Ben's 1st horseback riding lesson 2012

 The big kids have had horseback riding lessons for a few years, and Ben finally had one of his very own!

 He was nervous at first, but really got the hang of it. He went really slow, but that's how he liked it!

 Katelyn got to have a little turn.

 And so did I! For those of you who know me, this should pretty much shock you.

 Like the sandals? I was peer pressured in to doing this. It wasn't nearly as bad as I thought. But I went really slow, just like Ben.

Bowling 2012

This summer I signed the kids up for Kids Bowl Free. So we were able to go several times throughout the summer. It was such a great activity!

 Kate helping Ben.

 Our friend.

 Alex loves bowling!

 Ben likes to make silly faces.

 Kate loves bowling!

 Concentrate!

 This is how Ben always waits for his ball to creep down the lane. The other kids joined in on his silliness.

 Another day of bowling.

 Alex helping Ben.

 What a nice big brother.

 Strike a pose.

 Wait for it, wait for it...

 And another day of bowling.

 This time we went with Grandpa Clift.

 And Sam and Lily.

Ben being silly waiting for his ball again.

Helpers May 2012

 The kids wanted to do something nice for us, so they surprised us by doing some lawn work. They didn't last very long out there, but it's the thought that counts, right?

Summer 2012 Happenings

 Here are a few things we did during the summer.

 Water pad at Andrew's Park. We went to lunch downtown and were walking by the creek walk. The water pad was on and I told the boys they could run in, but to not get too wet. Well, they got soaked. Would you expect anything less?

 Katelyn, of course, didn't get wet at all.

 Playing at the park completely soaked, trying to dry off a little before getting in the car.

 Ben went to a Star Wars birthday party where they had a real Darth Vader and Obi Wan to teach the kids how to be real Jedis. It was a fun, and cute party.

 Ben taking a break from all the Jedi training.

 We went camping with two of our close family friends. We brought our boats and sent the husbands off with all the kids, while us wives sat back at the campsite and relaxed.

 We are so blessed to have such great friends.

 Alex at his last year of Cub Scout day camp. Next year he'll be a Boy Scout! Alex was, of course, fantastic at archery.

 I took a try at archery for the first time, and was completely awful. But the guides let me take several times, and I actually got a bullseye once. (Which explains my arms up in the air!) When I was done I had a huge bruise on my arm. It was a battle wound I was quite proud of.