Magic of the Carousel

Downtown is a very cool attraction called...Salem Riverfront Carousel. Our boys just love going there and enjoy the ride, the beauty, the music....the magic. We usually only go during the week and rarely have seen more than a couple of other kids there, but this past weekend we went on Saturday. Daddy got the day off and he has never had the chance to go, so we took it! It was a lot more hectic, but so fun for me to see how many people really enjoy the ride. There were kids of all ages, adults and even seniors riding around in circles on a horse that takes you up and down and around and around. It is really a beautiful thing to see, the details on the horses is amazing and each one has a special name. Thanks to a Christmas gift from Aunt Lara, the boys have many more rides to enjoy through the year!

Also, Brody had an extra bonus at the gift shop! He saw this lamb a few weeks ago and wanted it, but we always like them to really think about how they spend their allowance. As I expected, he had not changed his mind! He was so excited to show daddy and see if he can buy it! Connor and Brody both earn $3 a week and they do earn it well, I think! They both put away their laundry, clean their rooms, make their beds and help take care of Jake although that is mostly Brody's job. They also have separate chores like getting the mail, wiping the bathroom counters and gathering the trash. However, those things have to be done with or without the money. I got some advice from Pa (Del) and he said that his dad told him once..."you can mow the lawn for .50 or you can mow the lawn for free." That is our attitude with chores too...they simply go along with being part of the family, but if they are done without complaining, with a glad heart, and when asked, they are given the money to save for things they want.

Connor and Brody don't ask for hardly anything. They are very content and grateful and I am so proud of them. I hope and pray that when they grow up they will build on the foundation we are laying and be responsible with their money!

Oh yah...the newest member of the flock is named Jason. I have to say, he is darn cute!