What $200 Will Buy You

One of these boys is a saver but the rest are fearful of burning holes in their pockets.

 

 

They have received birthday money and Christmas gift cards which we insisted be saved for future purchases.  But like the widow in the Bible who kept pestering the judge for relief, they wore me down until I finally decided it would be better for all around to let them make their purchases. 

 

Matthew got some "change" from his gift card and Jonathan squealed, "Ooh, now you have more money to squander!"

 

And Josie was not to be left out especially when she saw a princess in a castle. 

 

 

(I would gladly spend my own money to buy a barrette to keep her hair back but it would truly be squandered - she'd never keep it in).

Bomb Squad

Jonathan got special permission to attend a Scout meeting this week as there was a visit from the bomb squad.  He was excited to say the least.

 

 

It was an exciting time for all the boys to wear the police helmet, see the equipment and come home with goodie bags, too.

 

 

 

And one child was inspired to build his own bomb detecting robot.

"When I was down beside the sea...."

 

 

A wooden spade they gave to me

 

 

To dig the sandy shore.

 

 

My holes were empty like a cup.

 

 

In every hole the sea came up    

 

 

Till it could come no more.

 

 

Robert Louis Stevenson

Busy Saturday Part One: Aboard the LST

The big news around town is the brief visit of the LST 325, a circa WWII ship that carried men and tanks to the shores on DDay. 

 

 

We headed out early Saturday morning to beat the crowds, but there was still quite a wait.  Thankfully a local military vehicle group brought some of their treasures that the kids were able to examine while we waited for our turn to board.

 

 

I cannot even imagine what those young men must have been thinking as they headed out of this ship onto the shore in the midst of gunfire.

One veteran answering questions along the way mentioned that he was 17 on a ship in the South Pacific.  A mere kid.

 
I wish we had had a guided tour, but we still enjoyed the chance to go back in time.

I'm thinking that we just need a bunk room like this for the boys.  Personal space is overrated.

 

 

 For the kids, however, the highlight was the BrickMania exhibit: a 500,000 LEGO piece replica of the ship and a diorama of a beach landing.

 

 

 When we arrived home, they immediately set to work making their own LST and accompanying vehicles. 

 It was an exciting start to the day, but there was more fun to come.
 

LEGO Lighthouse

It's always fun when Stephen presents his creations when rest time is over.

 

 

I think he is highly anticipating our upcoming beach trip.

 

 

 

He planned all the little details, even down to the spare buoys.

LEGO City: Chapel of Love

I can't explain why there has been a rash of discussions regarding weddings at our house this month, but apparently it is quite the fascinating subject. 



The Bride (wearing a plastic gown appliqued with a wolf) and the Groom (in his police uniform)

Jonathan periodically worries about who he is going to marry. 

 

Note the lovely stained glass window behind the couple

 We've had lengthy discussions about how he can't marry me or Josie,

 

 

and Stephen wisely pointed out that he can only marry a girl or they couldn't have a baby. 

 

The red pieces are rose petals (though I'm not sure who is doing the tossing)

 He's narrowed it down to one little girl and I've warned her mother;

 

 

and I have been charged with driving them after they tie the knot. 

 

 

LEGO City Garage

 

 

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