Tuesday

This morning, Javier and William went to the Strength and Conditioning class at Memorial High School. There is no Parks and Rec soccer game for them to play, this evening.

We had baked beans, hot dogs, sausage, and potato salad for lunch. Elizabeth brought her friend Elizabeth (we call her Elizabeth Squared (to the 2nd power!)) so we don't confuse the two girls. :-} Well, William calls her Liz, but so far, he's the only one in our home who does! :-D

We went to Beaver Creek Reserve, a nature center where I used to work. The children looked around a little, but mainly just talked and laughed while I spoke with two of my former co-workers. Then we went outside to the Butterfly House which I used to be in charge of.

We didn't have that much time there because the Butterfly House closes earlier than the nature center does. But while we were there, we saw Monarchs, American Painted Ladies (butterflies and caterpillars), one Hackberry, several Meadow and Great Spangled Fritillaries, Cabbage Whites, Mustard Whites, a Comma, and a Red Spotted Purple. I really miss not working there but loooove going back to visit! :-)

We went back inside and the children looked at some of the displays. Some, like the snakes, frogs, and turtles, are alive. Others, like birds, bears, and deer, are not. There are also lots of animal bones, skins, feathers, and other very interesting things there, too. I think Ana enjoyed it. Javier has been there before, and I think was happy to go back! :-)

We left, then drove over to Big Falls which is right next to Beaver Creek. We went above the falls and the children waded in the water. When we go there to swim, we go below the falls, then port across the Eau Claire River to the island beach area.

Then we drove into Fall Creek to go to Weavers. Weavers is an Amish grocery store where you can buy specialty bulk items cheaper, like nuts, different types of flour, and candy. They also sell jams, wooden furniture, baskets, quilts, and other items made by the Amish. Because it is too far to shop there that often, it is a special treat to go there. I especially like to listen to the Christian hymns playing in the store! :-)

We came home, and I made Chicken Paprikas and Nookedli, a Hungarian dish. The children then played Uno as they talked, and laughed...and laughed. It is so fun to watch and listen to them interact! :-) Soon, Elizabeth and Ana will be taking Elizabeth Squared back home, and we will all go to bed.

Tomorrow, the boys have a Strength and Conditioning class in the morning, and one of the two Soccer Camps at noon. William doesn't want to do both..., but Javier does. :-)