4th of July Weekend

We enjoyed having Arkansas friends in town for the holiday weekend.  They came up Friday afternoon, and we all went to K-Kountry together to get the girls from camp that evening.  Saturday we went out for lunch, played mini-golf, rode go-carts and the boys played laser tag.  I love these friendships!

Saturday night we went out for Mexican food then rode the new ferris wheel (formerly located at Chicago's Navy Pier).   Crosby was excited about going until we got right beside it, then he changed his mind so I stayed on the ground with him.  Everyone else enjoyed the ride/view though!  Maybe we'll try again soon when Rhett is with us and Crosby is more prepared for what it looks like up close.

view from the top of the ferris wheel

The Martins left Sunday morning, and I spent the rainy day catching up on laundry.  Monday was the 4th of July, but we didn't have plans for the actual holiday.  Lane worked that day and Rhett was still in Flippin so I took Alexee and Crosby to a movie.  They chose to see The BFG (rather than Finding Dory).  

                                               

They liked the movie!

Mom & Dad sent a few pictures of what was going on there during the weekend.  They went to the rodeo to watch Jeryn, Rhett helped Dad on a few projects in the shop, R had his first driving lesson on the farm, and they went to a 3rd of July cookout/fireworks.  (Not pictured:  target shooting, fish fry at the cabin and toilet-papering Mo & Grandad's bathroom and staircase)  :) Sounds like they had a great time!

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Our veggies are growing!  Lots of peppers and tomatoes!

Alexee at Kanakuk & Baseball Season

It was finally Alexee's turn to go to K-Kountry, and like the boys, she had a wonderful time!  She went Term 4 (June 25-July 1) with one of her best friends from Arkansas.  They were so excited to see each other and spend a whole week together.  We've sure missed K and her family since we moved here!  

For some reason Alexee was nervous about going on stage for the introductions on opening day, but she felt better knowing that she and K could walk up together.  Their introduction was cute...the guy said that he asked them back stage how long they'd known each other and they said, "FOREVER!!!!".  He then gave them their cabin assignment...BARN #6!

We helped her unpack and make her bed before saying good-bye.  She was given a top bunk, which was what she was hoping for. 

She had two sweet counselors, Melina and Jordan.  (Jordan was still greeting campers when I took this picture.)

All set for an exciting week!

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She had the same theme parties as Crosby, of course:  Beauties & Beasts, Neon Glow, Red/White/Blue and Star Wars. 

The girls dressed up as Beauties.  :)

Lots of swimming and fun water activities like the "Blob" (top right) and kayaking.  

I think this was the day the kids found out about Tribal placement.  Girls are either Kiowa or Kickapoo, and Alexee is a Kickapoo.  

This picture of the girls dancing in their Razorback shirts is one of my very favorites from the week!

Barn 6 silliness :)

Alexee was most excited about the patriotic party.  She had so much fun shopping for this one.

She even did zip-lining, and loved it!  That's her in the front!

She was probably the least excited about the Star Wars theme night, but she said it was actually one of the most fun!  She had a shirt that said "Yoda Best" and she did her hair in buns (with the help of her counselor, I think.  We did not own a bun maker prior to camp shopping).  :)

CLOSING CEREMONIES

We were so ready to see her!  We missed her a LOT!

Together again!!

Family picnic by the lake.  Such a pretty setting.

Her counselors noted the character qualities "pleasing" and "listener", and she also got the Heart Award (1 Samuel 16:7). 

Barn 6 Girls

Sweet friendships made!

We made it into one of the closing ceremonies photos (on the far right, and C in the bright green shirt on the front row).

This is an amazing camp, and we are so thankful that the kids had the opportunity to go.  It is a fun-filled, happy place.  But the best part is that the kids also learned more about the Lord and what it means to live the "I'm Third" lifestyle.

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Here are a few pictures of Crosby's last night of baseball (6/27) for the season.  He really enjoyed playing.  The team went to CiCi's Pizza for a celebration dinner after the game.  Great season, Snipers!  :)  Fun times!

Love this handsome little athlete!

VBS Week: Submerged

VBS week in Flippin is always a fun time!  It was June 20-24th this year, and Father's Day was the 19th so we made Lane a Father's Day taco dinner and strawberry pie before leaving town for VBS.  We are very grateful for these special guys on Father's Day (and every day!):  Lane, his Dad, my Dad and my Grandad!  They are all great leaders and love our family so well.  

Annual first day of Vacation Bible School photo on the front steps

Rhett & Jaiden, age 12 

(they were volunteer helpers this year)

Jeryn & Alexee, age 9

Crosby, age 7

The theme this year was "Submerged", a deep sea curriculum.  The verse of the week was "Search me, God, and know my heart; test me, and know my concerns.  See if there is any offensive way within me; Lead me in the everlasting way." -Psalm 139:23-24

One day Dad and I went fishing.  I love going early in the day when there is still fog on the river.  We caught several fish, and had the best time!

One afternoon we all went to the cabin.  The kids played in the water for hours, and we grilled hot dogs and hamburgers that evening.

Catching crawdads

I think they called this "Moss Wars".

The inner tubes are even great on land!

Messy-but-tasty S'MORES!

Wednesday afternoon Mom and I took the kids swimming at my aunt's house.  This was the noodle race:

My sister arrived Wednesday evening, and Mom and I had a few baby gifts for her.  We were excited to see her open them.  Our new nephew/cousin is due late July...we can't wait to meet him!  Alexee and I had so much fun shopping for baby clothes for him.  :)

With Micaela and Baby J :)

I came back home Thursday afternoon, and Lane and I went out for an early 15th anniversary dinner at Level 2 Steakhouse that night.  Fifteen years--that doesn't seem possible!

Mom and Mic sent me a few pictures from Thursday evening.  Such a fun time!

Crosby's class on the left, Alexee & Jeryn's on the right

(Rhett helped in Alexee & Jeryn's class, and Jaiden helped in Crosby's)

Everyone had a great time!  We're always so thankful for those who help make it such an awesome week full of fun and learning.  It was a special week, and many sweet memories were made.

I met Dad in Harrison on Friday to get the kids.  We ate lunch there and came back home to pack Alexee's trunk for Kanakuk...she was leaving the next day!!  It has been an exciting June!  We also celebrated Bogart's 13th birthday with an ice cream and dog treat sundae.  Bogart is a teenager! :)

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