Happy Camper

Meg went to summer camp this year for the first time. Our church owns a camp outside of Atlanta and they offer a "first-timer's" session for young kids: 2 full days and 2 nights with a sampling of all the activities. She went with her good friend Anna and had a great time.

She took along her own camera and got a few low-res pictures, mostly of horses and the bonfire.

The reason every little girl goes to camp:

Heading home. Tired, but looking forward to next year.

Experiment

What does my growth as a person have to do with Nate's hairstyle? Well, today, quite a bit. I have realized that I tend to avoid trying something unless I a) have done it before, b) know exactly how to do it, c) know it will turn out just the way I want. I've decided this is not good and have started making myself do new things without a guarantee that they (I?) will succeed. Unfortunately for Nate I put haircutting on the list. Granted I did watch about 30 minutes' worth of "how-to-cut-kids'-hair-at-home" videos on YouTube (very few were helpful). After buying a pair of barber sheers at the grocery store a few weeks ago and ignoring them on my bathroom counter I decided this was the day, and Nate was the victim. (His mop was so long and shaggy--see previous posts--that I figured I could get in lots of practice and he would still have enough hair left that a professional could fix it without putting on the #1 blade.) Well, I made some good snips and some bad snips. I would give myself a C on the final product. We were at the 45 minute mark (there were some interruptions) and somewhat-still had deteriorated into constant-fidgets, and then our neighbors arrived to play in the back yard, so I had to stop instead of finish. But, he survived and I survived. I'm taking him in tomorrow for the clean up, and I plan to watch Faith like a hawk and question her extensively on every move, so maybe I'll do a little better next time around. Anyway...the pictures. (No snide comments pointing out my errors; I see them, and I still have a ways to go in the defensiveness department.)

p.s. Kate was around for the whole adventure. I hope it didn't plant ideas in her little mind. If any of our kids is going to attempt unauthorized clipping, I'll put my money on Kate. Stay tuned...

Fourth of July

Grammy's Visit

Grammy came for a visit last week. She brought a special craft to do with each kid, read lots of books, went on walks, and babysat while Erik and I went out for dinner--all the good grandmother activities!

Centennial Olympic Park

Garden Update

Swimming Lessons

This was Kate's first year for swimming lessons. I'm not sure she picked up any skills but she had a great time and was quite proud of herself. Nate improved so much since last year, not just in the swimming skills but in listening and following directions.

Meg was in the elementary-age class this year and worked hard.
She is our real water baby.

I know I take this picture every year, but it's too good to pass up.