Roe Rambles: Trapping Bears, Riding Bikes, Play Dough Snakes, Beaches, and Playgrounds

Captured a sweet moment - our daily snuggle and read times. (Sandra Boynton has always been a favorite!)

After the party at the library on Monday morning, we invited our friends the Romines and Miss Jan to make rhubarb jam together at our house. Miss Brianna, Miss Jan, and Mommy were busy making multiple batches of various flavors - so busy that Mommy only remembered to take one photo (of Simon and Helen observing jam-making while eating their snacks).

There was also some general silliness that day after dinner as Micah decided to do some bear hunting. He started off in a lion costume, with the intention of tricking the bear, who wouldn't realize he was really a hunter. But he came back concerned that the lion and bear would end up in a fight, so that wasn't really appropriate bait. But a hot dog on the other hand...

And later, another tactic... "This is a bear trap. He will get his claws stuck in this toy. And there is poison ivy inside."

"No people allowed - only bears" (safety first when it comes to bear traps, of course).

Boat rides on Tuesday!

Wednesday morning, what started as an impromptu chalk line, turned into an entire roadway, complete with stop signs and speed limits (per request of the boys). It is amazing how drawing a chalk road by hand can really tire one out! (Photos taken from the patio, where Mommy sat relaxing on a chair with her ice water, after all that effort.)

Micah on the motorcycle.

Henry on the tricycle.

Learning which side of the road to stay on.

Good for cozy coupes as well.

"That guy in front of us just accidentally put his tire over the white line!" After this experience, Micah suddenly became a backseat driving expert for other cars on the road, not just ours.

The road works for foot traffic as well.

Water break!

While we took our break, the boys were fascinated by a butterfly on the table.

In the evening, when it was cooler, Helen spent some time in the grass, practicing standing on her own.

Standing up - and letting go!

Thursday was a play dough afternoon, following Henry & Helen's morning check ups at the pediatrician.

The rolling pin is the hot commodity at our house when the play dough comes out. (It gets much more use for play dough playing than real baking, I'm sorry to say!)

Henry is still mastering the technique, so big brother had to show him how it's done.

And this is why we use homemade, non-toxic play dough for babies...

A fun group activity that all levels can participate in!

After Helen got tired of play dough, she got a chance to draw.

This looks tasty, too!

Micah made a family of "snakes."

"Here's how to draw an H!"

Things got a bit goofy at the end.

Thursday evening we went to watch cousin Calla play in her t-ball game. Afterward, the kids ran the bases.

Henry was most intrigued by the water cooler. He thought it was pretty sweet that he could serve his own water.

On Friday, we went to the Ann Arbor Science Museum with Miss Jan. Later, Daddy took us to the local elementary school to play on the playground, where Daddy and Micah shot hoops.

These two boys love to play together!

Meanwhile, Henry and Helen enjoyed the playground.

Fearless Henry!

While driving in the car today, Micah and Mommy had this conversation...
Micah: Mom, do you know what God says?
Mom: What does God say?
Micah: He says you should do bad stuff first. Do the bad things first to get them out of the way so then you can just be good.
Mom: What?! Where did you hear that? Or did you think of that on your own?
Micah: I made it up myself.
Mom: Yeah, so God didn't say that.

Our little heretic! :)

Saturday was a nice warm day, so Daddy suggested we make a visit to the beach after dinner.

We like Island Lake State Recreation Park, especially the Mill Pond because it's close to our house and the beach is a nice size for us. Going after dinner is a good time for us. We usually stay an hour or so and it's at the time when many others are already leaving for the day, so it's usually not crowded, even on warm days.

On Sunday morning before church, Micah and Henry packed up quite a few belongings and said they were off to visit Uncle Ben and Aunt Lynice in Texas.

Later, we took a family walk down the driveway to drop off some mail and Mommy took this photo. It's one of her favorites - and the background wallpaper for her phone screen.

After the mailbox, it was time to drive the truck. Helen thought she was hot stuff!

On this evening, while Mommy was inside doing up the dishes after supper, Micah conquered the two-wheeled bike (with Daddy's coaching). It was a big deal!