Summer 2011-Part 2-July

July was a busy month, so there are tons of pictures.

Ben arrived home safe and sound from his scout camp. He earned several merit badges and had a great time.

After just one day home, he was off to scout camp # 2. Ben had the opportunity to participate in Silver Mocassin leadership camp. Ben and Scott ready to go!

Ben and his troop heading to meet the parents after camp.

I think Ben's face says it all, " I'm ready to sleep in my own bed!"

Ben receiving his Silver Mocassin beads from Scoutmaster Scott.

Ben's troop.

Scott and Ben.

On the way home, we had to stop at Dick's in Kamas so the boys could have lunch and of course a shake!

Celebrating 7-11 at 7-11 for free Slurpees with Braden and Abby.

Our ward did an evening of service and here is Ben and the other youth in the ward after working hard in Sister Fenner's yard. Our ward helped over 9 families spruce up their yards; it was a neat project and glad we could participate.

On Wednesday, July 13, we took off for our annual trip to Door County, Wisconsin. We love going here and we took my mom with us this year and had a great time. We decided to do a few new things this trip and began the trip with a tour of Lambeau Field, home of Ben's team, the Green Bay Packers! The Packers have a very interesting history, and it was really fun. If ever in Green Bay, I highly recommend the tour!

Ben sporting Aaron Roger's jersery; ready to begin tour.

The biggest cheese head of all!

Ben showing off a few of his treasures from the gift shop.

Ben chilling in one of the luxury suites. There is a 60 year waiting list for anyone wanting to buy season tickets. In fact, there are more people on the waiting list than seats in the arena, and it holds over 70,000 fans. It is the smallest NFL market, but the city loves their Pack!

Ben just inches away from the field. Wisconsin winters can be brutal and so many of the games are played in bitter cold. That was hard to fathom on a hot, humid July day!

We all became Green Bay fans that day!

Grandma celebrating her hole in one at the mini golf park.

Ben and Brian tried a few new golf courses in Door County.

I have always wanted to do a zip line and so when I found out that there was one in Door County, I was all for it. Ben was a good sport and went with me. Here we are all ready to climb and zip....

Ben went first; it was a pretty tame zip line.

Ben ready to take the leap

Here I go, and even though I am afraid of heights I LOVED IT!!!! Can't wait to zip again!

These guys were the zip line guides; really funny and the one guy in the Fitch shirt was from England and loved my Tom's shoes.

Bri and I enjoying dinner at our favorite Fish Creek Restaurants-Julies. My hair is straight not from a flat iron, but the humidity. It was some of the most humid days Wisconsin had all summer.

Bri, Ben and Grandma at Julie's

Every visit we rent bikes and bike through Pennisula State Park. Beautiful view of Green Bay. It's one of our favorite activities!

Bri showing his skill at skipping rocks.

Ben and Grandma on the beach.

Sunset dinner at Fred and Fuzzy's Waterfront Grill. Our last night in Door County.

So we headed to Green Bay anticipating our flight home, but due to severe thunderstorms in the Midwest, we spent another night on vacation. No worries, found a nice hotel with an indoor waterslide. Ben didn't mind the extra night in Green Bay!

Had some fun pool parties with my friends and their kids. My cute friend Emily came over and I just love her kids. Noah, Izzy and Cashe enjoying swim time with me.

Finally ready for braces! Ben and Dr. McDonough right before they went on. We love Dr. M; he did braces for both girls and he is the best!

Ben about half way through treatment.

Ben all smiles with his new metal mouth. Fourteen months to perfect teeth!

And so ended July...

We Have News!! Our baby girl is having a baby boy!!!

Brian and I are beyond thrilled to announce that our family is growing! Kristi and Jordan are expecting a baby boy due February 10, 2012!!! We found out in June, and it's been hard to keep the secret. Okay, I think I may have told a few of my girlfriends, but we can officially make our announcement now. It will be so fun to have another little grandson! Kristi and Jord had the cutest way to tell us all if they were having a boy or girl. Both families arrived at Nick and Lindsi's last Saturday, and there were pink and blue balloons all around. Each of us had to choose either a pink plate or blue plate depending on what we thought they were having.

Bri and I making our predictions. I was one of only four pink plates chosen that night. Not sure why I think everyone is always having a girl.....

Lindsi, Cashe and Nick with their selections. Boys all around for the Barbers....

Cute Great Grandmas Bev and Elfie with their blue plates.

Ben very happy with his prediction....

So these two cuties baked a cake with both pink and blue frosting and inside, the cake was either blue or pink....such a fun way to tell the family the good news.

After Jordan carefully cut the cake without giving any hint, the wait was over!!! It's a boy!

So, of course I had to go shop a bit for some clothes. Loved buying boy clothes again and cannot wait for the little guy to arrive so we can love him! Still can't believe my baby girl is going to have a baby; they will be wonderful parents and he is one lucky baby! Thanks Jord and Kristi for giving us the best gift of all...we love you!!