It's beginning to look like Halloween

We loved having Grandma and Bepaw here for an overnight this weekend. Conleigh exited to a friends house for a sleep over since we would be out the door before sunrise for the tri-athalon on Sunday morning.

After mexican food on Saturday night, Alex and Campbell showed off their Halloween costumes for this year. It should be a scary October 31st around here.

Once we got the kids to bed, the adults enjoyed the movie Bernie from RedBox.  That movie is so hilariously funny. I highly recommend.

I am so glad you here here Mom and Dad.

Tri-'n It

Alex has tri'ed it already, and Campbell is going to Tri it for the first time this year.

Coming in just 13 days, Alex and Campbell will be participating in a Tri-athalon to raise funds for Colin's Hope. You can read Colin's story here.

They will swim, bike and run through a fun course with families cheering them all the way.

Are you looking for a tax deduction as the year 2012 ticks by?

Here is your opportunity to donate to Campbell, Alex or both. They would love your support, and I'll post pictures of the event on 9/16.

Alex's pledge page:  https://www.colinshope.org/Events/Group/Pledge.aspx?XRefID=134d3274-7388-42a0-9064-4b6cd2c93531

Campbell's pledge page:
https://www.colinshope.org/Events/Group/Pledge.aspx?XRefID=e212cf92-bdf7-466d-9ba0-ac063e8c0a1b

Many thanks for your support of Colin's Hope and Alex & Campbell.



A Boat Tale

Just sit right back and you'll hear a tale, a tale of a fateful trip, That started from this lake house port, aboard this tiny ship...

Guess where this story is going?

 Prior to the boat ride, the kids had a great time playing in the water at the dock. They made up routines and really worked up a 'sweat.'

After Peter and his dad fixed a belt to get the boat in and out of the water, we took off for an afternoon adventure on Cedar Creek Lake. It was right about noon and we had lots of snacks (good thing) since we hadn't had lunch.

Alex is all kinds of serious when he is driving the boat!

We drove the boat for about 30 minutes to the other end of the lake and dropped anchor. We all got in the water and swam in the cool water. It was really relaxing.

About 2:00 we decide to head back toward the house.  Sputter, sputter.  The gas tank reads ~empty~. Larry said it had just said full and we should have plenty of gas.  Nothin'. We got nothin from the motor. It would turn over but not hold the charge.  Larry calls Kathryn back at the house who hauls 5 gallons of gas to a neighbor and they set out to find us on the lake in his boat.    I am so glad we had lots of snacks because we ate them ALL.

So, it wasn't lack of gas. We don't know what it is, but I guess Big John, the Cedar Creek lake local boat fix-it guy will come by this week to see what is wrong.

In the end, this is how we got back to our place ...at 4:30.





Passing the time and trying to stay in the shade!


Needless to say, we all needed a drink when we got home. Plans were made to head to a local mexican joint for dinner (much to Conleigh's dismay - the girl does not like any sort of mexican food).  After beer and margaritas, everyone felt better.

On the upside, I sewed on four patches to Campbell's Daisy Girl Scout uniform. Check it out.

I'll spare showing you the backside. It ain't pretty, but they came out close to straight.
I know this is only three badges, but I promise the purple daisy petal is lookin' good on the frontside.

Happy Birthday

 to ME!

 

Peter outdid himself this year. He invited four other families to dinner with us at a mexican restaurant that I like.  It was a fun evening. Thankfully, the restaurant has doors between two rooms and we could close the doors to let the 13 kids run around like banchees. There were big kids being pushed in high chairs. It was hilarious. Margaritas were going down smoothly.

girls end of the table. Caroline, Sandy, me and Liz.

boys playing pool.

I'm ready to face year #44. Thank you family. I love you!

Teacher Drama

Oh boy!

Another school year starts tomorrow.

Conleigh was over the moon last week when the postcards came informing each child who their teacher would be. She had hoped, and hoped for Ms. Bell.  She doesn't really have a reason to share as to why she wants her, but lo' and behold, the heavens sent her her wish!  

She was doing cartwheels in the yard and screaming she was so excited!

Alex, on the other hand, had no clue who his teacher was and said, "I'm over this, " when I tried to explain who she was. However, when we came inside and I told him his bestie is not in his class, he lost it...just a cryin' like crazy.

Campbell was playing at a friends house and isn't worried at all. I told her we could go and see who is in her class, and she said, "oh, I'll just see who is in there on the first day of school."  Peter and I are a little nervous because she got a fresh-off-the-college-graduation-stage teacher. Campbell needs a lot of help in reading and we didn't really want her to have a new teacher. We were reassured that it would be fine through email communication with the principal.

And, the only request I made for Conleigh was that she have the full-time art teacher who everyone loves. She has only had her one time in four years. Well, she didn't get her. I cannot believe it!

Alex doesn't really have any of his close friends in his class. That is okay. He needs to focus on learning but I think I underestimate how he deals with change. The kid has another cold sore. I wonder if it is anxiety related? He will do fine and is totally adaptable and friendly with all classmates.

We got haircuts for everyone yesterday, and they all know what they are wearing on the first day. I love these kids and am excited to see what this school year brings.

** Update **  Campbell's teacher sent home a ~Do not open until Sunday night~ note for the children. We opened it this evening before bedtime and it had *sweet dream confetti* with a nice note about sleeping well so she could have a great day tomorrow and that the teacher is going to do it as well. Campbell completely bought in and is sleeping with confetti under her pillow. Poin: new teacher!

Part V: Rope swing love in Idaho

Conleigh couldn't get enough of the rope swing.  She was over there falling in and climbing out and doing it over and over.  It was her and about 5 little boys.

The other two kids loved it too, but Conleigh had the stick-to-it-ness the most.

This rope swing was over at the 'beach.' There is a beach a short walking distance from the cabin. It was a daily visit for us this trip.

We {heart} Warm Lake!

Last Camp of Summer

 Conleigh and Alex went to theatre camp at a church mid-August. They worked six hours each day for five days and the musical on Sunday morning was terrific!

The show was called, The Old Testament Fast Forward

 Conleigh landed the role of stage manager. It was cute. She got to introduce the show and then kept coming on and asking the audience to change the program because things were running long. It was all part of the show, but she had a fun and funny part.

Alex was in the general chorus and also a lion on Noah's ark. They attended with their besties Emma and Hayden. 

I was thorougly impressed with the program and I hope they'll want to go again next summer.

Hayden & Alex

After the show, a little sibling happy photo.

 It was so great to have my parents come from Houston. Krissy also brought Juliet for the show.

Conleigh and her God mother, Krissy Wilson (and baby Juliet).

All the Hardins love Krissy!

Campbell wasn't old enough to be in the show, but as you can see, she likes to be center stage!