Summer begins...week one

Ready, Set, Go!  Squeeze as much fun out of summer before it is over! We started our summer with a camp out in the backyard.  The boys love to do this because they insist that it is "boys night" where they stay out with Bob all night.  Landon and I put the tent up together while Bob was with Carter at his baseball game and he was so proud to show Bob how it looked.  *on a side note: this tent we have had for over 12 years so it might not be fancy but we have made lots of memories using it!

Before bed there were lots of giggles as they created shadow puppets using flash lights.

Something about the outdoors and fresh air but they sleep so well.  

Summer break also means summer/spring cleaning at our house.  Growing up both sets of grandmas and my mom would wash down all the walls in each room, the curtains, the windows inside and out, and all the home decor hanging on the walls.  I hated this process when I was younger and it really isn't my favorite thing to do as an adult either.  Once it is complete I feel much better about it. It is a struggle to do it while the kids are here so I try and do one room a day and either get up early or stay up late.  Landon and Nolan were up early one morning so I took advantage of their willingness to help out.

Hardest little workers.

Later that week we met the Malear troop at Schoflope Gardens.  The carousel was running that day so the boys jumped at the chance to ride.

While walking around exploring nature we found some of the largest bullfrog tadpoles I have ever seen.  Lillian loved picking flowers.

Landon found a slug along the trail.  He wanted to pick it up and check it out up close.

Steps later, Nolan found a slug too.

I stand back in happiness as I watch them explore and enjoy the outdoors and the company of each other.

After our nature hike, we made our way to Vermillion Public Library for an animal show from Outback Ray.  This was a great show that showed many different types of animals.  He encouraged the kids to come up and pet the animals.  Nolan was so brave.  The last animal he brought out was a yellow python.  He called up 10 boys to help him hold the snake and Nolan was chosen.  I was worried that he might freak out when he got up to the front but you can see he held that snake with nerves of steel.  Look how serious he is…loved it!  

At the end of the week, there was a wagon ride event held in Wellington.  This is about 30 minutes from our house out in the country.  We had never been but were excited to see what it was all about.  We rode on a trailer with seats through the metro park where we saw deer, rabbits, geese, ducks, and wild turkeys.  It was a fun family time together.

I loved seeing Nolan's hand on Bob's shoulder as we rode through the trees.

When the wagon ride was over, they had a campfire going where you could roast your own marshmallows to make smore's. It was a great time with a sweet delicious treat to end the night.

It has been a great first week of summer, keep it coming!