Crafty Cousins

We spent a lot of time this week making crafts. It kept everyone occupied and happy when the weather turned rainy, and it was a cheap way to have some fun souvenirs of a week with Aunt Jenn. Even if I did feel like I was running a day camp some days! Here's some of the kids' handiwork.

Sunshine and Sniffles

Our day didn't go as smoothly today as at the Crayola Factory yesterday. It started off with a simple round of mini-golf.
But soon a hot and overtired Juli got really cranky.
But we had to let the other kids finish their game, so Aunt Jenn got to carry a whimpering child all around the course in August heat.
Meanwhile, Hannah's shocked by Nicky - I'm glad I didn't play - he was on a roll, and probably beat everyone by a large margin. Too bad we weren't keeping score!
Juli put on a fake smile for the traditional golf cart picture, and then we headed to the Promenade.
I thought a dip in the fountain might cool off her grouchies.
But after one touch, she was outta there.
Everyone else got as wet as fish, though!
Or possibly wetter than fish. Hard to tell.

Creative Outlet

I had planned to spend the week between VBS and band camp with the kids, doing all the fun things we haven't had time for during this busy summer. But when Barry got a new job, I ended up spending the week with ALL the kids. On Monday, we headed for the Crayola Factory.
First, we stopped off in the attached Canal Museum and guided some boats down locks.
Of course, you need a mule for that, and Hannah fell in love with this one. Seriously. She kept talking about the mule all day.
I don't think Juli will find cleaning clothes fun for much longer.
But everyone loves a train!
Then it was time to start creating.
We used every Crayola product known to kids.
Nicky even won extra products by knowing what color a kid had named. (Macaroni and Cheese)
No matter what Kai and Nick might think, Hannah knows that you're never too old for fingerpaint!
Painting these turtles was a highlight - everyone agreed Juli's was the best!
Between one thing...
And another...
We whiled away the hours, winding up with a visit to the world's largest crayon. Time for the world's longest nap!

VBS

If a picture speaks a thousand words, 21 pictures should be a novel. So, in pictures, here's how Crocodile Dock went at our church this year. I'd say it was a success!

Fly, Eagles, Fly!

I had the opportunity to watch the Philadelphia Eagles practice again this year. Due to Vacation Bible School and work, I was only able to go today, but it was still great to see all of the players out on the field.

I got to see a punting competition between Ken Parrish and Sav Rocca. Parrish held his own pretty well, but I think he's going to end up getting released. Hopefully another team will pick him up. He's a local boy (East Stroudsburg) who was training to be in the police force when he got the call from the Eagles.



I am a little worried about the offensive line and the linebackers. The Eagles starting offensive line hasn't practiced once together this training camp -- somebody was always hurt. And Stewart Bradley, the starting middle linebacker, was injured earlier in the week and will be out the entire season.

Jeremy Maclin, the Eagles 1st round draft pick, finally since his contract and arrived on Tuesday. I was able to watch him catch in practice, and the kid looks good.

It was nice to take a morning to relax, sit on the bleachers at Lehigh, and watch my favorite football team play. The start of the season is only a little over a month away at this point. It will be great to be able to make time on Sunday after church to curl up on the couch with Jenn and watch some football. Plus we have Friday games with the high school team starting soon. I can smell the french fries already.