Last weekend, we went to Camp Patmos to help out during the Banished Retreat. Allan worked in sound and the kids and I helped serve food, wash dishes and clean up around camp. The older girls got to do a few other needed jobs also.
I had some time to take some photos and here are some of my favorites from the weekend.
We have enjoyed Oxbow’s trails for many years. I take the children often for walks, to go sledding, or to look for animals or pretty fall leaves. Yesterday was the first time that anyone rode their bikes through our favorite paths. We will have to figure out how to get the other bikes in the car and take the other kids one day soon.
Enjoyed watching the sunrise with my boyfriend this weekend.
We decided to blow huge bubbles by the river. It was not humid enough, so most of our bubbles were just okay. We will have to try again soon.
Today we released six healthy Monarchs.
Aargh me Mateys! The candy pirates have stolen all the candy in the house! (Most of which was in hiding for special occasions!)
Happy talk like a pirate day!
Many years ago, the girls started inviting relatives over for a tea party when we were in Colorado. They wanted a chance to have fun while getting to know everyone better. We were to dress up and wear hats.
When they were younger, they often found “dress up” clothes and shoes in the closets, but now Andrea and Audrey have outgrown most of them. However, the hats are becoming a lot more fun.
The boys enjoy themselves also. They go out with the uncles and explore or listen to stories the uncles share while sampling the treats the girls made.
My little Miss Megan is growing so quickly! She loved Colorado and enjoyed being able to explore a little on her own. She learned how to paint and tried to help in other ways.
She especially enjoyed meeting cousins and having lots of other children–of all ages!– to play with during the reunion.
Andrea turned 16 on Saturday! One of her favorite gifts are flowers, so she enjoyed being able to get pictures with 16 long stem roses.
Happy sweet sixteen to my extra sweet princess. Daddy and I love you very much!
In Colorado we spend time exploring and visiting relatives. We also spend a lot of time working. This year Mark helped paint the house and pulled a lot of cactus!
After working all morning, Mark was still enjoying being outside and working hard!