End of Summer and Fall Fun

We began August with some fun field trips. The first one was to the zoo. Even though it was a super hot day, the kids enjoyed seeing the new exhibits. It was fun to be at Cashe's first zoo trip.

Here we are ready to see the zoo.

All of us ready to see the bird show which was fantastic! The girls are excited, not sure why Braden and Ben look miserable!

A beautiful bald eagle came out at the end of the show.

Lindsi and Cashe on his first merry go round ride.

We had to get a picture of Kristi with a mama elephant Kristi and her baby Zuri.

Our next field trip was to Liberty Park. We had a great afternoon playing on the swings, riding a Ferris wheel and carousel, and eating treats.

Lindsi, Cashe and Ab enjoying some swing time.

Having a snack at the park.

My girls may be all grown up, but they couldn't resist a sweet treat from the ice cream man. I love these girls!

Ben and Ab taking a ride on the Ferris wheel.

Labor Day weekend, the kids and I headed to Swiss Days. Here we are having lunch at a great little Mexican place Nick loves. The kids loved having real soda in a bottle.

Taking a break from the heat and crowds!

My girls enjoying their homemade carmel apples.

Ben was getting a little bored, so he found some interesting hats to try on.

A few weeks after school began, ground was broken on the new middle school. Ben was one of two students who were selected to serve on the design and rebuild committee. He attended all the meetings with the architects and provided a student's idea on what the new school should have. It was a great experience for him and he was able to break the ground at the ceremony. Unfortunately, when the school is completed in 2013, Ben will have already graduated to high school, but he will know he had a part in its building.

At the end of September, it was time for us to go to the state fair with Lindsi, Nick and Cashe. Nick and Cashe in the barn before we went to see the animals. I did break Lindsi's heart when I told her the animals were sold, for well...food purposes. I think she thought they just all went to a farm somewhere....

Lindsi and Cashe with a very large ox.

Here we are at the fair. Cashe enjoyed seeing the animals and I enjoyed racing Lindsi down the big yellow slide and beating her to the finish!

Lindsi and Cashe took a mom tot swim class and I was able to go to some of the lessons. He loves the water and was a good boy at lessons even though he was the youngest swimmer!

We were able to get tickets to the Sunday morning session of conference, thanks to Ben, and we really enjoyed being there and hearing the great talks. We arrived about 90 minutes early and were able to hear the choir sing and enjoy the beauty of the conference center. Bri and I before conference started.

Jord and Kristi were able to come with us.

We had one extra ticket, so cute Abby came with us.

Here we are after conference; it was such a pretty day and I love the temple in the background.

And that ends our summer and fall. Now it is time for my kids' birthdays and the holidays. I can't wait!

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...