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Dear Jesse,

Eight days done, just two to go! It's a shame that the journey itself and the time difference don't work in our favor, though. The fact that you depart Lancaster tomorrow afternoon but don't get to us until Tuesday afternoon is sad. Someone really needs to figure out a human beaming procedure (you know, like Mike Teavee in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, or perhaps Star Trek variety?). On the other hand, I guess it was only a few generations ago when this trip would have taken a month or two...so perhaps I should quit my complaining!

Today was gorgeous. The temps barely touched 70, the sun was brilliant, and all was right in the world. Well, almost. I was too chicken to drive us to church. The occasional stalling / spluttering engine issue has me paranoid. I honestly don't know what I'd do if I broke down 30 miles from the house with you a continent away away, so I bailed, even though the chance of a problem I'm sure was slim to none.

The boys are fully in "experiment" mode, as evidenced by yesterday's post. There was more concocting today, with William sticking with it for ages.


Later we did a bubble project. It involved cutting down two milk bottles from recycling, covering the open ends with a rubber-banded facecloth, and making a mixture of water and dish detergent. Josiah did all the prep work and we headed down with our supplies to the park by the river. The resulting bubble snakes were awesome!




Unfortunately William initially had a bit of trouble with the notion of only breathing out through the bottle, and he got a couple of really horrid mouthfuls of soap bubbles—nasty.

Here he just has some on his face, fortunately not again in his mouth! 

While at the park, we also played ball, did some swinging, ran races in the very tall grass, saw ducklings, and of course caught bugs and butterflies.

By the way, we've had some little injury, scrape, or problem each day—ah, summertime with kids—but today's was in indoor accident. William was desperate to help me grate cheese at dinner. We talked extensively about keeping fingers and knuckles from the grate, and I hovered, but...oops. The tip of one tiny finger is nicely band-aided tonight. I imagine he'll be more careful next time. And for my part, I'll try to do better at keeping both children in one piece for your return! We love you and miss you!