Banzai Skimboard Surfer

We got a new toy for Camp Holly. We got it out to try it ahead of time. It is really too long for the backyard, but Craig got it to work at an angle. The kids were having fun with it, so Craig decided to grab his suit and play too. I put on my suit but declined the opportunity to bust my tush on the thing.

Patrick

Alison

Last Swim Meet of the Season

The kids all did a great job. We still have a few practices and the pool party to go to, but there are no more weekend meets. Alison and Hayden are still working on their starts, but their strokes are improving all around. We will keep practicing and hope that Owen will be able to join us on the team next summer.

Go Diego Go!

We had Birthday cake for Dyson's 3rd Birthday. The cake was a hit because it had green, and we all know that green is Dyson's Favorite color.

Dyson is 3 now

He brought over a birthday present to play today. My backyard is full of boys. They could barely contain themselves as I made them put sunscreen on. We also have freezer pops for when the heat gets unbearable.

Patio Time!

The extension is complete. Craig and I were able to move the table and chairs back on to the patio last night. We have so much more room. I have plans to fix up the new bed along the fence line under the Mulberry tree. I am also going to do some planting on the little strip between the patio and the fence.

We did find out in the moving of the grill that the poor beast is on it's last legs. I love our Weber, but over the past nine years it has gotten some tough lovin. We have replaced the parts that we could, but it is now rusting out and beyond fixing. Nine years is not awful for something we use more than 5 times a week and often more than once on any given day.

Craig is not too upset though, he is already drooling over the newer, bigger and better grills to go with our bigger and better space.

Evolution of a Patio

03-2005

When we first bought the house we saw possibilities of a better yard. My awesome Dad came up to help us cover the patio to provide us with some much appreciated shade. We have loved the cover, but the grass finally went away, and the dirt/mud spots grew. We have decided it was time to extend the patio. Today was day one of the Patio Extension.

Patio cover in progress. 07-2006

06-2009

Tomorrow they pour the concrete. I can't wait to see the finished product.

Park of the Week: White Rock Trail Park and Old Shephard Place Park

We got out this morning and tried two parks that were right by each other. Alison is still visiting the farm, so I had my usual crew of Patrick, Hayden , Owen, Dyson and Bryce. Old Shephard Park was neat and very shady. The White Rock Trail Park was nice, but very hot. We decided that we would go back another time with bikes.

Webelos Camp

The Den Leaders sent out a picture of the boys at Scout Camp. I have not heard how everybody is doing, but we do have a picture to prove that they all made it. This is a handsome group of boys.

Camp Holly Is....

very quiet right now. Monday I had 5 kids and my sister in town. Today I only have one. Patrick and Hayden are off to Webelos Camp. This is Patrick's first camping experience with scouts and no mom or dad or sister present. I expect him to come home Saturday completely filthy and exhausted, just the way it should be.

Alison went home with Heather to spend a week or so at the farm. I have already talked to her on the phone today, she is at mom's office "helping" today. Hopefully Heather will take pictures for me.

Owen went to visit his grandparents. I am betting that he is enjoying some special Owen only attention.

I do have Dyson this week, but he is happy to play with trains and watch Diego and the Backyardigans all day long. I guess I will try and get some projects done around the house.

Waiting........

Still Waiting.

Happy Campers.

Group Shot.

Patrick is very excited about this trip, he was grinning ear to ear the whole time.

Alison with a picture and list of names for all of the baby chicks.

Silly Girl.