We were really blessed to get tickets to see Sight & Sound's production of "In the Beginning". Not only did we have tickets for our family of eight, but my parents were able to accompany us, as well as two friends of Zachary's -- Layne and Devyn. Here is a picture of the theater, which makes for an impressive view...

The next photo shows most of the group in front of the fountain....From left to right are Will, Zachary, Devyn, Sammy, Emma, Kayla, Sara, Layne and Les (who is not looking!!!).

Sight & Sound is going to be producing "Joseph" in March 2010, and this large statue is in anticipation of that show:

No, this is no mystery...I love the library system in our county! Today, with bags of books to return, we headed off to the library in Lititz, which houses a wonderful collection of picture books, chapter books and adult fiction and non-fiction, in addition to CDs and movies on DVD or VHS. Today I wanted a little extra time to browse before making some final selections, so the kiddies took it upon themselves to work together on a puzzle. What a great display of teamwork!!!!

While the five older kiddies were enjoying summer camp at Camp Mantowagon near Lake Raystown, we decided to do something special with Sammy...We couldn't figure out what we wanted to do, but then a bright idea came to mind...or at least a "colorful" one...We would go to the Crayola Factory, located in Easton, PA!!!

Here there was even a place where writing on the wall was allowed and encouraged! Les and Sammy are having a great time doodling...and no one is yelling at them to stop! And check out the world's largest crayon...and in my favorite color too!!!!!

When we got there, we discovered that the admission also covered a trip to the National Canal Museum, housed in the same building...That was a great hands-on way to learn about the canal system! Each participant was given a boat, which they took through the canal by raising or lowering the water level in the locks. You could even put cargo like coal on your boat!

Here, Sammy is opening the lock, getting ready to put his boat in. In the photo below, Sammy has worked his way almost to the end of the canal...Soon it will be time to deliver his cargo!

Fingerpaints. Wow, kids seem to love 'em....and Sammy was certainly no exception! I decided to gently begin school with a few projects here and there, and fingerpainting struck me as a fun way to begin. I have to admit that Les and I don't always like messes....It seems as if our six children, no matter their ages, leave them behind all the time. So to introduce an activity that was messy to begin with was a big step of faith for me.

Sammy lost no time in determining what he wanted to paint....A big van, with the sun, flowers and maybe a light. So with a little help from mommy -- at his insistance -- we teamed up and created what I think is a lovely masterpiece...One he is so very proud of!

Well, I see I've done it again...Neglected my poor blog here for over a month. So we're going to try again. But I have to say that when I re-read my last entry, all I could do was laugh. I might have to pause for a few moments to gain some composure before I type. Or...

I could just type and worry about composure later. A very, very good friend of mine wrote his first blog not long ago and it was something along the lines of "does there need to be a topic?". Well, maybe, but maybe not.

Sometimes I suppose it's freeing not to be tied down to one specific thought or subject. But sometimes it is just as freeing to have those boundaries set so that you don't stray too far with your thoughts --- the good Lord above certainly knows how many things go swimming through my mind at once, and so I'm sure that keeping the post streamlined to one particular thought can keep things clear and concise rather than the absolutely muddied mess they would be should I just start typing at random...

I mean, that could really be dangerous -- anything from grocery lists to thoughts of room reservations for my cousin's wedding next weekend to dinner tonight to the annual physicals (or evaluations, testing, etc.) due per particular child...and on and on.

So...does there always need to be a topic? Well -- actually yes and no. Sometimes the writing and thoughts should just be allowed to flow freely, to escape the boundaries of the mind. Sometimes. And then again, sometimes the restrictions actually allow a lot of freedom within those boundaries. So write on!!