Working together . . .

One of the fun things we get to do at the campground is to check people in when they arrive for the weekend.  This year, we are trying to do "express check in" as a family.  There is usually plenty to do - greeting people, directing traffic, retrieving golf carts, filing forms, etc.  The kids are great workers and it is a lot of fun to have them there with us!

There's a 9 year old in the house!

We have a wonderful 9 year old in the house! Our Anna girl's birthday falls in the middle of Memorial Day weekend again this year, we're celebrating in a few weeks, but we squeezed in our traditional birthday donuts, gifts and some fun with friends who were able to have a sleepover!

It is finished!

“It is finished”! . . . school that is.  We finished our school year today with the final chapters of Nate Saint’s biography (we actually read it several years ago, but it’s one of our favorites ~ so it was voted back into our biography rotation).  In a unique collision of timing, we also had the honor of meeting a 91 years old retired WWII fighter pilot, ‘Doc’ Cramer, along with some of his missionary friends, Ed & Debby Capps.  As it turns out they’ve actually collaborated with Steve Saint (Nate’s son) in some of the aviation components of their missionary work.  Small world!  The kids also helped get the pool ready for opening day, even though our CO weather continues in a definite state of confusion – a strange mix of Seattle and late September!  We know you’re out there somewhere summer!

Rubiks Dudes and Magic Show

Daniel and Ryan enjoy delighting groups of kids on Friday nights at the campground with their Rubiks cube prowess and magic tricks!  This crowd was especially fun!

Mother's Day

My sister and her kids were able to come over on Mother's Day.  We enjoyed playing games and eating yummy treats.  Kevin had to work most of the day and we had snow (and LOTS of it!) for the second year in a row!  Later in the evening, I opened some fun gifts.  I especially LOVE my super soft, fuzzy blankie . . . but these five are the best gift of all!

Daniel's half birthday!

We had the chance to celebrate Daniel's half birthday this afternoon/evening.  We indulged ourselves in several hours of an awesome young man - playing "QuizUp" as we drove around town, eating Arby's curly fries, playing dodgeball at JumpStreet (and watching Daniel conquer the mechanical bull and the 'walking sticks' and do flips while shooting baskets!) We also enjoyed the Paddington Bear movie together - and enough popcorn to bury someone alive. Somehow Daniel even saved room for ice cream on the way home!

We continue to be amazed at this young man's intellect.  He recently took the IOWA assessments (standardized tests that our kids take every other year through our enrichment program) and scored a grade equivalent of 13+ (college freshman) in every category.  I don't put great stock in that assessment, because I feel like they are a bit 'dumbed down' in their expectations. However, he is in 7th grade (if we'd stuck with his birthday and the "official cut off date", he's technically supposed to be in 6th grade) . . . we have always marveled at the unique brain that God has gifted him with.  The things he can do (in his head) with ease cause my brain to cramp!  I am praying for him to use that brain to make a meaningful contribution to the world and more importantly for him to remain humble and kind as he walks into the future that God has for him.

sweaty head!!