Campin' with the girls...

The last few weeks of school were packed full of field trips, class parties, fun days & programs. Hailey's #1 highlight of the school year was by far the "Rock 'n' Water trip to Coloma, Ca. I was honored to chaperon her and 2 of her school friends, Chloe & Amaris. Adults were encouraged & expected to behave as if we were 10 again. In two days, we participated in the following:
-toured the town of Coloma & visited the Gold Bug Mine in Placerville,
-went on numerous nature hikes where we learned the uses of common plants
-learned to square dance, gold pan, ground wheat on a millstone
-played botching ball (among other games)& swung high on a tree swing
-made postcards with an old fashioned press and a 3 ft. piece of rope
-pitched & disassembled a tent(keeping 3, 10 year old girls, focused was a bit challenging!),
-ate yummy, yummy food & washed our own dishes
-met new friends (including Hailey's pen pal, Olivia)
-were entertained, challenged & inspired by all the live actors (the camp's staff) to seek God's will daily and to find God in everything we do.

I am SO excited about Keagan & Brian having this same experience in 2 years!

Director, Clem, had to give Hailey a "huggin' lesson" after feeling her limp hand shake. Let's just say, Hailey will always give a firm handshake and a big squeeze when being hugged.

All the adults had to wear these "scalp scraper" helmets when entering the mines. I was no taller than most of the kids, but I still had to follow the rules.

The first day was extremely hot. The girls & all of the adults had to take several pit stops to rehydrate & cool off.

Everyone was given less than 20 minutes to unload their belongings from the cars & set up camp before dinner. Let's just say, most of us came to dinner as sweaty pigs.

Our campfire band kept us in stitches.

Square dancing was SUPER fun!

You can take the girl out of the country but you can't take the country out of the girl!

Making rope.

Gold panning.

"I just know I have to have some gold", Hailey thought. She was right. She did find 2 small flakes.

Making post cards.

F.C.S 4th grade students, teachers & parents along with 2 other Christian school groups & the "Rock 'n' Water" staff.

The Rock 'n' Water staff was like watching the F.C.S. Players perform.

A Sutter Buttes hike with my son...

Back in April I had the privilege of joining Keagan's 2nd grade class for a day in the Sutter Buttes. The rather large group of parents, teachers, and students were divided into two groups and assigned a tour guide. Keagan was fascinated with our guide and was excited to ask him questions. I was so proud of his boldness! We saw many historical sites including the Hughes family cemetery and learned many interesting facts about the history of the Sutter Buttes. We ate a picnic lunch on the top of a grassy hill. The view was breathtaking!

"Who says, spending your birthday at a wedding wouldn't be fun? I put it to the test on my 8th birthday and is was a BLAST! I got to have mom all to myself for one entire day. I got to play at the beach, roll down the sand dunes, write my name in the sand, play Frisbee with my Uncles, and chase the waves- boy was that COLD! Best of all, I got to get out of school early to go out to lunch with my Auntie Kate. I saw 2 whole jellyfish and ate calamari. What a super fun birthday!"

"I know the view is gorgeous, mom; but hurry-up and take the picture. It is COLD!"

"That was fun. Can I do it again?"

"This photo was taken right after the wedding. I am wearing a polo shirt, a sweater vest, my suit, and a hooded sweatshirt. That is how cold it was. I could not get to the van fast enough!"

"There is always trouble when my Uncle Tim and I are together."

"Dallas and Shawnesy are so googly."

"Mom, I am way too tired to talk anymore. Sorry."

Happy Birthday..."Cowboy"!

Our dear Son,

You have given us 8 exciting years of laughter, adventure, and joy. Whether you're dressed as a cowboy, an archery man, a hunter, a fisherman, a baseball player, a basketball player, a football player, or a soccer player you are a striking handsome boy. You have stolen our hearts by your adventurous nature, your kindness and your gentle spirit. We love you so very much!

Happy 8th Birthday "Cowboy"!

All Our Love,

Dad, Mom, Hailey & Bethany

Dad is your hero - you are a hero to your many young cousins.

You and Hailey have always been close. Hey, she even got you to wear a pink tutu!(among other things)

One day you are going to steal the heart of a very lucky girl with that smile of yours!

You knew the best way to get the job done even when you were in diapers.

Your first fish caught at Collins Lake.

You inspire to keep your grandpa's young.

Your first cap gun & cowboy boots at 1 1/2 years old. There have been many boots, guns & wranglers circulate through our home in the past 8 years. Now, you have your very own chaps & cowboy spurs! Like they say, "You can take the boy out of the country, but you can't take the country out of the boy."

Thanks to Uncle Cody's help you are one genuine cowboy from the wild, wild west.