They had a great laugh showing each other their 'eeee's and aaaaah's'! This is the way we brush our teeth, brush our teeth...

Kee-Yi!

Jackson is really excited to start karate. He loves to show off his moves, with much enthusiastic jumping around. He's been very interested in karate for a while, so Jason and I decided to give him a 30-day trial for his birthday. (We're just starting a little early). He'll get two private lessons a week, plus a class on Saturday mornings with mixed ages and abilities (still all kids under 12). I hope he likes it as much as he thinks he will!

My Favorite Things Party

There ARE crawfish in Colorado!

Susan (left), daughter Dru, Judy and son Matthew are in our playgroup.
There was "Pin the Tail on the Dragon."

An Octopus pinata

Jackson loves the goats; they're the friendliest of the animals.


"Here! Don't you want some hay?!"

Holden's birthday party seemed to be full of his favorite things. The kids waded in the stream and caught crawfish, played "Pin the Tail on the Dragon", knocked down an Octopus pinata, and visited the petting zoo. Oh, and ran around in the grass. It was a great day, and lots of fun. Happy Birthday, Holden!

Plaid Paddy

Patrick's first Band-Aid didn't last long.

He really loves to read--with me or by himself.

Recognize this classic?

I think he looks just like his great-grandfather Big Joe!

Dinosaur Diggers

Jackson's not sure where to start his digging.

This looks like a good spot.

The skeletal loot.

There are still 32 dinos hiding in the sand!



Jackson excavating for teeny dino bones.

We found a bone!

Tricia's awesome homemade cake.

The birthday boy.

Jackson was invited to Kendall's birthday party; they were in the same preschool class this past year. We got a little lost on the way (thanks, Yahoo Maps!!), but made it in time for the first activity, digging for dinosaur skeletons in the huge sandbox. Next, each child was handed a clay egg and excavating tools to dig out more teeny bones. It was harder than it seemed, so we soaked the eggs in a little water and tried again. Much easier! Then, there was an egg hunt with tiny plastic dinosaurs in each egg. Of course, some kids found lots and some not so many. In order to even the score, Tricia (the hostess) had the kids dump all their eggs in a bucket and sit in a circle. Then they passed the bucket around and chose two at a time till everyone had the same amount. Meanwhile, Tricia's husband was grilling away, and we had super-long hot dogs in paper trays, just like at the baseball game. It was a really fun (and well-planned!) party, and Jackson had a great time. Party favors were those great hats, as well as a shovel and pail!

The Fifth

Great-Grandma Marge and Ashlyn sittin' pretty.

One for you, one for me.

Jackson was thrilled Uncle Matt let him help drive the tractor!

Where's the FOOD?!

" If I stay still in the sun, will this leaf give me a tatoo?"

Sweet little miss.

Split-second sit by Patrick--I didn't have time to get around to the front!

Do you think her mother knows?


Since we celebrated birthdays yesterday, and we still had a long weekend to go, we had another barbeque. I mean, why not?! Who wants to cook inside when you can grill? This time, we got to be with Bill and Chris; we hadn't seen them much since their wedding. It was really hot, though--I was wishing for the pool. Matt sure can grill some meat. He's got some secret spices from a specialty spice store, and he cooks up new ways to use them just about every time.

The Fourth

Ok, Emma, we wore our shirts...did you?

Jason and Jackson had fun with our mini fireworks.

Fortunately, the 'snakes' cool really quickly!

We did a few small fireworks in the backyard, mostly snakes, tanks and poppers. Our next door neighbors didn't do any, so their son was literally hanging over the fence to watch ours. By the time I realized it, we were pretty much finished, or I would have invited the poor kid over! Since we have little ones who need their sleep, we watched the town fireworks from our deck again this year. It doesn't get dark until 9:00-ish, so it's hard to let the boys, Patrick especially, stay up for them. Jackson watched a few this year, mostly because they were too loud for him to sleep through--or maybe he was just too excited?

July Birthdays

Kara and Kendra share July 1st for their birthdays.

Kai is ready to help with Kara's candles...

Ashlyn, not so much!

Jackson likes playing with all the little ones; here he's showing Cole how it works.

All the cousins in the pool!

Kai and Jackson loved the bubbles from Grandma--she always thinks of fun treats!

Patrick giving the "J-wave".

Ashlyn was happy to be warm and drying in the sun.

What's going on out there?!

Grandma and Grandpa Olmstead hosted the July birthdays' celebration on the 4th. Good food, lots of family time, and a pool to splash in--can't beat that! The water was too deep for the babies, so we loving parents bent our backs and dangled them in, while Kai and Jackson swam around. It was so fun to see all the cousins together, and to watch their reactions to the water. A good time was had by all!