Fire

by Kristin Cashore

Summary: This is the second novel of Kristin's after "Graceling", but it's a kind of prequel. The linking character being Leck (blech). This happens in a different land of the world called the Dells, that is quite unknown to the seven kingdoms and vice versa. It follows Fire who is a "monster" in the Dells. She has the power to alter/affect people's minds and thoughts. It follows her story as she tries to aid the King's City from being violently overthrown while she stuggles to atone for her father's (who was also a monster) grievous sins and inhumanity that is widely known and feared.

My thoughts: That was a long summary. Anyway, I actually liked this one better than Graceling, although other's reviews were much less impressed with this one. I found myself staying up until 1:00 am (which is late for an old bird like me) trying to get to a good stopping spot. My only gripe is the female author's need to constantly revisit the character's menses. One explanation was enough thank you!

Family Night Hike

McKinley wanted to go on a family hike for family night last night. We went up to Millcreek Canyon because they allow dogs. We've never been there before, and it was beautiful. We had a picnic at one of the sites and wished we had brought stuff for smores. Then we drove up a bit further to a hike. It was a bit steep, but the kids loved it. They wanted to keep going, but it was starting to get dark with no trail end in sight. So we decided to go back another day and try to hike again.

Graceling

by Kristin Cashore

Summary: Set in a land where some people are "graced" with special gifts, the story follows Katsa who has the unfortunate grace of killing and is used by her uncle King to carry out his threats. It's follows her journey to find herself and her humanity. And oh yes, there is a romance in the story.

My thoughts: I was engaged and entertained by this story. It's definitely YA fiction, although it may be listed as YF. There's more mature content than is appropriate for any kids though. If you like the Poison Study series, you'll like this one. There were many similarities overall, but enough differences to not be tiresome. And it is in a series, so there wasn't enough closure for me yet.

Summer swimming

The kid's had their last day of swimming lessons here in Utah! I have loved going to the Shinsel's pool. Apparently I had swimming lessons there when I was a kid, so it's been around a looooooong time.

Hayden cried, which I didn't see coming. His class is about blowing bubbles, learning to float and kick, and getting used to the water. Part of that is dipping their heads underwater and he hated it. He would fly into a state of panic at the mention of swimming lessons. Luckily the teacher he had later in the session didn't push that part and actually let him enjoy his lessons. That's what 3 year old swim lessons are about anyway!

Sawyer had a blast. He got one time out on the first day with another little boy for not keeping their bums on the stairs. He was so brokenhearted that he got in trouble. He was a little spastic in his movements and I hope he can get that body coordinated together someday. But he loved it and had lots of fun!

McKinley seemed to just be polishing skills she worked on last year. She loves to swim, but I think she may have liked meeting new friends and playing around even better.

Birthday Boy!

Happy 5th birthday buddy! Sawyer was my best birthday present ever! We love being birthday buddies together.

He had school and got to bring treats for his class. He got to wear a birthday hat and everyone sang happy birthday to him. He is such a happy little bug!

We finished the day by getting some presents that Sawyer LOVED! Kent picked up some cake and ice cream and we had a little party for him and let them stay up later playing and making crafts.

We'll have a cousin party in a couple weeks, the last one before we leave to Connecticut.

Here's the birthday interview with a crazy 5 year old!

What's your favorite food?

pickles (it's really mac and cheese)

What's your favorite color?

black

What's your favorite movie?

Transformers

What's your favorite story to read?

Transformers

What's your favorite toy?

Custom Motors

What's your favorite thing to do?

Play with Sadie

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Buy a car

What's the best thing about being 5 years old?

Playing with Sadie

Love you Sawyer!

again

The Count of Monte Cristo

by Alexandre Dumas

Summary: Edmond is about the be married to the love of his life, be promoted to captain of a ship at a very young age, and live happily ever after, when he is betrayed by jealous men and cast into prison for over a decade. This is a story of betrayal, adventure, revenge, with a sprinkling of hope in the mix.

My thoughts: I really liked the movie. My goodness Jim Caviezel (sp?) did a nice job...anyway, I had heard that the book is nothing like the movie so I was hesitant to read it. Besides the fact that many of the "classics" (Moby Dick, Robinson Crusoe) were just so dang torturous. I decided to subject myself to the torture before rewarding myself and reading a "good" book.

Surprise! I like this book. The author actually writes in a way to make the story interesting, go figure. I was quite disappointed with the love story development (or huge lack thereof) of the Count and his lady. What? Are you in love? Is she over 12 years old? It was a bit remiss.