The Bull and the Bear

We try to never dumb down our conversations to much just because the kids are around and a while back Erik and I where talking about the stock market falling into the Bear market. Emily was obviously listening as we talked because suddenly she says. Oh no there is a Bear market! Mommy we don't want a bear market, bear markets are bad. I said how did you know that a bear market is bad. She says, its simple bear markets are bad and bull markets are good that's why you want a bull market with all your commodities (which she mispronounced). Shocked we asked her how she knew all this. Easy she says I learned it from that game. It took us a second then realized she meant PIT. Emily's favorite card game, one she often wins at, even with adults.

Mommy I want to be...

We have always encouraged the kids to learn new things or to take lessons in something they are interested in. Emily has decided that she likes ballet because it is pretty but it is to slow and she wants to try something else. We have been trying to get her to tell us what she wants to do without our ideas swaying her to much. I guess she has been thinking about it because she announced that "Mommy, I want to be a snowboarder!"
Emily: Mommy I want to be a snowboarder and take snowboard lessons.
Me: Emily we can't do that we live in Phoenix. It doesn't snow here. Maybe we can think of something else.
Emily: Oh
She leaves and comes back a while later
Emily: Mommy I have it all figured out! We will drive to Utah, take my snowboard lessons, spend the night then drive back!
Me: I don't think that we can drive two days just for a snowboard lesson.
Emily: But I could be in the Olympics!
Me: Yes, I suppose you could one day, but we are still going to have to think of something else.
Emily: OK, then I want to ride ponies!
This girl is so active. She never stops. I am looking forward to school starting in a week!

Phoenix Zoo

We had lots of people come to visit this month for Ethan’s baptism so one of the days we decided to go to the Starry Safari event at the Phoenix Zoo. Although they hold Starry Safari late in the day (after 6) so that it will be cooler the temps where still in the triple digits most of the time. It is a special event for the kids so that they can see some of the animals that are still awake but the also have inflatable water slides, a splash park, and an inflatable bounce house and bungee run for them to play on. The kids had a blast playing with the cousins and getting wet. Lots of thanks to everyone who came and especially to Jon and Shanda for the pictures when our camera wasn’t working!

Ethan’s Baptism

We had Ethan’s baptism on July 12th. He thought it was pretty cool that he was the only boy to be baptized. In true Ethan spirit we didn’t have a luncheon after but took the drive over to Ethan’s favorite hangout, the McDonalds at Power Ranch. He was a little nervous but did well. He was pretty proud of himself when he told his dad that he opened his eyes while under that water. We are proud of him and the decision that he made to be baptized.