Summers' Summer 2009

So, since we've joined Facebook, we've been neglecting our blog. But we thought we'd catch up on a few things we've done this summer. . .

Trip to Idaho/Montana
We took the kids out of school a day early to drive to Idaho and Montana so Steven and his friend, Zac, could attend Cedar Badge, a leadership camp for Boy Scouts, up in the Tetons. While the boys were at camp, we spent time hanging out in Drummond with Tammy's parents. When the camp was over, we all drove down to pick them up and spent some time with Steve's family.

The boys got to experience a taste of rural life by "goin' shootin" (as we say it in Montana) in Grandpa's back yard. We also got to enjoy Grandpa's bbq dinners. . . and Grandma's Abelskivers! Sophie got spoiled playing princesses with Grandma Lacey. Some of the Lacey's neighbors have several farm animals, so the kids had a fun time petting the animals and riding horses.The kids got a kick out of going to Drummond High School where Tammy showed them where she went to school. This hallway is the ENTIRE high school. (Well the hallway that leads to the 8 classrooms, anyway. . .)
We also visited Garnet, an old ghost town near Drummond. The kids had fun exploring the old buildings that still contain some antiques.At the Packer's Sophie had fun playing with all the babies. Steve's sisters both have infants, so Sophie was a "big kid!" She also loved playing with the kitties.

Rachel had a fun time hanging out with her cousin, Mackayla.

Ben and Rachel were supposed to go camping with Steve's sister, Jeni, but when they got all set up at the camp, it started pouring, so they bundled up the wet tents and brought them home. Luckily, Jeni and Nolan have a large living room, so they were able to "go camping" anyway!!!

Tennis Lessons

The night we got back from our trip, we ran into a friend who told us her son was participating in a tennis camp starting the next day. Because tennis is Steve's passion, we couldn't resist signing Steven, Ben, and Rachel up for tennis camp, too. (It doesn't hurt that Ben's two best friends were in the camp with him!!!) They played Tuesday-Friday throughout July and it ended with a tournament with all the surrounding tennis camp teams. They did a great job!!!

Scout Camps
Steven didn't get enough camping at Cedar Badge, so the week after we got back, he headed off to Scout Camp at Camp Pigott. He earned 5 merit badges, so it was a successful camp. Because there weren't many other adults who were able to go with the boys, Steve got to spend the week camping, too. He had a great time with the boys! We really have a good group of deacons right now!

Now that Ben's 11, he got to go on his first overnight camp out, too. Again, Steve got to spend some quality "bonding" time as he camped out with them. The bummer of the trip was when they found out there was a burn ban and couldn't have a campfire to cook their foil dinners and roast marshmallows, etc. Luckily, Bishop Hatch was able to save the day by bringing up a propane stove to cook the dinners!

Day Trips
We've taken a few day trips this summer. As we were experiencing the record-breaking Seattle heat wave, we thought we'd escape the heat by going up to the Ice Caves near Granite Falls. It was so fun playing in the snow in the hot weather. Even Leia, our dog, had a fun time.

We also had fun attending the 4th of July festivities in Auburn. The kids climbed walls, rode horses and played with animals.

Another highlight was going to the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium. The kids had fun seeing and playing with the animals.

Summer Projects
One of our summer "projects" has been to potty train Sophie. She's starting to get the hang of it. She even went all by herself at the YMCA the other day. We're looking forward to the day when our garage doesn't stink and when we no longer have to carry diapers with us!

Ben's summer projects have been organizing his Pokemon card collection, learning to play trombone (Last year in school, he played trumpet, but he wants to take after his dad and brother and play trombone.) He's also learning how to sew. (Don't you love his swimming attire--he multi-tasks!) He's almost finished making his PJ's.

Music Camp
Last week, Steven participated in a week-long music/band camp in Auburn. He loves playing trombone, so he was thrilled to be able to play all week. On Friday night he played in a concert. (The pictures didn't turn out, though.)

Family Reunion
Last week we drove 51/2 hours to Osoyoos, BC, Canada to attend Steve's mom's family reunion. With the exception of one cousin, all of Steve's grandparents' family attended. Although it was a little chilly (especially after all of our hot Seattle weather) we had a fun time. The kids played in the water and spent time catching up with cousins. The adults sat around and ate! (Actually, we had fun playing in the water, too. ) We rented a boat for a couple of hours so the kids could ride on an innertube and wakeboard. The hotel we stayed at had free rentals of kayaks and canoes, so we took advantage of those, too!
The kids don't go back to school for 3 1/2 more weeks, so we still have lots of time to have more fun!!! Give us a call if you want to come play!