Home from camp

I picked my sister Destiny up and she rode the rest of the way to pick Hailey up from camp. Hailey was surprised and happy to see her Aunt.

Last year, Hailey made friends from Redding. This year the girls were all back!

Hailey's camp counselor happened to be the niece of my childhood friend, Anne.

Destiny's husband, Brandon, grew up between Redding & Viola; so on the way home we stopped by his parent's horse ranch to see where he was raised. What a treat it was to get to know my sister better. The time was so special, but way too short.

Word of Life Summer Camp

Monday, the kids and I drove Hailey up to camp (45 miles east of Redding). Let's just say, it was a long day for all of us- 3 1/2 hrs. both ways. It was worth it all to see the excitement on Hailey's face. She worked her heart out this summer to earn enough money to go by mowing Grandpa & Grandma's lawn, babysitting her siblings, helping out & selling things in our yard sale, as well as, planning her own bake sale. Two days before our yard sale, Hailey was busy in the kitchen baking bread & cookies to sell during our yard sale. She did everything on her own and I could not have been prouder! Thank you to the Sims' family for donating fresh produce for Hailey's bake sale. Thank you Uncle Cody for the example of hard work and perseverance that you have set before my children. You inspire Hailey!

Of course, Kelden was fascinated with the camp staff's 3-wheeler, mule & golf carts. He just did not understand why he could not go for a ride.

Sleeping accommodations...tepee's & tents. It was only 76 degrees at 2:00 pm with thunderheads hovering overhead. I hope these kids stay warm & dry!

Hailey will never be too old for our traditional camp photo. Hailey was only one or two years older than Bethany when she first came to church camp.

Bethany's friend, Audrey, was up at camp with her Grandpa & Grandma so the girls were able to enjoy a short visit. I was 10 years old when I attended Word of Life camp with Audrey's Aunts, Laurie & Angie. Brings back memories.

Hailey was delighted to show Keagan around.

One very cold swimming test!

School friends, Jessica & Ashley joined Hailey at camp along with a few girls from last year.

We were able to sneak in about an hour visit with my sister, Destiny & husband Brandon on the way home. I have not made a Redding visit since their wedding about a year ago. It was fun to see their new home!

When you have so many Aunts & Uncles, you get to do things that you normally don't get to do at home. I can't wait for another visit. This one was way too quick.

All Stars comes to an end...

Keagan was voted onto the Sutter Area Minor All Star Team for his outstanding skills as a first string catcher...a big honor for any 10 year old boy. Since June, Keagan has enjoyed gelling with his new team mates and improving his baseball skills from his new coaches. There was a total of 6 games and our team made it all the way through the 4th game. The top team will play for the State Championship title. It was a great experience for Keagan. Thank you Grandpa & Grandma Warta, Grandpa & Grandma Penterman, Aunt Amber & Uncle Randy, and Aunt Kate & Andrew, and the Ahlers for coming and cheering on Keagan. Great job Keagan!

Happy 4th

Brian was off this year, so the kids requested that we hunker down at home for our own celebration...something we have never done before. It was 104 degrees and the kids were not up for doing much until about 6:00 p.m. which made for a really late night. These were the activities that kept us up until 11:15, but there was no way that Brian or I was willing to cut out a single thing that the kids had requested to do because this was their night: a swim at the Ahlers, a 4th of July photo in the sunflower field (mom's 1 request), a trip to Janyo yogurt, a redbox rental, a chase of illegal fireworks, a purchase of fireworks at RVCF youths firework stand, an order of Wendy's french fries, a first ever firework display at home, and the grand finale...30 min. of Gnomeo & Juliet. The night was simple, but very memorable.

Highlights included-

*searching for something to ignite the fireworks only to discover a handful of paper matches...how does that happen in a firefighters home?

*Kelden 1st enjoyment of a glow stick, but what made it even more exciting was when he decided to spin in circles with the glow stick in hand on the slatted cement apron. It took two people to keep him from crashing.

*Bedtime being extended an additional 10 min. because dad did not join us for the first 10 min. of the "family movie" so we had to start it over again.

*Kelden running away from the fireworks he loved so much at the beginning of the night when we lit the piccolo pete.