Butterfly House

This morning we visited the Butterfly House in Whitehouse. The Butterfly House is home to over one thousands butterflies--with dozens of different species from North & South America and Asia. They fly around the room and tickle you with their wings. One blue morpho butterfly even landed on Owen's shoulder at one point.

Heidi's First Public Speaking Engagement :)

Heidi gave a talk in Primary today! Her topic was "I can know the truth through the power of the Holy Ghost." She told the story from Carl Emil Nielsen's life story (great-great-great grandpa):

"[Carl] was baptized March 9, 1876 [at age 16]. When the pastor and his wife learned that Carl had joined the Mormon Church, they called him to their home. In a kind and loving way they told him he had made a serious mistake. After four or five days he decided to go home and talk with his mother, wondering if he had been hasty. When his mother learned of his concern, she said: 'Carl, have you prayed about it?' That was his answer. He hurried to his room and discovered how quickly God comes to our rescue when we pray."

 (She paraphrased, of course.)

She got the scrapes on her nose while having a foot race with Lizzie on the driveway. She tripped and skinned her nose pretty good.

24th of July BBQ

Beautiful. The girls got haircuts today.

With Sister Bradfield

Roasting marshmallows

Lizzie collected a bunch of goose feathers. Brother Smith told her that if she ran to "that tree" and flapped hard enough, she could fly.

Owen playing football with the boys.

Swim Lessons

I tried to convince Heidi to wear sandals today, but she wanted to wear these old hand-me-down sneakers instead.

Chicken - Airplane - Rocket Ship. Poor Heidi was terrified and didn't want to let go of Mr. Kevin.

Mommy's Helpers

The girls surprised Mommy by folding the clothes without being asked. :)

Owen Hanging Out with the Young Men

At Milton's baptism, earlier today:

Heidi took this last picture. She cut a couple heads off, and I had to go in afterwards with photo editing software to straighten it out, but otherwise it turned out pretty well. :)

Mini Golf

Next time we'll have to go with Michael and Daniel! It only costs $2.50 per kid... Can't beat that. :)

Lucas County Fair

We went to the fair this morning. We checked out all the livestock and ate some cotton candy!

Checking out the miniature ponies

"Mom, take a picture of me!"

With the sheep

This little piggy

Handsome, outside the stables

Eating our sack lunches

Our treat... cotton candy :)

Award-Winning Good Looks

Toledo Parent magazine had a photo contest promoting Imagination Station (the local science museum). This photo won it, so Owen's going to be in August's magazine, and we get 4 free tickets. :)

Owen's winnings... 4 $10 passes to Imagination Station

Independence Day!

BBQ!

Hunting for bugs

Fireworks! (Owen was napping)

Daniel was keeping Heidi safe, far from the fireworks

Tolerating the sparklers

These boys enjoyed the fireworks more than the little kids did

Roasting marshmallows

S'mores

At the Zoo

We splurged and rode on the train today! Don't Heidi's eyes look pretty here?

Lunch in the picnic pavilion