Penn State Chics Dig Nerds

Our yard is landscaped to drain water off of the property, but there is definitely not a stream, lake or waterfall on our property. I just wanted to remind you of what our yard normally looks likes: On Thursday afternoon we received 3.1 inches in 2-3 hours.  We had many storm cells come through. After one storm went through, another one immediately formed.  So, it seemed like we had one huge storm.  There was not any break between the storms.  Here is what our river and waterfall looked like when the worst of the rain was over Thursday: In all of this, none of the drains were clogged.  It was simply too much water in a short period of time. Then, the older two got on their swimsuits and went out into the water when the sun came out.  I now regret that I did not go out with Amie.  These pictures were from the dining room window where we watched.  I just didn't think that Amie would do well in slightly moving water with uneven ground....

This week we have been filling our mornings with swimming lessons.  The best part?  We get to take lessons with our friends! Natalee, Will, Logan, Brady, Mckenzie Both kids started off the week extremely tentatively and unwilling to try new things (or even things they did last year!).  They were placed in the same group, with wasn't all that good.  I felt like Brady was feeding off of Natalee's fear.  I also felt like Natalee needed to see what some of the other kids were doing.  They kind of combined the two groups so that my two kids aren't just seeing each other and two other little kids.  Additionally, we stayed longer at the pool one day and we spent last evening there practicing.  And, it has payed off hugely!!  Just wait until you see! Natalee has always had an issue with water going over her head.  Here, she jumps in to the instructor- while holding her hands--and the promise that she won't go under water. After pra...

About a month and a half ago my dad delivered the kids some new sand to create a sand box underneath the playhouse. They have spent HOURS under there creating sand masterpieces! It is nice that everyone (my 3 kids plus my 1 outside kid) can fit in at the same time. This definitely beats the tiny turtle sand box that they used to squish into. In that one, they had to empty out all of toys just to have room to make anything. This is a definite improvement!

This is week #2 of Bible School. They have enjoyed Bible School so much that they've attended at two different churches. This week was at our church. They were upset when I forgot to take them to kids camp this week!  Brady had spiked hair.  Natalee had pony tails and braids all over her head completed by some crazy barrettes and hair ties. The theme this week is SonRise Roundup. With a western theme, I got out my cowgirl hat. The kids have enjoyed this immensely. In fact, when we went for an appointment yesterday, Brady wore his cowboy boots while Natalee wore my cowgirl hat :)

When we went to Trough Creek last September , Brady asked to hike to the Balanced Rock.  We did not have time to do the hike once we realized that he wanted to do that too.  A storm had blown in and we had to leave.  All fall, winter and spring , he has been asking to hike to the Balanced Rock. On Tuesday, I just could not say no anymore.  It was a beautiful day. We decided to wait for Jesse to go along. We passed the waterfall on the way to the Balanced Rock. Brady tried to push the rock over the edge of the cliff. The Balanced Rock as seen from the car. It's not the best view, but it works. The Mountain Laurel have started to bloom. I love to see the flowers. Following the short hike, we went to see the ice mine.  After that, the kids wanted to play by the creek.  We stopped by Copperas Rock. I wish I would have taken my nice camera along. This is part of Copperas Rock.   This is the area we "swa...