Sailing Shots

I don't know what happened but these didn't show up in the blog I just wrote. They went off to the land of blog, I guess.

Sailin and Shootin

Had the best time this summer at Sailing Camp. The teacher was great, the weather was perfect. Perfect activity for boys - captains of their own "ships".

We also had the great experience of shooting up in the mountains above Williams with the Brannans. Dave has been in the military and is a Range Master and has taught shooting so he was a great example to the boys. He told them how "killing isn't pretty and not at all like in movies. It's ugly and scary and disgusting to see someone die that way so hold your gun like this when you're around me or I'll deck ya!" What a gift to have someone else to mentor them. I even shot a gun too. My hands were shaking sooo bad, but I really liked it. I guess there just isn't any hope of tea parties and shopping in this family!

Sweet Slumber

Did I ever mention that our dog has never slept in our bed or been on the furniture in our house? Well, when we're camping, the kids will occasionally pull her onto the bed in our trailer and she feels like a queen! Here's a shot of that. She's still a little nervous thinking she must be doing something wrong.

SF Trip

I loved these t-shirts! so did the sisters! We had such a good time. SF is a beautiful place and I even got to see my old pastor, Mike. He's the same but maybe a little embarrassed by all the attention. I loved Wicked. It's my new favorite show! What a dad I have that takes us all and treats us to a weekend in the city! Alcatraz was fun too, especially telling everyone how I'd spent the night there 39 years ago when the Indians were occupying the island. Come to find out they were only there for 18 months and we just happened to shipwreck there during that time!

Back to Reality!

We're back from our road trip! And it was fun! Siri was such a good sport, travelling all that way without one complaint. The children, on the other hand.... It worked out pretty well though with a few mishaps with the trailer: scraped a guardrail in a construction zone in Nevada, roof leaked during torrential rainstorm in Wyoming and Washington, the awning came apart from the trailer in 60 mph winds in Columbia gorge, and the sheet metal peeled away and flapped in the wind in Oregon. Nothing that a little duct tape couldn't set right! I think this family works best on the road cause we had a great time and loved every minute. More pics to follow!

What a Ball!

He's smiling here, but I wonder if that's how he looked most of the week with my 2 in camp! They had such a good time. They are really hooked. Tennis has always been a favorite of ours but we haven't given much time to it. Ron says that's all he wants to do for Father's Day so off we go tomorrow. I hope my boys stick with it and get good at it. It's one of those sports for life!

Gimme Some Water

All boys need is a little water to have fun! 2 days in a row of fun and now I'm tired! Michelle told me I had to blog and so I am but I'd rather be laying down right now. We have had so many days of just doing chores, housework, homework, I thought it was about time we had fun. On the way to the lake yesterday, we almost turned around and threw in the towel about 5 times... The kids were so rude and grumpy and mean to each other. We pushed thru it cause I mentioned that Satan might be trying to get the best of us and then we prayed. It was still tough though until we got out in the sunshine and enjoyed ourselves. Family life is not always easy for us. I just pray that we can make it thru these tough years with love and understanding. I am praying for the wisdom to lead these two young men. Somedays that's all I can do. Others, it's not so bad. The river was gorgeous today and they swam in it even though it was freezing. I loved watching their crazy jumps off the dam. Now we're home and they're all over the place. Hard to imagine this place without their noise! Love to all.