Ice Blocking

 For Playgroup this week we took the kids ice blocking.  Today I learned that ice blocking is probably just  a "Utah thing" and not everyone knows what it is. So, ice blocking is sledding in the summer.  You get a big block of ice put a towel on it and away you go.  When I was growing up we always just bought a block of ice from the gas station, however, my friend told me it's better to make your own so you can put a rope on one end to make it easier to carry up the hill.  Brilliant!

"Gramma and Gramma"

Chris' parents recently returned from a mission in Indonesia so we had not seen them in two years.  They came and stayed with us for a week and it was so great to catch up and introduce them to Eliza.  Cordon recognized them from all the skype conversations but it was fun to see him play with them in person.  The kids warmed up to them very quickly, although Cordon could not get their names right.  They were either both Gramma or both Grampa.  He even started to refer to them as John and Mary on the day they flew home.  Mary did a fantastic job of wearing Cordon and Bud out by taking long walks with them. 

Headed to Chocolate World

Mary playing trains with Cordon.  Eliza is having a grand time rolling around. 

John showing Cordon his drumming skills

The 4th

I've said it before but, I love how much history is around us.  For the 4th we went to Valley Forge. We spent several hours walking along trails that had monuments and historical sights.  The original church, headquarters and some cabins where there.  Once again, I'm really grateful for modern technology.  I can't imagine spending an entire East Coast winter in a tiny cabin with just a bed and fire place. 

The kids were to short to get their heads in the right place so Chris had to hold them up.

The drummer was so cute with the kids.  Cordon loved playing a real drum.

Waiting for the canon to fire.  I took this picture then ran across the field with Eliza so the blast wouldn't hurt her ears. 

George Washington's Monument