Daisy Girl Scout Camp Out, 2011

This was supposed to be published about a month ago but traveling and busy summer projects got in the way. I am back and ready to blog now!


We finally did it, after being on weather hold for four days we decided to just go for it and hold our first ever "Daisy Camp Out"- in our back yard. We had about 14 girls come with their tents and sleeping bags and jammies. Despite the wind and rain we survived and had a fabulous time!

Some highlights: a Treasure Hunt, learning how to make a fire WITHOUT matches, playing in the club house, jumping on the trampoline, playing on the play set, learning how to cook a peach cobbler with just coals, singing songs and putting together a photo book of our year together as Daisies.

The troop in their jammies, singing songs (11:00 p.m.)

It was cold, it rained a lot but the kids didn't care one bit. They never complained about being cold or tired. Amazing. They were troopers until about 11:00- I think they finally fell asleep at about 11:30 (of course it is still light out here so it was a bit harder for them to chill out).

Kiley and Paris, tent-mates, around 11:30 p.m.!

Next year will be interesting, we've started some traditions here. I can't wait to see what we do next year!

The New PlaySet

We've had it since last July, but no time to put it up. It takes hours and hours to put one of these suckers up! Just ask Papa Paul, he started it in the garage and then piece by piece it was brought to the designated spot. I would guess at least 20 hours of time went into this piece of equipment.

Now the kids have no reason whatsover to EVER leave our yard...... and in saying that I think Paul and Jon were crushed when Kiley said, not 6 hours after her new "playground" was complete, "I want to go to my school playground!" Um, what?

Blake had to show us how many pull ups he could do... or maybe Jon was talking trash saying he couldn't do any, something like that.

Regardless, the playset is getting a lot of action. It has been a pirate ship, Kalin has been a witch (a very mean one) and there have been a lot of races down the slide. If the rain will ever stop it will definitely be the hot spot at our house... along with the trampoline, Club House and swings!

First Day of Preschool

Kalin had her first day of Summer Preschool yesterday! Look at our big, big girl!~ I think she was ready... but not so ready that she wanted me to leave her "all by herself." Mommy & Kiley had to stay at Preschool with her the whole time.
Once we got there and she got into the groove of "school" I think she would of been more comfortable with me leaving. That was about 30 minutes before school was out so I didn't get to test my theory.
This morning is day 2 of school and she has already told us that she thinks she is going to puke.... how many more years of this do I have to look forward to?

Pantry 2011

Papa Paul is here, and boy has he been busy!

Our pantry went from this:

We told Kiley this was going to be her new bedroom....

To this:

We told Papa Paul this was going to be his bedroom too..... Actually I told him
"No Pepsi for you until this is done!"

To finally THIS!!! Perfection, beauty.... ORGANIZATION! Space!


We now have the prettiest pantry in town, just in time to stock it full with our Spring Barge order!

Student of the YEAR!!!

Yes, that is correct. Blake was chosen not only as Student of the Year but also as the Academic Student of the Year for 2011. I was told he was chosen "hands down", just sayin'..... an almost mom to a teenage boy has to brag you know.

I was surprised and he was too fast for me to get a good picture!

Blake worked his butt off this year to make up 6 credits- on top of doing his regular Junior Year school work. Hence the Academic Student of the Year honors.

Blake, to say the least is very mild mannered and um, quiet. I have said many, many times this year he is the "polar opposite" of his brother Matthew. It is no exaggeration- one is very outgoing and going, going, going... the other content to chill and work on his computer.

Basically chilling at his awards ceremony with Sis.....

Needless to say, we are very, very proud. Our spring was a little rough, and this award made it all worth it.