More Summer Stuff

Quinn enjoys being the recipient of any primary props I create.

"The Sponge Family"

A recent sharing time focused on Jesus Christ as our source of "living waters".  We discussed ways to help keep this family from getting hard (hearted) and all dried up - through participating in family scriptures, family prayer, family home evening, etc.  The kids had great fun adding water to their lives...

Check out Quinn's mustache - Green Smoothie Girl would be proud!

Anna decided to go short.  She had her hair chopped.  Keeping it tangle-free wasn't her favorite thing to do.

All of the children have been reading lots of books this summer.

Each participated in the local library's summer reading program.

The younger four "earned" tickets for a party at Fat Cats.

We spent an afternoon bowling, playing miniature golf and watching a movie in the "nice theatre".  My kids have only attended the low-budget theatre in town so it was a new experience for them.

July is soccer month for the community rec program around here.

Though much smaller than his teammates, Jantzen has thoroughly enjoyed being the star of his team this season.  

Quinn is already looking forward to being able to join a team next year.  

Until then, he practices with Elsie.

Elsie's first official experience with soccer.

What's not to love about a game of "swarm ball" followed by yummy treats?

Anna keeps her eye on the ball.

It's been a little busy having three soccer players this season but having all of their games at the same complex simplified what could have been a real logistical nightmare for me (especially since Aaron, Tanner and Brinley have youth night activities on game nights).

The annual camp-out with Dad took on a new twist this year when our neighbor offered to let Aaron use his RV.  Initially, we were not going to take him up on the offer thinking our kids would never want to go tent-camping again. 

But in the end, they all voted for tent-camping next year.  Phew!

Aaron reserved a camp spot near a local lake.

The kids spent hours in the water - especially Quinn and Brinley.

Elsie - just happy to be there!

Best buddies during the camp-out.  

They "dared" each other to circle the lake on their scooters (on a paved trail) so they could go to the sandy side.

Tanner remained home with me since he had to work.  

Brinley was a big help to Aaron - especially in the water with Quinn.

The kids made tin-foil dinners and watched a movie in the RV later that night.

This large owl found a new abode when the kids started making smores.

And no mosquito bites this year.

Breakfast time - they all voted for tent-camping next year - complete with pancakes from the griddle (and not cereal). 

Thanks Dad!  You're awesome!