One of my biggest challenges during the year is summer vacation. Luckily it is a time when we have Adam and Luke with us half time. But trying to keep them productively busy and happy is always a hard task. We started off the time by making a list of things they would like to do at home and outside the home. I was surprised by the length of the list and the thoughtful ideas they had. We put together a calendar outlining the days they will be spending with us. Then we began planning the first week. Highlights of the week included: going to see the movie Epic at the Wofford Heights theater, swimming and bowling with the Bunting children, a road trip to the Cat House Museum in Rosamond, and finally a trip with the entire family to the Trail of 100 Giants.
The trip to the Cat House went relatively well. Its about a 1 1/2 hour trip and everyone cooperated in the car. Adam and Luke practiced multiplication facts and Emma slept most of the way. We arrived at 11:30 which we a big mistake. It was 95 degrees already and the majority of the felines we in their dens. We only spotted a few which was very disappointing to children and myself. As we went to leave the docent mentioned that the best time to come visit was during feeding time which takes place between 2:30-3:00. Really???? Couldn’t they have mentioned that on the website. So we decided to go have lunch and come back later. We had over two hours to burn in the dead heat of the day. And was it worth sticking around……..yes I think so. All of the animals on display, excluding the tiger, 
were out on display. Also around the property are some beautiful peacocks. Adam and Luke wanted to chase them but the docent said absolutely no chasing the peacocks! I think the kids were still a bit disappointed with the day. They wanted them to do tricks or something to entertain them a bit more. But all in all it was much better than a day spent watching television and playing video games right? I think so but I’m sure they would hesitate to answer.
Harley has wanted to take the boys to the Trail of 100 Giants for a few years now. Saturday the temperatures were predicted to hit 108-110 degrees. We decided it would be a great day to go up into the high country and enjoy some of the beauty and cooler temperatures there. Also 1 1/2 hour drive from home, we found ourselves 
surround by some of God’s beautiful creations. The Sequoia National Forest is absolutely gorgeous. The trees in this particular forest make up half of all those living in the world. It is estimated that some of the larger ones are 1500 years old. They are over 125 trees with a base of more than 10 feet in diameter. The trail was fully paved until two trees whose root systems were intertwined recently collapsed.
So we had to go off-roading with the stroller. After walking the mile trailing and dodging bees, we sat for a drink and snack in a grove of trees. We finished the adventure off dinner at the Pizza Factory. 
We also set some goals for the summer which include reading and completing a book each week they are here visiting. And today they will finish their first books. Thanks to our great neighbors Bob and Jacque they have taken an interest in the Hardy Boys series.
The boys have been particularly helpful with Emma also. Adam has a way with her that always results in laughter. Luke is very protective of Emma and never wants to hear her whine. They are happy to play with her and give her a bottle. It is sure nice to have more helpers!!!!!!!!!!
Since I work outside the home two days a week, the children are subject to daycare. Luckily we have some wonderful solutions! On Tuesday, Sandy Yunt come into our home to babysit. All the kids LOVE her! This makes leaving for the day easy for a mother. On Thursdays, Adam and Luke go to Pat Harker’s home for child care. They love it there because it is a never-ending fun house. They swim, play tag football, basketball, video games, and play with newly acquired friends. Emma goes to Grandma and Grandpa’s house. Emma’s excitement when we arrive is adorable. A few times when the front door is locked and we can’t get in immediately she gets a worried look on her face. That look is instantly changed when she spots Grandpa coming to the door through the window. What a blessing it is to have so many people that are willing to assist in nurturing and loving our children.
Looking forward to lots of fun adventures this summer. NEXT UP: Weekend away in San Diego and Los Angeles
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