simple magic

the wyandotte county fair moved this year-to K-7 and Polfer. so every time we drove past that intersection on the way to the pool we saw the signs.
we have never taken the kids to the fair. it always seemed in my mind to be a crowded, dirty, chaotic and hot activity.
but, this year it some how called to us-the proximity the 4-H component and i've been seeing cool pictures with ferris wheels.
the kids were beyond excited. but it was 104 degrees and i was rethinking our decision. we decided it would be better to make it a late night than to try and deal with the heat.
they were in the backseat jumping up and down talking about ferris wheels and balloons. anneliese was shouting about everything-even the flags used to designate the parking.
i've been pondering traveling these days-especially since i love blue lily. they give their kids this amazing world traveling experience and have such a real and positive outlook.
but going to the fair was simply magic for the kids-and although i still feel like giving them a world outlook and taking them to australia and italy, i also have to remember that a ferris wheel and lights and a petting zoo bring them high amounts of joy-
watching them enjoy it was a huge thrill.

puddles, parades and pools

a good rain is an amazing thing in july in kansas and needs to be celebrated by drenching yourself in puddles, because you know tomorrow they will be replaced by dust.

we stayed in kansas this year for the fourth of july-so we were able to join grandma for the lenexa parade.  it is a classic scene of community to watch babies sitting on laps clapping for the fire trucks as the older kids clamor for candy and hi fives from clowns.

  one of the best moments was when the kids were handed small flags-but not enough for all of them. grant started to get upset because he didn't have a flag. aunt beth, being the perfect aunt that she is, had one in her bag. so all seemed to be ok. then he began to be sad that his wasn't the same. emily chimed in that his was the 'most special flag' ' grant, you are like a king, because your flag has a special little ball on the top'. oh emily...the middle child is developing some wonderful peace making strategies already :)

 and the pool...
we discovered the aquatic park in bonner springs and have declared it 'our pool' for this summer. i love the pool because it is really gives a chance for some undivided attention for play. no laundry or dishes at the pool. becky and dale came up for grandma's birthday and we had fun sharing our pool with them. anneliese easily transferred her crazy jumping onto becky (even when she wasn't ready :)) the boys had a great time going off the diving board and becky helped emily go across the lily pads for the first time.