The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson

I enjoyed reading this book. In fact, I think I liked The Way of Kings better than Mistborn and Alloy of Law. The narrative focuses primarily on the three main protagonists; Shallan a penniless lighteyed noblewomen who wants to apprentice herself to a scholarly heretic, Kaladin a former darkeyed surgeon and soldier who is now a slave, and Daliar a highprince and uncle to the king. I'm assuming that eventually, these three characters will cross paths, however currently their story lines are separate. At times the pacing of The Way of Kings was slow. Sanderson included lots of history, philosophy, religion and different cultures in this book. However, since it is the first of a much longer series I will withhold my judgment until the end. For now I'm content to simply enjoy the story.

it's officially summer part 2

I'm calling this post "it's officially summer part 2" because in addition to the Temecula's Street Painting and Art Festival, this crazy mom went to the zoo. I had this brilliant idea that Lucas and I would go to the art festival in the morning, pick up Daddy, Lucas would then fall asleep on the car ride to the Safari Park and then we would be able to spend the rest of the afternoon walking around, looking at animals and enjoying the company of our family and friends. Well...even the best laid plans often go awry. My little Peanut did not nap in the car, instead he talked and sang and played with his books and hammer all the way to the zoo. However, for not having a nap he did very well.

...and he slept all the way home...

its officially summer

We kicked off the first official day of summer by going to Temecula's annual Street Painting and Art Festival. With over one hundred exhibitors the festival included displays by locals artists, arts and crafts for kids, live music and food vendors. The highlight of the festival was definitely the street painting. Everything is done on an asphalt "canvas" on Main Street and Town Square in Old Town Temecula.  Artists of all ages and talents are encouraged to participate and its free!

Top left - my mom
Top right - mine, and my Mom's
Bottom left - my cousin
Bottom right - my sister

Lucas and I chose to do one square. He did about one quarter of the square before becoming interested in the firetrucks driving around.

That's a boy for you.

Honestly, I really didn't mind finishing the square. How often do I have an excuses to sit on a Lightning McQueen towel in the middle of the street with a box of chalk coloring.

Dads and Grads

Happy Father's Day to my Dad and husband. 

Father's Day and my sister's graduation landed on the same day. Thankfully, graduation wasn't until 10:30, so we were able to have a quick father's day breakfast before rushing out the door. Unfortunately, between our semi-late start, traffic and parking we weren't able to get a seat inside of the gym and had to wait outside until graduation was over.

I don't think Lucas minded.

I love watching the two of them play together. Everything Daddy does is the best. In the evenings, Lucas will watch for my husband, and as soon as he hears the garage door open Lucas will rush over to welcome his Daddy home.

This is usually followed with ... "come daddy, come." Signaling that its now time to play.

...and finally...

Congratulations to my little sister! You were the whole reason why we were waiting outside in the heat!! I'm proud of you. :)

The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy

Arundhati Roy packs a lot in this book and it was challenging for me to narrow down one single topic to discuss here on Thursday's Child. While reading I couldn't stop seeing, smelling and tasting  everything in Ayemenem, and at times that became rather overwhelming. In a society concerned with the "big things" such as the caste system, politics, labor unions, marriage, and disingenuous families, Roy directs the reader to take a closer look at the "small things."  Hence the title of the book. These "small things" are what is closest to our heart. Secrets, promises, sins, insecurities, loss and other things that we do not wish people to see or acknowledge. It is the underlining current that runs in every family, the deep hurt and dark secrets that drag us down. It is the small things that often become overlooked, abused and discarded. Rahel and Estha,  the twin protagonists understand the "small things." The amount of pain they suffer bearing the weight of the "small things" that go on in their family's life; Estha's molestation, Rachel's insecurities that her mother will  love her less, the secret of what really happened to little Sophie Mol, and the death of their beloved untouchable servant Velutha. Only after many years, and sex, do Rahel and Estha finally move past their painful childhood and are able to move on with their lives.

I'm not sure why I keep reading depressing books? I'm thinking that my next read should be something light and fun.

hello summer

Around here Memorial Day weekend signals the start of summer. This weekend was warm enough for us to fill up the new pool and enjoy some splashing and giggles. Thanks to Auntie Sarah, I was able to sit back in the shade and take pictures while Peanut splashed around.

Sabbath Beach Day