English Emma Blooms

in the nicest possible way, of course! THis is us on Memorial Day just before Aaron, Joel and I headed back to Indianapolis

This is what Joel and I do for fun: Aaron is saying: "Hey Joel! Leave that poop on my head ALONE!"

I am sitting in the back yard at Papa's house in Wyoming Michigan. Wyoming sounds more exciting that Grand Rapids, doesn't it! Did you know Wyoming, USA was the first state to give women the right to vote? They did that because they had a small population and by giving women the right to vote they doubled their representative power. Smart! ANYWAY, AARON IS Putting Joel to bed and Solomon and I are hanging out on the deck. IT is the napping hour. This morning Solomon and I went on a long walk down the Kent Trail. We went 4 - 5 miles, but it was not far enough! The bird songs, the cricket chirps and the smells of Michigan plants made me feel at home. This is the season when I love Michigan! I suppose that Indianapolis is really home because that is where I have lived the longest, but many places ARE Home to me. Michigan IS not Anywhere i want to be the rest of the time. While I was OUT WITH Solomon, Aaron and Joel were at Grandma's house and a park. the

… without shame… where forgiveness happens…" Karyl McGeath

Aaron had the day off today, so after his dentist appointment we headed north to Conner Prairie for what Joel calls a "feeltrip". We got to see the gun of a trapper and listen to his stories and Native-American folklore. We learned how to weave cloth, petted lambs, goats, and a cow. we listened to cocks cock-a-doodle-do. We explored a Native-American camp. We tried our hand at bowling. They let me do it too. There is nothing we like better than spending time together!

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Do you remember the excitement you felt as a kid when school got out and the summer stretched ahead of you full of promise, fun, and relaxation? Well, it is possible to resurrect that feeling. It is not easy, but it is possible. To make your summer relaxing fun and memorable, we have put together some tips to help you out. Carmel has a great Farmer’s Market: http://www.carmelfarmersmarket.com/ . It is open 8-11:30 from 5/31 to 9/27. If the fresh fruits and veggies aren’t enough to entice you –here are some of our favorites: fruit slushes for $1, breakfast brats for the hubbies, kettle corn, fresh cut flowers, and tasty baked goods. I celebrate summer by going swimming nearly every day! We paint with water on the driveway and sidewalks. Your paint supply is abundant and the kids have a blast. The only additional tip, dress them in clothes you don't mind getting soaked. Conner Prairie has classes for kids ages 2 and up with a parent, and the Children's Museum also does

After a week of playing outside virtually all day every day, I once again have a tremendous appreciation for the way in which the simplest things in God’s creation can entertain our kids. With this in mind, I have some suggestions for outdoor play during the summer months. I am the queen of “free” or “almost free.” You can combine fun with lots of ‘teachable moments’, even if, like me, you aren’t a teacher. If you don’t know an answer, use it as a chance to research at the library, online, etc. after you play. Water Play: Who doesn’t enjoy water on a hot day? Younger child * Take a shallow plastic container and a wood or plastic table out in the shade. Fill it with water and add many kitchen gadgets. Let your child explore what happens to the water with each. If she puts dirt or plants in, that’s part of the fun—and learning. Try making a simple boat from an egg carton or other container—perhaps adding sails made out of sticks and paper. * Water the grass and entertain your child sim

When the day is long and the sun is hot.. who you gonna call? MOPS MOTHERS! When the kids are screaming and your tears are streaming... who you gonna call? MOPS MOTHERS! nee nah nee nah nee nah dadada I’m not afraid of no kids! nee nah nee nah nee nah dadada I’m not afraid of no kids!

Sled Pull – load up your sleds with dolls or plush animals and pretend to be horses pulling carriages. have a race. Rope Games – Lay a long rope in a pattern on the grass. Have your child walk along the “tightrope” without falling off. Also, lay the rope in a closed shape like a circle. Have your child think of how many ways he can move in and out of the shape. Long Jump – Mark a start line with rope or string. Have your child stand at the line and jump forward as far as he can. Mark the spot. Let him try repeatedly to beat his farthest jump. Balloon Tennis – Use paddles or racquets to bat a balloon back and forth with your child. In addition, you could see who can bat a balloon in the air the longest. Soccer skills – Turn a large box onto its side and use it as soccer net. Practice kicking the ball into it. Golf – Dig a small hole in the ground and bury a tin can so the top of it is flush with the ground. Give your child a putter, wrapping paper tube, plastic toy shovel,

Danielle wanted to know who Solomon was. So, for Danielle.... and the ladies,... here he is: We found Solomon at Marrot Park in January 1999. He had been shot and he was starving. Solomon likes me to tell the ladies this story as it elicits a response that he finds gratifying...

Today my dad is 58! I can't believe he is that old! I still remember when he turned 30. I suppose that makes me old too.

Solomon had his first brush with fame. Walking abck through the park this mornign we ran into a photo crew taking pictures for a new indianapolis fashion magazine mdeol. Solomon had his picture taken with the models. Also this morning Solomon and I walked past a man at the bus stop and I said good morning. the man said good morning back. I asked him if he was Irish. He said no, Welsh, and how did I know. I said it was his accent and by the fact that he was a white man at the bus stop. I also warned him about walking down the street alome as that would also peg him as an immigrant. The man is travelling around the world and spending two weeks in Indianapolis! He is doing this alone. sounds like fun! I came home to Aaron, Greg and Joel playing golf in our living room.

Uncle Greg arrived after Joel's nap! We were screaming with excitement. He read Joel his new Narnia book we got in the Chick-Fil-A Happy meal.