Hinking through the woods.

The backyard of my parent's house ends up in woods and you can walk all the way to the Mississippi River. There was one part of the trail that is on the edge and I was worried about Harmonie and Domonique falling down to the bottom of the ravine. We made it all safely.

 

A couple of the kids took me to a stream they found and explored. It was a little tricky for me to get to but I managed. It was neat and did remind me a bit of Dominica (that's what the kids kept saying about it) so I was glad they took me. 

Even though the water was pretty cold the kids just couldn't stay out of it. I had to remind myself of my childhood and doing the same thing - wading in the stream/creek. Kids just gotta do it.

A deposit of clay. I wonder what it would be like to make pottery out of it?

Another shot of the fort, just for fun!

Firepit dinner

When we got home from Nauvoo we had a cookout in the backyard. We had hot dogs, watermelon, potato chips, avocado, and soda pop. We all had a great time! After the kids were done eating they ran off into the woods to explore. What fun!

We thought about having S'mores again but decided not to simply because we had other things to do - showers and bed! What great memories we are creating!

The sun is Shining! Woo Hoo!

Finally!

We have been in Keokuk for almost a week.

It has been rainy and then it got cold.

We were so excited to see all the rainbows

because that means sunshine!

 

Deer and fort

We love the woods in the backyard. Today we saw 5 or 6 deer running around the yard and the neighbor's yards. A couple older and a few younger. It is always fun to watch them.

 

We also like the woods because there are all sorts of things for us to do out there. Well, for the kids to do. Gaffa decided he wanted to build a fort with the kids. We had a fun time and the kids were all excited about it.

Not really tall enough for them to get in but it will be fun to play with and around and on. It was a great activity.

Sister Tukuafu Bread

It's a favorite with my kids and we eat it every time we come to Grammy and Gaffa's house. I guess I should make it at home but then it wouldn't be special when we visit. Three of the girls were able to help and we'll make it again so the other kids can help. It is fun because it is baked in cans. The girls enjoyed kneading the dough.

They did a great job and it turned out delicious!

S'mores!



It finally stopped raining but we didn't want to go out to the fire pit on the soggy grass, so we had s'mores in the driveway. It worked out just fine and we ate the entire bag of marshmallows and all the chocolate! I think we'll have to do that again!

 

Yummy, gooey deliciousness!