Blueberry Picking 2010

We geared up for our annual blueberry picking trip this morning. Ainsley was so excited and couldn't wait, she had talked about it for a whole month! It was a beautiful morning and the bushes were full. It was the best picking that we have seen in the three years that we now have gone.

From Rankin Family

Andrew loved carrying the bucket. We picked just enough berries that by the end of the morning he couldn't carry it without some help.

From Rankin Family

Ainsley was so surprised to see how full the bushes were. It was easy this year for her to truly pick the berries. The berries made it into the bucket more than the tummy also. She remembered the blueberry lemonade and the yummy cookies from last year and was saving room.

From Rankin Family

It was a really successful, fun day. It has been such a joy in my life to see the children love each other in the little sweet moments they don't know I see.

From Rankin Family

The berry train ride was so fun. Ainsley graciously let her brother sit with her for a short photo op. Andrew was disappointed, he is still too little to ride the train alone.

From Rankin Family

Rosy cheeks and big smiles all around!

From Rankin Family

Mini Vacation

We went to Nana and Granddad's for a mini vacation while dad wrapped up school for the semester. It was a great 6 days and we had lots of fun. We got some of the old school toys out and enjoyed the driveway. Here's Andrew with his dad's old Fisher Price ATV, a classic!

From Andrew Tyndale Rankin

And of course, no trip to Nana's is ever complete without a ride in the golf cart. This trip, there were many! We even had to recharge the battery a few times.

From Andrew Tyndale Rankin

One of the highlight's is Bella, Aunt Katherine's dog. It takes awhile for the dog and the kids to make peace with one another and the shared space, but this time around they settled in quickly.

From Andrew Tyndale Rankin

Even Andrew and Bella made friends this trip. (Bella received plenty of table scraps from Andrew who was innocently sharing his food and his fingers.)

From Andrew Tyndale Rankin

And then there was the pool. Ainsley started really making an effort at swimming with water wings or the innertube and Andrew proved his lack of fear repeatedly. (I see a life jacket in his near future.)

From Andrew Tyndale Rankin

From Andrew Tyndale Rankin

Nana also gave Ainsley a few special surprises! There was a special earthworm class the two of them went to. And then there was the quick trip to Branson, MO to see Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede!

From Andrew Tyndale Rankin

Andrew and I came along and enjoyed the fun. Both the kids loved it and were mesmerized by the sights of the horses and special effects. Ainsley couldn't stop talking about it and continually asked when we could return. Andrew was hoarse from all of the squealing he did at the horses and the actors/actresses. It was a special treat and we sure are thankful for the time we can spend with our family.

First Sting

We had our first sting on either of the children today. It was traumatic for all of us! Andrew was on the deck and playing by the rail. Mom was down in the lawn. Andrew hit just the right spot and out came some wasps from their home. Andrew took a direct hit to the forehead. As the screaming began, I pushed him away from the nest and onto his bottom. Since our deck has no stairs, I had to run around the house, inside, and then out to get him. Needless to say, he was not happy with that wasp or with is mommy!

Ice and a baking soda paste seemed to relieve the pain.

From Andrew Tyndale Rankin

It's now two weeks later and the site of the crime, our deck, is now under construction. The railing came down last weekend and steps will be added.

The Museum

Since going through our art books, Ainsley has been asking to go to the museum. We have a wonderful one downtown and so our first rainy day, we went. I think Ainsley would have stayed all day. Andrew, however, made the trip enjoyable for about an hour and a half.

From Andrew Tyndale Rankin

All of it was exciting but Ainsley was on a mission to see the Egyptian gallery and the knight.

A stone tablet complete with hieroglyphics. We managed to join in on a high school group's tour to hear more about the egyptian artifact's. The tour guide asked some questions and Ainsley piped up. She let everyone know the writing was hieroglyphics.

From Andrew Tyndale Rankin

A real sarcophagus and a mummy! The concept of the mummy was exciting to her and a bit frightening. We have discussed this in length since our visit.

From Andrew Tyndale Rankin

From Andrew Tyndale Rankin

Could this be Saint George's armor?

From Andrew Tyndale Rankin