Swimmers

This year Andrew turned 8 and as he has a summer birthday we decided to let him pick what he wanted to do.  We gave several options of things he might like and the big winner this year was going to the Great Wolf Lodge.  He loves the water and it was for sure what he wanted to do.

On the actual day we just did a small celebration of cake and a few presents and then got ourselves packed and ready for our 2 days of indoor water park fun.  Andrew was counting down the days till it was time to go.  He was soooo excited.

We did some fun back to school shopping up at the outlets while we waited to check in to our room.  We were still about an hour early but the park let us do an early check in.  After a quick change we hit the water.

I have to say it wasn't as crowded as we have had it in the past.  It was kind of nice to have only about a 10 minute wait for the main water slides.  I think we hit those main slides up over and over while the lines seemed short.  After about an hour we had probably done just about everything there was to do.

Andrew loved the slides and the Lilly pad pond.  I think we spend a large chunk of our time in this little area.  Both kids loved climbing on the floating toys and going across the lilly pads.  Megan found she was a little taller than last time and tried different ways each time.

It was kind of strange having just our family there on that first day.  We found ourselves a little bored after about 2 hours.  This is crazy for us but it is kind of what happened.  I mean after season passes at Wild Waves this place just didn't seem to have enough to keep our attention.

The kids were happy to get into our room and look at dinner options.  We had just gotten ourselves dried off when we were exploring and came across Ken & MarGene.  They came to wish  Andrew a happy birthday and get set for MarGene to join us on the 2nd day.  It was perfect timing and we all went out to dinner.

After that we bought our souveniers and headed to the room.  We tried to get the kids to go to the puppet show or dance party but they were both pretty much tired and didn't want any part of more activities.  We ended up calling it a night and just hung out as a family in our room.

We were up with the sun the next morning and ready to roll.  After getting our stuff repacked and set for the day we headed out to explore some more while we waiting for the park to open and MarGene to join us.

MarGene was able to score us some wands to do the treasure hunt quest thing.  When she came to visit us the day before she saw some people who live in her community who had just done the wand thing.  They were more than willing to let us borrow them and enjoy.

Once we got MarGene all set and the park opened we were off and running for our last day of fun.  We of course went straight to those main slides.  It was awesome to have maybe 5 minute lines.  It was all those stairs that made them a killer but super fun.  I think we hit those slides up again as much as possible.

We then ended up in that Lilly pad pond again.  My kids just loved to hang out there  It kind of made it a bit boring for adults.  There isn't much to do but keep an eye on the kids.

We only lasted till lunch time when we all voted to change to dry closes and go for the wand quest.  After filling up on some fun food and getting changed we hit the main lobby.  We used MarGene's wands to try and get a quest going.  We quickly learned that this stuff was a little more difficult then it originally seemed.

I think the way it works is that you pay for a wand and then a game.  The wand gets wiped clean and you go to the main tree and get going to find stuff.  Since our wands were active but already used we seemed to have issues.  We'd try to find stuff and we'd get the stuff saying "you have already found this item" then one wand would work but the other one would not.  It got increasingly frustrating trying to figure out what we needed to do and what was going on.

The kids did enjoy going and finding stuff but kind of wished it was making more sense and we could start from scratch.  I think we had spent an hour before we finally figured this clue out.  At that point none of the adults really wanted to go in and get the wand reset to start all over.  We just wanted to find stuff and move on.

I'm not sure that we enjoyed that quest stuff very much.  Maybe because we didn't have a clue what we were doing but it was really a bunch of back and forth up and down hunting.  Not really too fun in my book.

We were really happy to have had the chance to try it out.  I think every time we have gone the kids have wondered what it would be like to try it out.  Now we know and have some idea of what to expect if we go again and decide if we want to invest in trying again.

All in all we had a great two days of water fun and family.  We loved to go and have such a great time.  It was a bonus to celebrate Andrew's birthday and we loved making his desire to go come true.

Not sure when we'll be going back again.  It was great fun but we might try to come up with something different next year.  Maybe something new with water fun.  Who knows what we'll come up with.  Fun times as always.

Take me out to the ball game...

Ken had this great idea to go to a Mariner's game and take us along.  I guess they have gone to a few and thought we might enjoy going.  We went for the first time when Dan's family was visiting and both of our kids were not to into the game.  They did have electronic games with them as well as their cousins so that could have been a factor.  It just wasn't something that they were too into.

