End of June Already?

Not sure how we arrived at the end of June already.  Whatever happened to those 'lazy summer days'?   I haven't even heard the "I'm bored" comment....yet.

 As a toddler, Quinn was so fascinated by the game of baseball (watching Jantzen play) that we bought him his own catcher's helmet years ago.  It's still a little big but Quinn insisted on wearing it to all of his own games this season.

 Yep, I'm the proud coach of the Neon Alligators.  Coaching t-ball wasn't on my summer bucket list but the city rec department is always a little desperate for volunteers.  Besides, Quinn thinks it's awesome that I'm his coach and we hold practice at our house on Mondays from 10-10:30am.  Short and sweet and I don't have to drive anywhere...coaching has its perks:).

 Personally, Quinn is ready for coach pitch but that season started during the craziness of our soccer season so summer t-ball fit the family schedule better.

 Jantzen has been a great assistant coach.  I've appreciated his help and insights.

Go Neon Alligators!

Apparently, Anna didn't want her picture taken...

Anna begged to have a "Summer Soccer Social" (a.k.a - party) at our place recently (June 17).  She made invitations, planned games and did a great job keeping the evening action-packed and fun-filled for the team.

Ashlynn, Kacie (neighbor), Kennedy K., Lacie, Kennedy C.

 Many of the girls asked what they could bring.
Our potluck goodies table was the happenin' place all night.

 We hosted the party during the one week of June Aaron was home.
So nice to have him around!

 Haley and Brinley joined in the water balloon challenge and helped with the crowd.

 The girls had plenty of energy and played games from 7-10pm.  The weather could not have been more perfect for an evening outside.  It was the easiest party we've hosted yet.  Long summer evenings are the best (unless you are trying to get kids to before before 10pm).

Anna and Elsie jumping in the pool.

Plans for the annual camping trip with Dad required last minute changes when the forecast called for 30-40 mph winds on his only available Friday evening of the summer.  Aaron quickly made arrangements and used travel points he had to book a hotel room 30 miles away.  We told the children at morning scripture study that this year's camp-out would be a different kind of adventure. They were incredulous when we said it would include a swimming pool and a yummy "free breakfast".

 Although some were a little disappointed not to be sleeping in a tent or eating tin-foil dinners, the forecast was right on and no tent could have endured such weather!  By the time everybody returned home the next day, they thoroughly enjoyed their different-kind-of-adventure with Dad.

 Tanner was in Utah and Brinley opted to stay behind with me and do exciting things like wash windows, clean bathrooms, mop floors, individually quick freeze 24 pints of blueberries and other fun tasks.  Besides, we couldn't all fit in one hotel room:).  What an awesome Dad!

 Yes, this is Elsie holding a real dog.  Picture worthy moment.
Aaron's sister, Erica and boyfriend, Mike, drove up to spend a little time with Bob on Saturday (June  20) for Father's Day weekend.  We had an extended M. family BBQ that evening.

Although meetings started at 7am so Aaron didn't get breakfast in bed, he did have a few gifts to open after church.  And he did a nice job speaking in another ward's sacrament meeting.

It's hard to surprise Aaron, but he did not see this one coming.  He often gets a single package of jerky for his birthday or in his Christmas stocking, etc. but this time he received 12 bags of different flavors and types of jerky.  He likes to take a bag whenever he travels (which is often) so I was super excited about this Father's Day gift. The first thing out of his mouth while opening this exciting treasure trove - "there must have been a great sale!"  He knows me well.

Hopefully, he has his year's supply now.

LaVerne, Bob, Aaron
Tanner, Jantzen, Quinn

I have been blessed with a wonderful husband, father and father-in-law along with fantastic grandfathers all through the lines.  This four-generation Father's Day photo is just a small snapshot of the amazing heritage my Heavenly Father has blessed me with.