Camping

Ben and Grant had a scout campout to go to near where the cabin is. So I decided that the kids are old enough that I could do okay on my own and watch the 4 other kids at the cabin. Grant dropped us off on Friday and we stayed the night until Saturday. Friday was nice so the kids got some fishing in, and even had Grant to help for about an hour before they had to leave. There was a terrible storm that came up Friday night---I felt bad for Ben and Grant, and was very thankful that we had a nice cabin to sleep in for the night. It was fun, and I am so glad that we went.

Look at the bend in the pole

Piper and Mom Date

The 4 older kids got to go down to the lake and go fishing. I was not feeling up to being a referee and helping and keeping Piper out of harm's way. So I offered to take Piper to the park. We don't go to parks very often. We have enough land at home that there isn't much difference. Plus, trying to keep track of 5 kids and make sure they are not kidnapped is not fun for me. But 1 child.  I could do that.
She had a lot of fun. She finally got brave enough to go down the big slide by herself. She enjoyed playing with the water, with some other kids, jumping, and running. It was fun to be with her. I love this sweet girl!

Fishing with Dad

While Piper and I went to the park, Grant took the older 4 fishing. We have a "bathtub" that he can use as a boat to take the kids out. Although, it only holds a couple of people, so it was the girls' turn tonight. The boys did some fishing from the shore. The girls enjoyed it, and it was a good kick-off for them to the fishing season. I think Grant is a pretty cool dad.

Turkle

Today we got our first glimpse of Turkle and her babies. She was walking up the hill with them, and Raider chased after them. They scattered and the kids were terrified that they would never find each other again! It took some convincing that a mom never leaves her babies. The kids were excited to see her again.

End of the Year Party

Can you tell I am excited for summer?? We got to have all the homeschooling cousins in the area over for the last day of school celebration. Usually, the kids watch a movie and have lunch together. But, I feel like my kids have watched so much tv lately because of doctor appointments, etc that I just couldn't let them have friends over and not play with them. So we played several minute to win it games. It was fun, but I think they would have been just fine by going outside and playing together. It is so nice that there are so many cousins their ages that homeschool too. I was really close to my cousins growing up, and I am glad that my kids have this chance too.
Only picture without other kids:

Karmin's Gymnastics

At the end of the year school party, Karmin's gymnastic classes got to show off what they have learned this year. She has been so excited for this night for weeks. They did their routine and you could tell that all of the kids had practiced really well this year. They showed us everything they have learned. It was great. Karmin was great. I was proud of her for working so hard.

 And...while we were there, Lydia took some pictures of Heather and me. Best friends for years, with no pictures to show for it. So here is our first picture:

 And do you know how much this kid likes to photo bomb:

Field Day

I took the kids bowling (as tradition would have it) for field day today. Somehow Lydia and Piper got to come along too. I guess Lydia did what she called "homeschool preschool" so it counts. It was fun. The kids did really well. Even Piper was strong enough to carry her own ball. It would take a good 1-2 minutes for it to get all the way down the lane, however, so that slowed us down a bit. After a good game, we went to the same fast food restaurant for corn dogs and hamburgers---we even splurged and got milkshakes for everyone. This is a fun tradition. I love homeschooling, but I am so excited for a break!

There it goes

Still going

There's enough time for a little chat

Seriously still going

One more sit to analyze

Temple with the Cousins

It was my turn to take Ben, Austin, and Natalie to the temple. I loved it! I loved seeing these 3 interact and talk like such adults. I loved being in the temple again. And doing baptisms with them reminded me of when I was their age and how simple and precious the temple was to me. How I loved going to the temple!

Cavities in her future

Piper is like her father was at her age. She likes to suck on food and store it in her mouth. And she loves to caress it and fall asleep snuggling with it.