We decided to give it another shot.  We did still bring electronics just in case they got totally bored.  It would not be fun to have cranky kids during a game that lasts several hours.  We always try to think ahead and prevent issues that may arise.  Always good to have a backup just in case.

We got there plenty early and got our pictures out of the way. It was so hot we all got a little sweaty.  It was nice when it cooled down quickly and we were sitting in the shade which helped.  Megan totally got into the game.  She had Grandma next to her and would ask questions to learn the game.  She now wants to be a baseball player.  She would love to go again.

We were glad to have those electronics with us for Andrew.  He did try to watch some of the game but didn't follow very well and didn't care to learn.  He ended up playing some of his own games to pass the time.  It was still fun and both kids were happy to be out and having fun doing something different.  I think that's the big key to our family.  New, fresh, different, are all good when it comes to us.  We love to explore and try new adventures.  If we could only be better about our eating habits we'd be set :} 

Pirates-- Arg

Jeff had and Elder's Quorum assignment to usher or clean up after a Pirates of Penzance multi-stake cultural arts performance.  This was the perfect chance to take the family to do something a little different than the norm for us.  MarGene had a friend in the musical and wanted to come along.  We were happy to have her join us.

I'm not sure any of us knew what to expect but were pleasantly surprised at how well it was all put together.  We had a great time and both my kids LOVED it.  They enjoyed it so much they asked to go back and see it again.  The idea was that Papa didn't come as he was just coming home from being out of town.  So what a perfect reason to go the next day so we could bring Papa with us. 

 It was nice to see some of the main parts played by different actors.  On different days different people play the lead roles.  So that made it fresh.  The kids still loved it the second time through.  The seats were a bit hard on the rear after sitting but other than that it was great.  I even heard someone behind us say that this production was better than the 5th street production in Seattle.  Wow was a great compliment to how well they did.  We had a great time as a family and are even thinking about their next event of "A Christmas Carol" in November.  I love things like this to expose my kids to.  It gives them a nice background of different stuff.

We've got Scout Camp



This is Andrew's first year to get to go to cub scout camp.  He really didn't have any idea what to expect other then I signed him up and he was going.  He does love to go to the weekly pack meetings so he felt this was going to be equally as fun.

We arrived on the first day and he was checking everything out.  He started to get excited when he was hearing some of the stuff he was going to get the chance to do.  This was going to be a great 4 days for him.  Megan wished she could have gone and we may have to look into signing her up as a tag a long next year if I am able to go and help.

Kelli & Kevin Hanis were are Den leaders for the camp.  It was awesome that she'd post pictures on facebook throughout the time of stuff the kids were doing.  I loved getting those updates of all the fun.

Jeff took the last day off of work so he could go and help.  I was glad for that one on one time for Andrew.  They had so much stuff that they did but I think the huge highlight was the bb guns.  He loved getting to shoot the bb guns and has already asked to buy one for home.  I think we are going to pass on that.  Being in a condo doesn't lend itself too well to something like that.

I love that the church is involved in a program like this.  It was great to have Andrew out with boys his age having a great experience.  I wish they would do a camp every 6 months it was so great.  I also wish the girls in primary had something equal to this.  Poor Megan looks at all the Andrew gets to do and just wishes she could be a cub scout herself.

They played kickball which Andrew loves now, they played broom hockey type of game, arrows, bb guns, crafts, marbles, astronomy constellations, water rockets, and more.  It was 4 days of non stop action and from what I hear Andrew did just fine with no problems.

 I was a little nervous on the first day leaving him without me but had to just let go.  After the first day when I got the thumbs up report I felt much better.  We had talked a lot about behavior and how to act.  It seems he did just fine so we did something right.

 I also love the chance he had to learn a ton of things.  It such an awesome thing to get those skills and pick up things that he may end up using later on in life.  I know it's his first time and he may not remember but I do plan on having go back and over time something is gonna stick.

 I'm already thinking that I have to go at least one day next year.  I'm trying to figure out if I can make it the full time but I would love to get the chance to be with him and have some of those experiences.  What a cheap way to have some fun.

Another thumbs up for the fun times.  So glad we did it and can't wait till next year.

Misc Summer Fun

So I'm a bit behind in my blogging.  I usually get it posted pretty quick after an event but for some reason I just haven't gotten around to it.  When I looked back at the blog and saw I haven't posted all summer I knew I was behind.  So this is a misc post of summer fun.

