The Archery Range

Yesterday we went to the archery range with friends first thing in the morning. The cool morning air was refreshing. We didn't stay too long (some of the kids were eager to go do something different), but it was a great way to start the day.

Madi's favorite part about going to the archery range is this bridge. I'm not sure why but she thinks it's the greatest thing ever.

The other kids love it too.

Idaho Falls Air Show

Gabe was excited to attend the Idaho Falls Air Show, he was ecstatic about the blue planes (Blue Angels). Curtis was there with his helicopter; he flies an Apache for the Idaho National Guard. It was fun to see him in his uniform with the crew. A huge plus for us, the helicopter created a little bit of shade for us to sit under and avoid the craziness of sitting among the sea of people. The show brought back lots of memories for me. Growing up in the Air Force, we attended many shows, celebrations and gatherings. I miss the feelings of military life from time to time. The commodore and support for families of service members truly exemplifies the American spirit.

We've been busy this summer...

The summer is racing by and we are as busy as ever working, camping, playing, gardening, and school. Yes, school. Mike has just started back to school. He is working on his masters so he is extremely busy with work, school and being an amazing dad. This picture was taken earlier in June. We went to the cabin for our first weekend camping adventure and there was still snow on the ground. The kids were anxious to stay the night so we had to make due with the snow. We just blazed a trail to the outhouse through the mounds of white stuff. In just a week's time, the snow was gone and we were at it again.

The kids worked hard at picking up much of the slash that was left over from the trees we cut down some time ago.

The kids had their first lesson on being lost in the woods. Mike took them for a morning hike/stump shooting adventure. He sat them down and had a chat on what to do if they were ever to get lost in the forest.

The kids have had a blast running through the sprinkler in the back yard. Madi is excited for swim lessons to start next week.

Gabe was a bit scared of the water, but to our surprise he ran through a time or two.

We went camping in Island Park.

Hiked in Harriman State Park.

And spent some more time at the cabin.

Playing ladderball...

and catching butterflies.

Gabe's Outside Hat

The other day, I was out weeding in the front flower beds. I heard Gabe and turned around to see what he was up to. This is what I found. Gabe sweeping the sidewalk with a flower pot on his head. He calls it his outside hat, or his rain hat. He cracks me up. So now whenever we are in the front yard, he has the flower pot on his head. I wonder what he is going to do when I fill the pot with flowers.

Happy Birthday Jaden