Summer, enjoying the time

 What would summer be without trips to Scofield, time with family and enjoying the outdoors?  

Our first trip up to Scofield was great!  Jonathan joined us for the journey and it was super having him along.  If they were not playing spy games or playing in the lake, Jonathan had them playing cards.  We also went for a hike together and shot off mini-rockets.  What a great way to start the summer!

 For Caleb's birthday we always make time for the rodeo.  But since the last few years we are always at the cabin when the rodeo is going, we went early and hit up Strawberry Days in Pleasant Grove.  It was well worth the extra travel, even though Haley was very unhappy on the trip back home at midnight.  The rodeo was super!  We saw something new, the "cash-cow."  Where kids 10 and under were in the arena, then they let loose 3 steer with cash taped to them.  The kids were to run after the steer and try to get the cash off.  Such a crazy idea that was fun.  I think everyone had fun at the rodeo and it ended with an amazing fireworks display that left us all excited for the fourth.

Caleb and Peter had their first scout camp and loved it!  Peter came home very dirty but excited.  Caleb came home being the smart one from his troop, having had tons of fun even though he suffered allergies the whole time with no meds.  Look at that eye.

And a first for us, Summer Soccer.  Normally we only do Fall and Spring but Caleb's coach wanted the team together for the summer, a little more prep work for Fall.  OH MY!  It was tough, even though we went into the season thinking it would be laid back.  Caleb used his scouting knowledge to help him though some tough games, Do Your Best.  Diedre was extra tough on Caleb at times because of some rough games.  We played one easy team and the rest were competition level teams that we were not quite ready for.  But Caleb did it.  He has the heart of a player, a strong dedication to the team and his coach, and he is continuously learning the skills he needs to be a better goalie.  We are proud of him. 

"Don't cry because it is over, SMILE because it happened"

Dr. Seuss said it well.  We have had such a terrific school year with these amazing teachers, and to say goodbye to them was kind of sad.  But we choose to focus on the happy.  It was not a perfect year, there were some bumps along the way but they made it, largely in part to their wonderful teachers.  Peter learned so much about animals, math and progressed in his Spanish.  But his teachers also helped him learn a little bit more about being a friend.  Caleb did so much this year.  Science fair, wax museum, music/songs memorized, how to stay on task better without reading too much.  But he also learned that if you try to be your best self, people notice that and want to be your friend.  William, Mr. Kindergartner, learned how to read, spell, write better, patterns, math mountains and how to get along with a room full of kids.  They are all ready for next year, but first we are going to go play in the lake.

Wrapping things up

We have been busy, learning and playing and growing.  Scouts has kept us on our toes as well as the end of summer, getting ready for Scofield and more soccer fun.

First up, SCOUTS!  Caleb turns 11 in July.  Which means we had to get busy in order to get Webelos and Arrow of Light.  Did we ever get busy!  A few of our projects that took up space on the counter:  crystal trees.

Our own experiment on growing stalactites and stalagmites.

 

Creating ice tunnels with salt and color.  Fun on a hot day.  Other things not pictured, struggling through reports, fun activities for some of us, boring for others.

 But for all of this hard work Caleb earned all of this.  Wowzers!  Pins and belt loops for many things, badges for Webelos and...

 Peter also earned several pins and belt loops and we as a family earned the Fun in the Family certificate and badges.  Caleb only has two more things to do for Arrow of Light and then he moves on to the big leagues.  Hard work and time pay off.

 On to the end of school madness and fun.  William was able to have a fun Kindergarten picnic.  He has made some fun friends and learned SO VERY MUCH!  

Peter was recognized as Student of the Month and his teacher (the ever wonderful Mrs. Gruer) kept talking about how Peter loves to share his knowledge with his classmates and makes learning contagious.  He is a very good student.

 

Caleb has had a crazy-busy schedule.  The picture above had to be his most hectic.  He had his 5th grade patriotic performance during school, then again at 7:00pm that night.  He also had soccer practice at 5:30pm and pack meeting at 7:00.  We went to soccer, left 15 min early and he changed for pack meeting in the truck.  Made it to pack meeting where he did the flag ceremony and received all his awards.  Then we left early and he changed in the truck so we could make it to the end of his patriotic performance for school and the parents.  Whew!

Caleb was Eli Whitney for the 5th grade wax museum.  Sweet!

All three of these smart boys earned their school's Husky Award.  Having a list of requirements to pass off throughout the year for each grade level.  A great accomplishment.

And not to forget this cute girl.  Last night after soccer she noticed the snowie place was open and she  demanded some summer sweetness to end the day.  Tomorrow brings the last day of school.  It will be bitter sweet, these boys have had the most amazing teachers!  The dance festival will be fun, looking forward to all the fun of the cabin and relaxing days of summer will be awesome!  But saying good bye to fabulous teachers and school friends will be the serious side of things.  We are grateful for the experience.