Discovering a New Civilization...In Our Own Front Yard!

     This week has been pretty standard, except for the major developments in Fiona's new civilization!  She has been working diligently to manipulate the front yard into her own world.  Through weaving, balancing, digging and pure imagination she has managed to create her own "civilization".  There is a time telling devise (using shadows, and breaking the day up into just four parts she tells time).  There is a temple.  Depending on where the shadow falls from the stick determines what you worship at that time. (Ethan must clean the temple ten times to become a member of this exclusive society.  He is currently at about six cleanings.)  Fiona, with the help of her friend Tess, is also creating a language for this new group.  Using pictographs and creating a "Rosetta" stone for translation.  People passing by cannot help but notice all of her structures and comment with interest about what is going on.  She got a nice compliment on her "tepee" from the guy delivering our Chinese food the other night!
     Other exciting news...Ethan got to see his first pro basketball game this past week.  Scott had an extra ticket through work, so Ethan went as his "wing-man" to help keep the conversation going.  The traffic was crazy due to the Super-Bowl!
     Kids were also spoiled with two riding lessons this week due to the fact that their teacher was on vacation last week.  We LOVE those horses, and any extra time spent with them is always rewarding!  Fiona and Ethan are also well into their cantering, and lessons are such a thrill with all the speed!

The boys spotted a Delorian in the garage before the basketball game!

Tess is wearing some of the clothes the girls fashioned out of palm leaves.

Here is the entrance to the temple.

This is the time telling device.

Here is Fiona "cooking" at her fire pit.  I allow her a lit candle, as long as she stays by it at all times.  Notice her homemade head band out of seed husks.

These are some amazing veggie biscuits.  I just loved them so much I had to share...

This is not a set up.  He seriously loves reading the paper.

Ahhh...sitting by the fire while the kids snorkel in the hot tub...

Ethan on Spud.

Poor Spud let his best friend "Donkey", who is in fact a donkey, nibble off his tail.  (Horse tails and manes DO NOT GROW BACK once cut...or chewed.)

Fiona on Tuly.  Practicing flextion.  This is when you pull the horses head to the side while keeping them walking straight forward.

We always pass this sign...and it's tempting...just $549!

Our neighbor asked us to bird sit for her baby parakeet while she was away for a few hours.  We were happy to oblige!

The baby bird was a quite observer to Ethan's spelling lesson.

Anyone? Anyone?
These commercials are everywhere...and so ridiculous!