Summer wrap-up (for reals)

The big anticipated family campout was finally upon us. It was my fault it was pushed from June to August, I was grateful for everyone accommodating~ then it ended up being unnecessary for me, but worked out better for others. So there you go. After girls camp this cam pout felt so relaxing. I could sleep in! I could do things on my own schedule- which there really was none- I could even wear shorts! I also learned from girls camp that the little blow-up pad over the cot is loud and not comfortable. Or stable. (did I mention I took a tumble off my bed at 3 in the morning at girls camp? It was very startling. Then I couldn't sleep for the next hour because I was chuckling about it.) Anyway, back to the campout...

LT and Ashley brought fun crafts for the kids.We brought the kid.

Homemade Root Beer!

The kids played and played, we decided to spend more time at the camp site this year, per the kids request.

At one point Abby, Ashley, Sadie and Lindsey and I snuck away for a little shopping and lunch. The boys went golfing while Jon chose a hike. Shafer and Abby joined in on one early morning. It all was just so lovely!


Abby told us there was an easy stroll through the woods and led the way. It was perhaps a combination of it being High-Noon and 120 degrees and a lack of water, those kids turned beet-red in no time. They were done. (someone has to play the roll of Linda Sullivan)

the Four Pack!

Hanky.

Sweet pack.

The last evening we did skits- with Ava and Alivia in charge, they were great! They really got our crowd going.

We sang and ended the night with s'mores and watched an awesome meteor shower.

These babies!!!

It's always a lot of work the last day to pack up and get out of there. But like Abby said, "We're not afraid of some hard work!" Jon had Grayson and Adren with him in his truck on the way home for some added cousin hang-out time at our house. Jon was ahead of me and texted: "If you see a bag on the side of the road, it's Grayson's." Oh, no! When I got home Grayson mentioned his sleeping bag was missing from the back of the truck as well! Oh, dear. Jon hopped in the truck and ran back up to look, but it was gone. Oh, dear.

There was still some more cousin hikes to fit in...

Oh, dear.

As well as some family hikes as the leaves begin their change...

More awards at Pack Meetings...

Soccer games!

Zeke's team.

Filthy play in the sandbox...

Oh, dear...

Cousin Birthday Parties!

Really- that Birthday boy's face says it all....

Of course there's Lagoon! Man, is this day so much fun!

Some cute little dragons one of my Laurels, Chelsie custom-made for my kids: Paisley's holding flowers, Adren's as Batman, Eli's riding a skateboard and wearing a helmet, and Zeke's playing soccer. She's so talented and so sweet to make them.

As much friend fun as can be crammed in! These three were inseparable all summer long.

The FIRST lost tooth!

Forever forward a different smile.

Paisley's long, chlorine and sun-bleached hair. (I did trim that- eventually)

Poor Sookie was sorely neglected and had acquired big knots along her back. To get her groomed I had to get her rabies shots, all of this was so very traumatizing to her, but even more to poor Paisley who wept away in the car for these errands. I got a chuckle out of how she looked when we picked her up. No blending???