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 For some reason, E1’s doodle bear sitting by the computer just struck me funny.

  If one looks at the numbers, it hasn’t been an exceptionally hot summer.  But probably because I’m often holding a baby who also doubles as a little heater, it has just seemed unbearably hot.  We have a little window air conditioning unit in the living room, and I’m soooo glad. 

 One of the state parks close to us does hands-on pioneer demonstrations on Saturday afternoons throughout the summer.  When I saw the next one was on blacksmithing, gunsmithing and woodworking, K was really excited to take the kids.

We really had fun and learned a lot!  The kids used a crosscut saw and a lathe turned with a pedal and string (I think there’s a name for this, but I don’t know it); and they made a shake for a roof. Then we watched the blacksmiths work and learned about kids years ago making nails to sell for spending money as E1 and E2 each pounded the head onto one they got to keep.  As we were leaving the gunsmiths set off a cannon- that was loud!

  It’s been a while since I’ve had the sewing machine out to make clothes.  Actually, it’s been long enough that I’m a little concerned that I’ve forgotten everything I’ve ever known about following a pattern and all the rules for garment construction.  But that didn’t stop me from going to Joann’s during a great sale a few days ago to pick up some fabric and patterns.  I finally got the edges of the fabric zigzagged in order to wash it.

  E4 has just started pulling up!  Look out sisters and brother, nothing is out of reach now!

  After her bath, E4 was playing on the floor under the window and the sun was setting, making her glow.  I loved the way that glow showed up in the picture!

She loves to look at books on her back with her feet holding the book steady.

  E2 is interested in electricity right now, and his snap circuit set gets quite a bit of use.  This particular experiment demonstrates the conductive properties of water- it sets off the alarm when the wires are put in a glass of water.

  E4 has just discovered a new talent- blowing raspberries!  She does it very well- and often.

  E1 has been flying through books this summer.  Reading is a normal activity for our family anyway, but she’s taken it to a whole new level.  It hasn’t even been a month since we signed up for Summer Reading at the library, and I bet she’s read at least 20 books.

  This is a gorgeous letter holder my sister gave me a few years ago.  I think of her every time I see it. 🙂

Our mail is delivered to a group lockbox a few houses down, instead of a traditional mailbox at our house.  It is an entire family trek to go check the mail, and the kids get rather upset if K checks it without them.