TGIF

Have a great Friday!

Camping in the Mountains

For the past few years, Papa DeMore's side of the family gathers at Vogel State Park for a reunion. Last year the kids loved getting in the creek so we decided to make it a long weekend and camp. Our previous trips were just for two nights so we wanted to extend the trip to three nights. Here's a shot of Granny DeMore surrounded by family.

Evan being a typical boy hanging in the creek with his cousin Rayburn.
Just like the shrimp with the last camping trip we gave the kids another first food- Popcorn. They loved it. Evan really showed to be my son by putting a fist full in his mouth at one time. We brought along Jennifer's nieces - so all of Grandmother & Granddaddy's grand kids were together for the weekend. Here's the kids heading to the park to burn some energy. It was nice to have the extra sets of hands.
Charlotte loves to swing. She climbs on the other stuff but always ends up back at the swings. May be we played the song "Swinging" too much when she was a baby.


They loved the park. It was really hot!!! We tried to find shade but had no luck.

We found a nice cool creek to play in on our way back to the camper. Ellie and Evan walked right in. Charlotte was not as interested. She found a van that looks Jennifer's and could not figure out why she could not get in to watch TV. Here's Ellie throwing rocks over the little dam.Evan scares mom by making a balanced walk across the dam.

Evan is now showing off his ability to blow bubbles in water. So glad they learned something at their swimming lessons.

The small lake was very relaxing. Evan loved the water. He was cautious but did was not get scared. Ellie liked going from the sand to the water. It took her a little time to get use to water. They loved the little boats we got for them. Evan made his into a submarine.

Here we are out in the deep - about 3 1/2 feet!!! Ellie clinged but Evan was relaxed. Where's Charlotte?

She fell in love with the sand. At one point Victoria said she was going to dig to China. She really liked making shapes with the molds. She would run down to the water and wash her hands but that was about it. The trip did come at a price. LOTS OF BOO BOO'S. They tripped, stumbled, fell out of swings, jumped off tables, and even got tipped over in the choo choo wagon (sorry that ones on me).

Ellie's First

Charlotte's scratched up foot.

Evan's face as a result of a choo choo accident.
All in All - it was a great trip. Evan really was our shining star. He has had the biggest issues with camping but did not even once ask to go home or get in the car. He took it all in and seemed to really enjoy himself. The girls liked having their cousins hang out with them. They really follow their lead. In the camper, sleep is always an issue but we have chosen not to worry to much about naps and long nights of sleep. They can always catch up when we get home. Jennifer's only fear is they will stop being great sleepers at home.

Next trip - The BEACH!

Swimming Lessons

The kids finished up their 1st swimming lessons last week. I took them to a local daycare for their lessons. Every morning they would say "swimming" and would run to the car ready to go.

Ellie was eager to get in.

It takes Charlotte a little bit longer to get use to things.

Evan loved having a guy to swim with and loved all the pool toys.

They learned to blow bubbles, kick and go under. On the last day Matthew & I went with them to swim and they showed us what they could do.

Happy National Ice Cream Day

Thank you Ronald Reagan for appointing today National Ice Cream Day. We enjoyed some ice cream and it was yummy! Just see for yourself.

Go enjoy a cone today!

VBS 2011

Last week was Vacation Bible School. Let's just say the kids had a blast! Every night we had dinner and there was always a bunch of girls just waiting for us to drive up. We had to feed them at home just so they would eat something because they were wild once they got there.

Sitting still for just a second!
The toddler class was one of the biggest. There were 12 two & three year olds. They danced, colored, ate and had loads of fun.

Matthew & I were in charge of the music class for the older kids so they got to hear the music for a few weeks before VBS. I think they taught everyone in their class the moves since they watched me for so long.

Here are their crafts & certificates for the week

They sure do love church!