summer...........

I can't believe we have less than a month left of summer break. The kids start back to school on August 19th. Doesn't that seem early? I think it gets earlier and earlier each year. I really enjoy summertime. Having the kids home, sleeping in, having no schedule, going to bed late...it's been such a nice break in our usual routine. I'm not looking forward to them going back to school at all. I did have such high hopes to do all of these fun things with the kids each day. I bought them workbooks to work in to keep up all that they learned this past year, but I can't remember the last time I had them work in them. I wanted to plan "field trips" but, never quite got around to it. We've been swimming a lot, but that doesn't cost us anything as we're trying to stick to a strict budget. I just don't feel like we've accomplished enough I guess? Maybe I read too many books, or watch too much TV that makes you think you need to do all of these "things" in order to have that perfect summer. I hope my kids feel like we've created some memories together...that we've accomplished all the things that they had in mind...but most of all that they're important to me and that they're loved. So, here's to enjoying the last couple of weeks of freedom before the craziness of "routine" starts again......

Derek Turns 35!

The cake says: Rush Moving Pictures (a name of an album).

I am behind on getting things posted, but here are a few pictures from Derek's birthday. A few days before Derek's birthday, Chandler says to me, I know what kind of cake to make dad. I said oh, what kind, a spice cake? Chocolate? What do you think, and he says Nooooo! We've got to make dad a Rush cake. Derek is a huge music fanatic especially of the band Rush. He has all of their CD's, some vinyl records, cassette tapes and DVD's of them. So, Chandler actually made this cake all by himself for Derek for his birthday. All I did was turn on the oven for him and help set the timer. He did the rest! I also made Derek raisin squares for him and I think he ate the whole pan that same day.

Chandler's Earned His Bear

Here's Derek, Brother Sigmon (scoutmaster), Chandler, me & Brinley when he was receiving his award.
Here's Chandler pinning on the mother's pin.




A couple of boys from the Bear den, Chandler is in the middle and Sister Child his den leader behind them.

Here are a few more boys that are in his den. For Chandler's age group in our ward there are 14 boys and only 2 girls.

Chandler (and me!) have been working hard over the past year but, mostly this summer to earn his Bear in Cub Scouts. I think the scouting program is awesome. I love what they teach the boys. Chandler has had so much fun in the scouting program. In another month and a half he is going to be Webelo.....I think I'll let Derek help him earn that one!! (June 2009 Pack Meeting)

Primary Temple Trip

I found myself at the end of second quarter, primary president, and needing an activity that wouldn't be too much work, so we thought let's visit the Denver Temple. The temple staff do a wonderful job showing the kids pictures, and pointing out interesting things about the building not to mention the beautiful flowers all over the temple grounds. It was a lot of fun for (I hope) the kids to be at the temple with their families. There seem to be a lot of pictures of Brinley...do you think Derek had the both the camera and Brinley duty? Yep! It was a fun day and we had a pretty decent turnout even considering everyone had to travel about an hour and half to get there! Now.....what to do for 3rd quarter's activity.....?

Hiking up Poudre Canyon

all done!

Off we go!

This is a little old, but when I had my pictures uploaded I discovered these pictures of mine and Brooke's kids together. We decided that while they were here we'd take a hike up Poudre Canyon. The hike was approximately 2 or so miles. It was a lot of fun. We took pictures at the beginning and the end of the hike. (There were some in the middle as well, but this is what I'm posting.)

I took the lead chasing Chandler and Jayce up the trail and occasionally Addie and Joey would try to beat the boys. Derek was packing Brinley on his back. Brooke & Adrian took turns helping Jett along the trail (he's tall, but only 3 and a half). I had so much fun pointing things out the kids and climbing up on rocks and jumping out and scaring Derek and the others when they caught up. I had forgotten how much I enjoy hiking! It's been years since I think I've hiked. I'm sure before Brinley was born at least! The kids had fun trying to see if they could get in front of me, but when I was tired I exercised my mother voice and said, nobody can pass me just so we can all stay safe! By the end of the hike, we were all tired an thirsty (yes we packed snacks and water!).