Lueker's Code

Chapter 7 of Story of the World was "Hammurabi and the Babylonians." We learned that Hammurabi tried to be a just king who believed everyone should be treated equally. We learned about Hammurabi's Code and discussed which of his rules we thought were fair or not. For the most part we agreed he was a much better king than others we have studied thus far, but some of his laws still seemed a bit harsh. In this vein, one of the activities for the week was creating our own family code to hang in our house. We started by using the long paper Grandma and Grandpa gave us for Easter. We used a bowl to draw and then cut the top so it would be rounded like an ancient stele which was a carved stone with the laws inscribed for citizens to read. These were placed across Hammurabi's empire so everyone could read and understand the laws.

 It was a great opportunity for the girls to practice some cutting skills

We struggled a bit to determine what should be drawn on the top of our stele since we only did one. The original ones included a picture depicting Hammurabi reciving the laws from the god of justice, Shamash. After much negotiation (and guidance from our activity book) the girls agreed to take turns drawing our family with Mommy and Daddy providing rules for the kids.

 Coloring together was a much easier task after the pictures had been agreed upon and drawn.

 I don't know what this secret was but I just thought it was a cute picture of the two of them working together.

 Our completed Lueker's Code along with a recommended book "The Rules" by Marty Kelley (Zino Press, 2000). This book was really cute and made talking about rules a bit funnier after having our more serious conversation.

Pool Passes

The girls, especially Reagan, wanted to take swimming lessons this summer. We decided on Lexington Parks and Recreation partly because we could purchase pool passes and Jackson would be able to swim while the girls took their lessons. Poor Jackson spends so much of his time waiting for his big sister's activities we thought it would be nice to give him something to do for a change. 

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The week before swimming lessons began we decided to go and check out Tates Creek Pool just for fun one morning. I was taking some random picture when the kids decided they wanted me to take a picture of the three of them, even Jackson! Be still my heart! Jackson has not willingly posed for another picture since and I wish I could convince Kennedy to look at the camera, but I'll take what I can get when I can get it! lol :) 

 Having fun in the kids pool

 Jackson prefers the fountains and having the opportunity to warm up in the zero entry kids pool. He likes to take things nice and slow and is in no hurry to rush right in with his wild and crazy big sisters.

 Kennedy had fun playing with Jackson in the fountains too

 Sweet sisters in the pool

 All 3 kids loved climbing and sliding down the swan slide in the kids pool

 We brought several snacks including cheese whips which Aunt Arla had brought us over Memorial Day from Wisconsin. These are some of our favorite treats as you can see from the smile(s) on Jackson's face! :)

We're looking forward to lots more pool fun this summer!

Gymnastics

The last week in May both girls had the opportunity to participate in a small exhibition at their gym where they could show what they have learned this year. Missy K was so excited and had such a great time including demonstrating her pull over that she can do all by herself!

Missy K is going to have her bridge kickover before we know it! :)

Being cute while waiting her turn

Missy K was beyond excited when she received her certificate and lei! As soon as she hopped up on the podum she started ringing her hands with the biggest grin from ear to ear. It was so precious! 

Kennedy with her coach Miss Fergie

 Kennedy with her coach, Ms. CindyReba

 The next evening Reagan had her chance to perform. I had Kennedy and Jackson with me that evening (Aunt Dorothy kept Reagan and Jackson the first evening - thank you so much!), so somehow I didn't manage to get as many pictures... I did get a couple pictures of my cute little distractions...  

Reagan lined up for the tumble track

bouncing away

Reagan receiving her certificate, medal and lei

I have to say when we started gymastics last fall I had no idea how Reagan and Kennedy would take off. I also had no idea what an intense sport gymnastics is. We're so proud of both of our little gymnists and look forward to seeing how they progress in their second year of training! :)

Memorial Day 2012

Most of our guests returned home Sunday, but we were lucky enough to have Grammy and Grand-Dad stay for Memorial Day. Tim has been talking about getting a croquet set since we moved to Kentucky and I've always made fun of him because I didn't think he would actually play. I enjoy the game, however, and we played relatively frequently with a set we had when I was growing up. Aunt Arla decided it was time we had a set so she brought one to us this time. I don't know that Tim has played with it yet but the rest of us have been enjoying it. :)

 Jackson managed to get his Thomas train outside, down the deck stairs and across the yard by himself

 He loves balls almost as much as Thomas so it was not surprising that he zereod in on the croquet balls. He did become a little frustrated when he couldn't take the balls we were using for the game.

 Could this be an advertisement for Coke?

 Kennedy loves our disc swing and heads for it everytime we're near the swingset. She had a particularly good time being wild with Grand-Dad and Grammy.

 Grand-Dad took a couple of cute pictures of Missy K climbing a tree

 Before Grammy and Grand-Dad could leave we had to have our traditional LaBar Memorial Day Rootbeer floats. Yummy!

Thank you Grammy and Grand-Dad for a super fun day and weekend! :)