Yes, We're Still Here

At the beginning of May we got a new camera and I've been taking lots of pictures but didn't know how to download them to the computer.  Now that's not saying much and is in no way a good reason for not posting for almost a full month, but it's my excuse and I'm sticking to it.

The reality is that this month as been the busiest month. EVER.  My work was busy, the kids school was busy, Eric's work was busy, Scouts was busy, and then add on some major home improvement endeavors and GUESS WHAT?  WE WERE BUSY!!!!

So to make it up to you (and to help me remember my life from the past month) I'll post-date some things to the blog.  I hope to not make this a habit, but adjusting to working full-time (almost) has been difficult for me.  I am sincerely looking forward to 3 full months of rest and relaxation.  : )

A Day At The "Beach"

 We got 6 tons of sand delivered this afternoon and the kids wasted no time at all in diving in!  It was hot and sunny out there on the driveway so they brought out the beach umbrellas and dug right in.  The people who drove by all slowed way down to watch these crazy kids digging in the sand.

 They took turns burying each other while I moved the sand into the back yard...  It wend under our new pool.  I don't have any swimming photos yet, but here they are helping Dad set it up.  It went together really quick (about 30 minutes total) but it took a long time to fill it up.  And the water is super cold so they only stayed in for 15 to 20 minutes before the teeth chattering starts.  But after they warm up they are right back in.  I tell you, kids are indestructible!  You won't catch me in that 60 degree water!

From Wolf to Bear

Logan graduated from Wolf scout to Bear scout this evening at the Cub Scout meeting.

 He was given his new bear kerchief, a whole bunch of patches and belt loops, and a new scout book.

 Do you think the boy is excited?  : )

 He promptly opened his new Bear achievement book and started reading the things he would get to do this coming year.  When he found the section on caring for a pocket knife there was no stopping him!  "Hey, Dad!  I get to have a pocket knife now!  It say's so right here!  When can we get my pocket knife?  Can we go tomorrow?  'Cus I need one NOW, SEE?" (sigh)

Water, Water, EVERYWHERE

Eric and I are putting in an irrigation system to water our grass, trees, and gardens.  It's a lot of work, but the payoff will be awesome!  No more lugging around garden hoses and coming home from vacation to find dead plants!  Hopefully we can also get some nice grass to grow so the dogs stop tracking mud into the house.

 The kids thought the giant hole was the best part.  We had a hard time keeping them out of it.

 Then this cool machine would grab the water pipe and pull it underground so minimal digging was required.  Gotta love technology!

It will still require some more work on Eric and my part to finish it out, but the major areas now have water.  Now all we need is some grass seed!

Super Skills Field Day

Amanda had her first field day and Eric was able to capture some photos for me.  Luckily Logan's class was out there at the same time so he was able to get some shots of both kids.

 She was sporting a super cute (and athletic) braid in her hair before she left for the day, but I guess it didn't hold together.  : )

So the idea is to travel around with your partner to try out one of every skill on their skill card...

 ... Then when you fill out the whole card you get a SNOW CONE!

 YUM!!!

Girls Weekend

My friend, Megan, and I try to get together once a year for a girls trip.  This year she flew to our hometown and I picked her up with our camper in tow and we drove to Hermann, Missouri.

 It's this cute little town along the Missouri River that is know for it's wineries, but also is close to the Katy Trail.

 We did some bike riding...

 ... toured some wineries...

 ... and did a night Zipline Tour!

 It was a wonderful, extended weekend with lots of adult beverages...

 ... Wildlife...

 ... and girl talk.

 One of our campsites was on a bluff overlooking the Missouri River.  When we woke up that morning we saw some deer wadding in the river...

 ... and a couple of coyotes running along the bank.

 We also saw some water snakes, a Great Blue Heron (fly in right infront of us)...

 ... and a cute little tree frog gave us a departing gift.  : )

"Thanks for the good times, my friend!  Let's do it again soon."

Giddy Up

The kids are continuing with their horse ridding lessons, but since I had a new camera I wanted to play with the features so here are some playful photos from their latest lesson.