 Andrew and Jeff went to the Father Son camp out for the first time ever.  Not really sure why we haven't done it before just hasn't lined up I guess.  So this time they got the chance to go.  Andrew was excited to make smores and help build a fire.  Pretty much all he cared about.  Jeff said the fire was already built so he didn't get to help in that.  Then he was having fun playing with the boys that he almost missed the smores.  He ended up not liking them anyway.  He'd rather eat the components cold and separate.  No desire to put them all together and make a real smore.  Silly kid.  He did have fun and would love to do it again sometime.

 Our next summer adventure took us out to play tennis.  It was just one of those days that we had to get out of the house.  We are kind of struggling to come up with new fun stuff to do.  My kids like it new and exciting so after lots of thought I came up with tennis.  Jeff and I have talked about taking them out from time to time but just never have done it.

Our first trip out was just me and the kids.  It was like 80 degrees outside and I must have been out of my mind.  The kids were so excited to play they didn't care it was hot.  That is until we got out there and they found out how you have to run around sometimes after the ball.  Neither of the kids could hit the ball straight and we had balls going everywhere.  I had to try and do a little basic training but with sweat dripping off of us we didn't last long.  We even tried to hike to a play park but the equipment was so hot the kids didn't want to play on it.  I guess that is why no one was out there.

 When Jeff found out that we went without him he was sad.  He really wanted to go out with us and hit some balls.  So we have now made it a family thing and gone out several time this summer to play tennis.  The kids get better each time and when we wait for Jeff the weather is cooler in the evening when we go.  They do enjoy our tennis outings.

Megan and I hit up a free cooking class.  We were kind of on the fence about this.  It was going on 1 day a week for 4 weeks.  Each week had a different theme.  I had been trying to get my kids to go for several weeks.  Finally we were on the last day and Megan decided she wanted to go.  With Andrew gone at scout camp it was perfect.  Since this was the last one and our first time we weren't sure what to expect.  It was really crowded.  Megan had 8 kids at her table and there were 5 tables equally full.  Since there were so many kids it was more about explaining and talking rather than hands on cooking.  I think she was bored after the first 10 minute with having to listen to all the kitchen safety.  It was still fun to get out and do something different.

We've been hitting up skating a few times.  I know the kids would love to do it a lot more often.  It's so tough because to take them means I have to skate or sit and watch.  With work right around the skating time it has been a bit tough but we have gotten to go a few times.  Maybe we'll be able to squeeze in a few more rounds before summer ends.  We still have 3 more weeks of summer vacation to go.

Andrew's scouts troop did a bike rodeo.  We have just recently bought the kids new bikes.  Their old ones were just too small.  They have completely outgrown them and it was perfect timing for the bike rodeo.  Megan was excited because she got to come along and ride too. 

Andrew had a few spills as he is still getting used to the new bike.  Megan did great right up till the end when she landed hard and scrapped herself up pretty bad.  We had huge tears and she was done.  Not exactly the best way to end the event.  They need more practice with the new bikes.  She has since healed and still okay to get right back up on her bike and keep practicing.

We made an attempt to hit up noon toons in the park.  They had the ever so popular reptile man.  There was street construction so parking was a nightmare.  We of course were several blocks away and it was pretty crowded.  I should have known better to push my luck.  We were sitting in the hot sun and both kids quickly got frustrated and wanted to leave.  We made it till the reptile man made it on stage.  His show was only 30 minutes and it wasn't anything new that we didn't see at the school show.  This was did not make the kids too happy.

The idea was to hang out and play with some of our Ward friends.  It was so crowded that we only saw a few across the way during the show.  Once the show was over both my kids began the slow slide downward into meltdown.  It was just too hot and they just weren't happy.  The wading pool wasn't going to be open for another hour and I could just tell we weren't going to last.  We ended up having to leave without even getting to say hi to anyone.  It was a failure of an outing for sure but we gave it a shot.  Lesson learned about some of this stuff.

We haven't really done anything major this summer but I have tried really hard to make the best of it.  It's been a bit tough with the work load and my new calling to find time to take the kids out for the day.  I've tried really hard to find a good balance but haven't always been able to find the harmony we need.  We still have 3 weeks to go and I think both my kids are ready for school.  Most of our shopping is done and we just are trying to fill our time up.  We shall see what I can come up with next.

Museum of Flight

I got a random call from Papa asking to take the kids out and give me a break.  Boy this couldn't have come at a better time.  I was thrilled to have the chance to get stuff done without the kids in tow.  It also gave them some quality time with Papa.  Loved the thought.

It wasn't decided yet where they were going but that they'd spend the day out with Papa and should bring a camera.  I had them get up and get put together for their day.  Megan was dying to know what they were going to do and Andrew was just happy to get to go out.

