Going to the Woods

I'm finally caught up!!! I've just posted about 12 new posts, so please go back to the older posts, if you have time!

The last time we went camping was about two years ago. I was a little apprehensive about bringing four kids this time. We decided to try for two nights this time, only because it takes SO LONG to pack and going for only one night didn't seem worth it. The kids had a lot of fun. We decided that we wanted to be comfortable, so we purchased a 12 man tent. We could fit 4 queen sized air mattress in there. Oh, am I happy we did that! The second night we were there, it rained. Our tent leaked a little, but we managed to stay dry.
We went on a hike, saw a bird show, and even saw a mommy bear and her three cubs! Deer were abound and were not afraid of people. We had a great time with friends (174 people from our church went). The kids loved running around with their friends and exploring nature. If we're brave enough, we may try this again soon, but maybe beach camping. We'll see!
Friends hanging out...
Making S'mores...

Our friend took G and T on their first motorcycle ride on a Harley!

Inside our mansion tent...

The outside...

B enjoying himself. He was so hard keeping him still.

At the hike...

B was on my back.

The cousins held hands most of the way. Striking a pose... The hike was about 3-4 miles round trip. So proud of them!

M behind daddy...

Hopefully we'll go again soon!!!

School Stuff

Here's a compilation of some school happenings for the kids. Since it is the end of the school year (almost) we've had a lot going on. I'm sure I'll post more later. For now, here are some things we've been involved in.

Rock Star Day....we went with red hair and a lot of bling.




G sported the mohawk and lightening bolt face paint.

Working the electric air guitar.

M HAD to do her hair like a rock star too.


T's Field Day...

T's Field Trip...to the same farm where we picked strawberries.

G had a "Temples and Tombs" play. He HATES to sing. Couple that with doing it in public. Doesn't he look happy??

Now he's happy....that the play is over!

Strawberries!!!

GUILTY

Caught RED HANDED

Cute Cousins

Stealing More Strawberries

Hanging Out with Dad

The Moran Crew...Get Picking!

We LOVE strawberries. We went and picked some a few weeks ago. One particular little boy especially loved strawberries (and stole everyone's). It was a great opportunity to teach the kids about how plants grow and where they come from. They were surprised to see that they came from these plants. They are so used to just seeing them packaged in the grocery store. We had a wonderful time together!

G's Special Day

Proud Mom and Sis

Papa and Nana came from NY

Love Ya, G!

With the Cousins

Our Family

G with Dad

Sign in Table...Everyone signed his picture

My Handsome Boy...all clean and pure!

G's baptism had consumed my every thoughts for a LONG time. Is he ready? Does he have a true testimony of the Church and of Jesus Christ? What about the details, decorations, filling the font, reserving the building, speakers, songs, chair set up, refreshments...so on and so on...

When the day finally came, I realized what the baptism was all about. It wasn't about all the "fluff." Yes, the details of a beautiful program had to happen. However, it was about this sacred covenant that G has chosen to make with his Heavenly Father. I am so proud of the boy he has become. I hope that he will remember this day forever. When he finished changing and I met him in the hall, I asked, "How do you feel?" G's response was, "I feel really weird." He wasn't saying it in a bad way. I don't think he knew what to feel. It took a while for it all to soak in. He said this was such a special day for him. I pray that he will continue to make good choices in life. I look forward to seeing him pass more milestones in his life. Nothing could make a mom more happy! Love you, G!

Eight is GREAT!

It's hard to believe G is 8 now! He turned 8 at the end of April. We told G he could pick 5 of his closest friends for a little party. G has really taken off with his reading and enjoyed reading "Diary.of a Wimp.y Kid." When the movie came out, he knew that's what he wanted to do for his party. There's a lot of potty humor involved, but hey, that's what eight year-old boys like! They all had a blast. He has such a great group of friends. We hope he sticks with them through his teenage years.

So here's to G. He's such a huge helper around the house. He is caring and kind. He's a great example for all of us. He always makes the right choices and is discerning of all that is good and bad. He continues to challenge himself in school and sports. Love ya, G!

First Hair Cut for B!

Before

After

B was looking shaggy. We had to do something about it. It wasn't easy because he's a little squirmish. We put him in the bathtub and snipped where we could. I was paranoid that he would turn his face and find some scissors in his eye. He did great. We will probably have to do it when he's asleep next time, though!

Hit it Like a Girl

Doing something she's not supposed to be doing...

Helmet looks a little big, doesn't it?

Loving being out there!

T started softball for the first time. She loved it because she had four girls from church on her same team and one other girl from school. It was so cute to see these girls play. Of course, a lot of it was the social part of it. A lot of times we'd have to yell at her to stop playing with the dirt. By the end of the season, she really started "getting it." She knew exactly where to throw the ball when she got it. She also started whacking the ball pretty hard...she makes "hitting like a girl" a compliment! :)