Kentucky Summer Fun

In between unpacking, we tried to fit in some more summer fun before the kids headed back to school and Michael started work again. Of course, our very first stop was to the library for new library cards. My kids simply cannot live without library books! Hazel especially has filled many, many hours reading since we moved.

Our ward had an incredible Pioneer Day activity at the White Hall historic site. The home was a former tobacco plantation before the civil war, then became a headquarters of sorts during the war. The activity included lots of food and games for the kids. Of course, my kids never miss an opportunity to dress up so they insisted on going in pioneer outfits. It was a blast! 

One of the ward members brought his classic car and gave people rides. Orson was in heaven! 

Signing car!!

The kids were lucky enough to get invited to a birthday part for one of the girls in the ward. The face paint was especially fun for them!

We have checked out the aquatic center in Richmond and several local parks. But lots of days we weren't quite sure what to do. We don't know the area well or have our usual group of friends to call up for a get together at the park. That just meant we had to get creative. We had a few tea parties,

did some building and creating, 

and had color parties (here's our orange party for lunch!)

The kids were still able to do summer reading out here and earned some coupons from the library. One day we used the Children's Museum coupons for a fun outing. Lenora and Orson especially loved it as they've never been to a children's museum.

Another day while Michael was working on his dissertation, I took the kids on a "hike" near our home. They were so excited to be "in the mountains" again though they're more like foothills by us. Still it was a very fun day, and I have to agree with them, it is nice to be close to mountains!