Papa took them out to the Museum of Flight, which we have never gotten a chance to go see.  This was perfect for my kids as they have wanted to see what is out there.  I waved goodbye to the kids that morning and they were off for the day.

The report is that they were both good.  Andrew had some funny comments of the day.  During a tour when the guide would ask if there were any questions Andrew was always ready with a raised hand to ask a random question.  At one point he asked what a red button in the ball turret gunner did.  The tour guide actually didn't have an answer and didn't know.  Oh wrong thing to say to Andrew.  I guess he brought up a few time how the guy didn't know about the red button.  Even at the end of the tour Andrew said it was fun except for the lack of answer on the red button.  That kid will not let anything go.

Megan huge delight was that she got to see a B17.  The actual plane used in the movie Memphis Belle.  This was especially exciting as she had just seen that movie with her Dad a few days before.  It was awesome to see the actual plane that she saw in the movie.  It made the experience all that more special.  She did wish Jeff was able to go see it with her but was happy that she got to go.

The kids got to get some souvenirs.  The most important one was the all important squished penny.  We try to collect these wherever we go and have a nice collection going.  Megan got a B17 and Andrew's was a blackbird plane.

It was super nice to have them go out with Papa and have a great time.  It's important that they have a relationship with their Grandparents.  It's nice that we live in the same state and have the chance to do things like this on occasion.  We probably should try and make it happen a lot more often.

Both kids had their own method for telling me about their day.  Megan took the camera so she wanted to explain each photo and give me a play by play of the whole day.  She enjoyed showing me her pilots badge and giving me details.  Andrew just wanted to show me his rocket and tell me he had fun.  Papa said on the way home Andrew said "I had a fun day today.  I mean what's not to like about getting to go out and have fun."  What a cute kid he can be.

 Another great outing and I'm super thankful for Papa's willingness to take them out by himself.  I know it was a memorable day for all and that it a good day in my book.

Fireworks Fun

This year for the 4th of July we were on our own.  Just our little family of four.  We had a handful of options as far as fairs and shows and all my kids really wanted to do was light our own fireworks at home.



After a little research we decided to go out to JBLM Freedom Fest as we have never been out there for the 4th and wanted to do something new.  We've been out there for their airshow and had tons of fun so we thought we'd give the 4th a try.

The kids were a bit reluctant and would rather just hang out.  I wasn't having any of that laziness.  We had the day off and we were going to take full advantage of our day and do something fun that we don't normally do.

After getting on base and checked out we got on the bus to take us to the location.  We were there so early they were just getting started.  I have to say it was a lot smaller
then I had expected.  We made the loop in probably one hour or less.  We ended up looping several times and even checking out their car show.

The highlight for Andrew was the sword fighting booth.  They did role playing and had a bunch of supplies to be a knight.  There were shields, spears, swords, and so on.  All of the items kid friendly and nothing to hurt of cause injury.  Andrew got in the designated area a few times to act out fighting with other kids.  He loved playing and probably could have been there for half the day.  Megan had no desire to even play.

Megan loved the rock climbing wall.  They had a free wall that you could climb.  After both kids got on their gear and got on the wall it was clear Megan was enjoying herself but Andrew not so much.  He only made it a few steps up and called it done.  He didn't like being up so high.  Megan made it all the way to the top and wanted to hit it up again later.

We debated if we should stay for the fireworks show or go home and do our own.  The main issue was the crowds of people and trying to leave.  We'd have to take a bus back to our car and then drive home.  Fireworks don't start till 10pm and it was barely lunch time.  We had seen everything and just didn't know what to do with ourselves for such a long period of time.

We ended up deciding we should head out.  It was just too long a wait with very little to do.  We also didn't want to get stuck in a crush of people when it was time to leave.  Both kids were fine with this plan as they had really seen and done everything they wanted to do.

We went out to a late lunch and had a nice time.  We ended up at home and waited for it to get dark.  We heard fireworks all around us as people got their own parties started.  We waiting till it wasn't too dark but on it's way and it was finally time for our own personal show.

My kids were just over the moon with happiness with the fireworks we had.  We started out in our driveway but later had to move.  Some of these things just shoot out some crazy sparks.  We didn't want to risk damage to cars or property.  We moved down to the mouth of the property where we had a ton of room and we went to town.

My kids LOVED it and would have been happy with this private show.  Who needs the big show in the sky when you can get up personal with your own stuff.  All in all we had fun just being together and doing our own thing.  Good times...