Mini Golf
We had so much fun going to play miniature golf together!
The crew pauses for a photo.
Emma got a little frustrated a few times while trying to master her putt.
Hannah just picked up her ball when she felt like she was done and put it wherever she wanted.
Sabrina was a great cheerleader.
Hunter was our dedicated score keeper.
Hero Camp
Last week the kids went to “Hero Camp.” This was the second year of it and last year the theme was “Heroes”, thus the camp’s name. It was organized by two fantastic mothers, Amber and Stephanie, who enlisted the help of all mothers of children participating. Each Mom volunteered for at least one day doing either a lesson, craft, or physical activity, and signed up to bring a treat one day as well. I was astonished at the organization and creativity that went into the week.
This year’s theme was “Mission Possible – Operation: Divine Love.” Every child was given a T-shirt on the first day and spent Monday through Thursday from 9-12 accomplishing various missions. The children were put into groups according to their ages which were named: Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, etc. Emma was in Charlie and Hunter was in Foxtrot.
Their first mission was called “Love of God.” They walked along the iron rod toward the Tree of Life past the temptations in the Great Buildings. Next was “Love of Family.” As part of this the moms wrote a letter to each child telling them why they are an important part of their family and about the attributes that make them special. I volunteered on “Love of Leaders” day. The bishops from the wards came and talked to the kids. Then during craft time the children decorated paper hearts and hung them on the office doors of the bishops and stake leaders.
On Thursday the mission was “Love of Neighbors.” All week long the children went through their clothes, pantries, and toys to bring in things they don’t need for those less fortunate. There was also a coin jar where they could donate money to the Wheelchair Fund for children around the world who need wheelchairs but cannot afford one.
On Friday there was a closing ceremony where every child received their “Great Choice Award” and a book with some of the papers from their lessons and also the letter written to them from their parents. There were three impressive songs that the kids had worked on throughout the week to sing for the parents. They were written specifically for camp, amazing!
Every Mom filled out a “Great Choice Award” Certificate for each child and told of a good choice they had recently made. Hunter’s award told how he got up early and did his chores before I got up in anticipation of our trip to Oregon. He was such a hard worker that we were able to leave a day early! Emma’s told how she loves to take care of her sisters. Especially by helping them dress up and do their hair for little fashion shows.
It was a fantastic experience for both Hunter and Emma and we are all looking forward to doing it again next year!
Read MorePaintball Shooting on July 4th
Uncle Jed pulled out his paintball gun and a huge box of paintballs on the 4th. The kids all took turns firing at the targets and they got pink paint all over the backyard. Luckily it washes up pretty well! When Owen first saw his Dad shooting his toys pink he said with a frown, “that makes me sad.” But he was ok after we explained that it washes off. Super fun activity for all of the kids, Thanks!
Emma the Quilter
Emma has been so ready to make a quilt, and she decided she wanted to make one for Erica’s new baby. It was a great idea because this is her first girl after having two boys already. I told Emma that the nursery room colors were pink and green so she picked a brightly colored flower pattern from my stash and we matched some other fabrics to it. I have seen striped quilts gaining popularity and love the simplicity of the design, especially for a beginner. We cut the strips together, and she worked the foot pedal while I helped her keep the fabric lined up. It was such a fun mother daughter project, and about the right size, because by the time we got to backing it she was happy to let me finish it off on my own. We sent it to Erica for her birthday, and have heard that it adds a nice punch of color to the crib. We can’t wait to hear that baby “Amelia” (that’s what I like to call her) arrives safe and sound. Erica is pretty ready to meet her too by now I’m sure!
Before and After
Emma Before Braces
Emma With Braces
Emma Before Haircut
Emma After Haircut
Hunter Before Haircut
Hunter After Haircut
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One Last Hoorah!
So in about 30 minutes Emma will have a new look, and new restrictions on her eating habits. Stephanie reminded me about the caramel apple party we had in high school when she got her braces off, so I decided to have one for Emma before she gets them on. She was so excited to make them, and I was surprised at how easy it was. Although we didn’t get the popsicle sticks in right the first time and ended up using forks instead. Whatever works, right!
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