Together We Have It All: June 2009

Monday, June 29, 2009

Bunny Sitting

For a week this summer our family was able to take care of a pet bunny for our cousins. We don't currently have any animals and in the past the only pet allowed in our house was a fish. I thought this was a good experience for the kids and I knew it would go home after a week.

The kids had a great time with "Zero" the bunny. Kiana loved feeding him carrots and letting him out of his cage to wander the kitchen. His favorite spot was chillin out under the kitchen table. We even took him for a walk in the great outdoors (backyard) The kids helped a lot to take care of him, but it still didn't convince me that we were ready for one at our house.

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Scout Camp

Now that Seth is 12 he was able to attend his first Scout Camp. It was held at Camp Wolfeboro which is located north of Yosemite National Park. He was able to stay for 7days with his scout troop 258 and accomplish several merit badges such as orienteering, first aide, and canoeing. His troop also completed a service project of building a flag pole stand. Aaron was also able to go and stay with the troop for a couple of days--that's how I have all of these fun pictures!

Seth had a great time. One of his favorite memories was playing "Chubby Bunny" by the campfire.

How to play Chubby Bunny: Place as many marshmallows in your mouth as you can and then see if you can say, "Chubby Bunny". Seth was able to fit 7 marshmallows in his mouth--the winner fit in 11!

I'm so glad that Seth was able to attend his first scout camp, but I do admit that it was a little hard for me to let him go. Seth has never been away from home for more than a couple of days. I knew that he was safe and taken care of, but my motherly instincts still wanted to be with him. I guess this is just one of the many pains of letting your children grow up.

Golden Birthday!

Seth had his golden birthday on June 12th--He turned 12 on the 12th! He enjoyed his day by inviting a group of school friends over to celebrate. They started with pizza for dinner and then we took them over to Caper Acres to play capture the flag. They would have stayed until dark but we took them back to the house to open presents and enjoy Rice Krispy Treats for dessert. After the girls went home the boys stayed to swim and have a sleepover. We finished off the party in the morning with pancakes for breakfast and more swimming. I loved the fact that his party was fairly easy to do and it was exactly what he wanted. Sometimes simple is best!

Sunday evening we had family over to celebrate Seth turning 12. We gave him 12 gifts--the gifts of course had a theme. We gave him 12 Ding Dongs, a 12 pack of soda, 12 Blow Pops, a 12 pack of gum, 12 dollars, 12 Yogos, a 12 dollar gift card to Game Stop, ect. He especially liked the gift cards and money--he's saving his money for a gun--a Ruger 10/22.

Also on Sunday, Seth was able to receive the Priesthood. It was wonderful to have his dad, grandpa, and uncles be a part of this special day.

Girl's Camp 2009

I was able to go to Girl's Camp again as the 3rd level leader. Andrea was in my group this year so we were able to spend a lot of time together. Besides sharing a cozy army tent during the week, we were able to go on an overnight hike together. My dad was also able to go with us on the hike as one of the priesthood. The hike was about six miles round trip and we carried in all of the supplies we needed on our backs--(tents, sleeping bags, food, etc.)

The weather was great, the fire was warm, and the girls were awesome!!!

I'm not much of a camper--I HATE BUGS--but I'm really looking forward to next year and being able to do it all over again! This year was much better than last year--I think maybe because I know what I'm doing now. :)

Andrea and I after our hike--We made it!

This is a picture of the tent we slept in during the week. We pushed the cots together to keep us warm during the night.

Andrea and "Grandpa Rick" on our overnight hike.

Our group taking a break after hiking a steep hill--"We're almost there girls!"

2009--3rd Level Girls ROCK!

Another year

One year older and wiser too!

Wow! 38 years and counting! We celebrated Aaron's birthday on June 6th this year because he was in Shasta at a work retreat on his actual birthday--the 4th. What did Aaron ask to get for his birthday--tools! He loves Harbor Freight!

Yosemite or Bust!

If you've never been to Yosemite National Park it is definitely the place to visit.

All the 6th graders from Neal Dow School, teachers, and parents were able to take a three day field trip to Yosemite the end of May. They were able to spend their days hiking, exploring, learning, and enjoying the outdoors. Aaron was able to go along and help be a part of the cooking crew.

Despite the freak thunderstorm that drenched their clothes, sleeping bags, and tents and also forced half of the kids to move to a hotel for one of the nights, they had a great time. :)

Friday, June 5, 2009

We're Moving On Up!

June has started out just as busy as May.

We had Seth's 6th Grade promotion on the 3rd, the last day of school on the 4th, and Andrea's 8th grade promotion on the 5th. We will have all 3 kids attending 3 different schools this coming fall.

Life never does slow down, so we just try to enjoy the moments as quickly as they come.

6th Grade Promotion