July 27th

We flew home from Utah on the 25th of July.  We got in around 5:30 pm.  One of my visiting teachers picked us up from the airport.   Andy came home to find us later in the evening.  When we got home I realized that someone had mowed my lawn and weeded the flower beds!  When we walked in the front door I realized someone had swept the floors too.  There were fresh flowers on the table and a plate of muffins.  When I checked the refrigerator I realized someone had gone shopping and stocked the fridge.  As I started to unpack I noticed that the whole house was clean.  Come to find out Andy had Charisse come and clean before we got home.  He also got the flowers and went shopping so I wouldn't have to.  The muffins were from our neighbor Margaret.  She had also weeded and mowed the lawn.  Between Andy, Margaret and Charisse I had the best welcome home ever!  The only thing that could have made it better would have been if Andy had been able to pick us up.  

The Saturday after we got home, July 27, was our stake pioneer day at the institute building in Chapel Hill.  They had a pancake breakfast and several games and activities for the kids.

Daniel making a corn husk doll.

Eliza and Dad having a watermelon seed spitting contest.

Eliza was getting pretty good.  I was just impressed she was actually eating watermelon.

Bradley working on his corn husk doll.

Bradley getting his face painted.

I believe he got a lightning bolt.

Daniel got a Captain America mask.  He also tried the watermelon seed spitting.

He has decided watermelon isn't too bad.

Eliza getting her face painted.

Nathan just really wanted to be out of the stroller!

The finished product...

a cute little ladybug.

Eliza was a little small to make her own doll, but she paid close attention to the lady that helped her.

Eliza loved her doll!

Daniel was excited about the stick pull.  He and Bradley were pretty well matched.  They both beat each other a couple times.  Daniel was confident enough to try a random opponent.

He had plenty of strength...he would just get laughing too much and loose.

He decided to try one of the pioneer games.  It was the ring and stick toss.

He practiced a little and got pretty good.

Nice catch Daniel.

Later in the day we had a few neighbors over for dinner to celebrate Nathan's birthday since we missed our Dad on Nathan's actual day.

Eliza, Marek and Patrick eating kabobs.

Andy and Mr. Charlie

Nathan and Margaret

We had Kabobs, rolls, corn on the cob and salad..

We also had a frozen Hershey Pie for dessert.  Nathan loved the candle and the pie!

Margaret  had to hold him pretty tight so he wouldn't leap out of her arms.

It was a lot of fun to visit with our neighbors.