Where did the week go?

It was so great having Doug home last week. I've been trying to think of specific things we did, but other than kite flying there really wasn't much of interest happening around here. We went shopping and bought some things so I could start preparing for Miriam's Kindergarten Homeschool Extravaganza. We also hit the grocery store to stock up on nonperishables for the month. Exciting, I know.

Even though it sounds like a blah week, we really did enjoy ourselves. For once it didn't seem like Doug's vacation flew by without us. It was great! In fact, Doug was ready to hit the books again yesterday when it came time to go back to school.

On Sunday we went to Valley Forge (aka Fort Hall, if my brain isn't working). It was a great way to get out of the house and the weather couldn't have been better, but I don't think it is something we'll do again. At least I can say that I've been and I won't feel guilty moving without making the 45 minute drive. If I were to recommend it to someone I would tell them to buy the audio tour (don't have a clue how much it costs so don't ask). It was a beautiful drive and we had a nice picnic, but we weren't really sure what happened in what spot. I think if you were to walk the whole thing you would be able to see a few more plaques and signs describing the events. We read what was in the small map and then just quickly toured through the few buildings there were. The one thing I learned was that there was never a battle there and they were spread out pretty far. When I thought of Valley Forge, I figured they were all in one spot close together. Not so, they were in different parts of a very large amount of land. The British did show up at one point and there was a small skirmish, but it only resulted in one death and one injury. Not that the death and injury weren't important, but you can see why there really wasn't too much to see. We are really glad we went though, and if we are desperate to take a drive somewhere, we may just go back---but this time we'll buy the audio tour.

Miriam was mad because I made her lay down on the bunk for a picture, especially when Doug put Shaylynn on the top bunk, SITTING!

See, all better!
I made Doug get in this picture so I could prove he came with us. Isn't he cute?
This is me, trying to teach my girls how to load a cannon. Good thing it wasn't loaded.

This picture was taken inside the arch. There isn't much in the picture, but it's the only one we have from the trip with Shaylynn smiling.
When we went to Gettysburg last year we loved all the statues and things there were to walk around and look at. Well, here is a picture of a statue for you. It's of Anthony Wayne. Sorry, I don't know anything else about him.We wouldn't truly be a Ricks family if we didn't throw in a wildlife picture. While we were driving through the park Miriam spotted a "reindeer" on the side of the road. After a closer look we found several deer sitting and grazing in the wooded area. Miriam was very proud that she spotted the "reindeer" first.

Oh, if you're still wondering about the Fort Hall comment---those of you that are from Eastern Idaho know that Fort Hall is our local Indian Reservation. For some reason whenever I am referring to Valley Forge, I always call it Fort Hall. I've really confused more than one person who either doesn't know what Fort Hall is, or knows, but just can't figure out how an Indian Reservation fits into what I'm talking about. Sigh. I'll probably move back to Idaho and start referring to Fort Hall as Valley Forge.

On Monday the complex pool opened up. It was a warm day, but the water was COLD! It didn't really affect the girls, they both wanted to get in and play. Luckily Doug obliged them and I was able to stay outside of the pool and sunbath for a few minutes. I did end up in the water at one point, but didn't stay in too long. After our swimming adventure we went to a friend's house for the most amazing steak dinner I've ever eaten. It was good food and GREAT company!

When we first arrived at the pool Miriam quickly found a seat and sat down. When asked if she was going to get in the water she said, "In a minute Mom, I just got comfortable."