Scout Camp

Looking at this picture, I remember how excited all the boys were to be at scout camp. Unfortunately for Xander, scout camp didn't turn out to be the greatest experience.

Noah, on the other hand, had a fabulous time! Since he couldn't stay overnight, every morning I would drive him the 40 minutes up there and when I would pick him up that night, he would talk the entire ride home about all the fun he had had that day.

Got a few pictures from David when he spent the day up there with the boys.

At first glance I thought Noah was hanging out in the nude! I wouldn't put it past him, ha ha! Just a shirtless boy, roasting a marshmellow.

The last evening at camp!

Swim Season

Xander had decided early mornings in the summer were not his thing so it was only Noah swimming this year. We were in Cincinnati for the first week and a half of swim and then I missed another three meets due to various obligations so this swim season seemed to just fly by. Thank goodness David and others were good enough to always keep me posted on how Noah was doing.  I finally made it to the last 3 meets to see how much my Noah has improved!

It's always so much fun to hang with our swim family, especially on those early morning meets.

Getting serious for the next race.

Hangin' with our sweet Lauren.

Another year of officiating for me!

More awesome shots of my favorite swimmer.

In one meet Noah came in first in the butterfly. It was definitely made a little easier since he was the only boy his age swimming it, haha! But as I told him afterward, first place is first place!

Lots of little awards - heat ribbons...

and ducks for personal time improvements.

Noah had a blast at the end of season team party. Lots of good food, prizes, and more swim time!

Summer Adventures Begin!

Savannah started her first job the first week of July so she didn't join us on our fun trip to Hammerman. We did bring an extra kid, Parker, one of Noah's best buds. It was an absolutely beautiful day and, although it's not our favorite "beach", it's still nice to be surrounded by sand and water. Xander got right to doing what he loves - building sandcastles...

Parker and Noah posed for a quick picture

and then hit the water!

It was a pretty hot day so Xander eventually made his way in there as well.

A little football...

and then more time in the sand. Literally.

Noah's turn.

It was such a relaxing day hanging with my boys and friends.

Savannah had Fridays off so she was able to join us on our next adventure - Kilgore Falls! Parker had so much fun with us the previous day that he joined us once again.

Oh, Noah...

Walking the trail...

to the beautiful falls.

The boys quickly climbed the rock to make their jump

but Parker found a different way to get down. As he slid down the rock, I got so nervous but he ended up being just fine.

Savannah and Noah are pros!

It's amazing to me that the arctic cold water doesn't seem to bother them one bit; they just kept at it, jump after jump. I dipped a toe in and that was as far as I got.

Noah's face is the best!

Time to brave the waterfall!

It always takes Xander a little bit more time to get into the water. Can't say I blame him.

For most of the morning it was just us and one other family. It was so fun to be there without the crowds!

Buddies facing the waterfall together.

Slowly but surely Xander made his way in.

With a little "encouragement" from Noah...

he finally made it all the way in!

I absolutely LOVE summer and being with my kids!