Fathers & Sons Campout

 

Bryce and Ethan just got back from their 8TH Fathers and Sons Campout!  It's hard to believe they've been that many times, but I have pictures to prove it.  I'm so glad they have that special time together, especially since he gets stuck doing girl stuff a lot, with three younger sisters.

It seems like they had an awesome time and did all the usual camping stuff.  Burning things and shooting things, you know....

They had to take the traditional Crazy-In-The-Tent pose.  I love those crazies!

This was the first year that Ethan had a big group of his friends there with him.  They did some running around and had kid fun.  Pretty soon Ethan will be at that stage where friends are the most important thing.  It makes me sad, but excited for him, too.

 

They even got to go to a fish hatchery that was nearby and learned a lot.  What a fun trip! 

 

Goldfield Ghost Town

Bryce's Grandma Joyce came into town and we decided to take a girls/kids adventure trip to Goldfield Ghost Town.  It is a cute little town with a saloon, museum, gold mine, and train.  They even have an old west gun fight performance. 

The kids had fun just roaming around and exploring.  They couldn't keep their eyes off the train.

 

The little ones weren't quite sure what to make of it all.

The kids were crazy, so we stuck them in a mining car.  I wish I had one of those at home for unruly kids!

The girls! Nikki, Asaka, Bethany, and Becky!

Grandma Joyce and Valerie!  What a beautiful view, right?  After touring the town we went down to the Salt River to have lunch.

 

 

Gorgeous!  The kids loved playing in the river and were tuckered out by the time we got home.  Just how we like them!

 

Happy Birthday Ethan!

 

Happy Birthday Ethan!  Ethan turned 9 and had a fun friend party.  It was Lego themed and we had a great time playing games and creating.

 

He even had a Lego cake!  What a fun day and what an old kid!  He is now constantly reminding me that he is halfway to being an adult and going on a mission.  Geez Louise!  How could that be?  We just got him!  I love this sweet, smart, helpful boy!

Pinewood Derby

 

Ethan has been so excited to do the Pinewood Derby this year.  Last year he barely missed it!  He and Bryce worked really hard on his car "Hades" and it looked great!  Unfortunately, looking great doesn't always win the race, but we had a great time and learned a lot.

They did a great job on the cultural hall.  It was pretty decked out and ready for some racing.

 

There were some serious hours that went into this whole shebang.  Making the cars and getting everything ready.  Props to the leaders and parents.  It was awesome!  Ethan got the Flame Thrower award for the cool flames on his car.  Good job, you guys!

 

The Color Run

 

Woohoo!  The Color Run!! I was so excited this year to run the Color Run with Ethan.  He worked so hard and was ready to run the three miles with me.  The only thing we hadn't counted on was RAIN!  it was pouring and freezing!  We were sure a mess when we got done.  Ethan's shoes had holes in them and he was not happy!  Here we are all clean, before we started:

 

 

And then, after 3.1 miles in the rain and colored powder and foot deep puddles.  I had a great time, but Ethan said he didn't and that he won't do it again.  I hope he changes his mind.  I'm thinking of making this an annual family tradition.  I'm thinking he would like it a lot better dry.  I'm so proud of him for working so hard and sticking to it, even in less than ideal conditions.

Happy Birthday Noelle!

 

Happy Birthday Noelle!  Our littlest girl is three!  She's a big girl now.

 

She was so excited to help make her own cake and decorate it, too.  What a great helper!

 

My kids are growing up so fast.  Noelle has such a personality!  I'm not sure what to say about her.  We'd sure notice her absence.  She's a fiery, sassy, and strong little girl.  We're so glad she's ours.  And I'm sure someday I'll figure her out.

She's three now, so she gets to use the big potty!  She got some My Little Pony underwear.  If you know Noelle, you know that ponies are serious business, and that The Lion King is her one true love.  I love how much she loves things.  She is a passionate, lovely girl.  Happy Birthday!