Note: this post really was started during the end of June...It's just now being posted (a month later) as I am trying to play "catch-up" during our chaotic time...
So far, June has proven to be the start of a busy summer. First off, it was nice to finally have a year where school let out in May. The past 2 years, the last day of school has landed on Ben's birthday (June 3rd). I imagine it's not so fun to get up on your birthday and have to go to school...especially when you have what appears to be a summer birthday...so if nothing else, it was at least a treat for him to be able to sleep in this year (which he did while Paul and I went off to work). As with all of our kids on their birthdays, Ben was able to choose what was for dinner that day: he picked spaghetti. I suspect he was talked into this by his little brother who craves spaghetti every day; but since Ben isn't as picky of an eater, he obliged (as did we). He received some really spectacular gifts, including several Green Bay Packer items from Paul's parents. He also received some money from Aunt Sunshine--which he hasn't yet decided what to spend it on...hmmmmm...the decisions of a now 8-year-old. :)
Candles just waste time when there is cake to be eaten...
Aaron Rogers jersey and GB Packers hat...lucky boy.
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A week after Ben's birthday, it was Gavin's turn for some much-deserved fun. Gavin has been a huge help with his younger siblings this summer. He has been their 'baby-sitter' until I come back home permanently. Anyway, he has recently moved to the middle school class at church and they always do a special "Lock-In" to welcome the 6th-graders. This year the event took place at Wahooz and Gavin had a blast. The group pretty much had free-reign of the facility and he played laser tag to his hearts content. He was also able to make some new friends--which is what concerned him in the beginning as he goes to school in Nampa but we go to church in Meridian. Sad that there aren't any pictures, but what 11-1/2 year old wants their mom to stick around taking pictures of them. He has officially hit the "just drop me off and pick me up" stage...I'll find a way to embaress him soon enough, I suppose.
***
The kids also had VBS (Vacation Bible School) at church this month. [Miley wasn't supposed to go since she's not quite old enough, but we were lucky enough that they allowed her to be with the preschoolers anyway. It was also Gavin's last year to be able to attend...next year he'll be old enough to volunteer though and he's already mentioned that he'd like to do so.] It started on a Sunday and lasted 5 crazy, busy days. Paul and I would rush home after work on Monday - Thursday, grab the kids (thank goodness Gavin mostly would have them all ready for us), and rush back to Meridian to get them to the church on time. {Boy, I'll be glad when we move from Nampa and closer to everything we involve ourselves in.} The great thing our church did this year was had a Bible study for the adults while the kids were in VBS. This was so nice for Paul and I so we didn't have to make 2 trips to Meridian each day...plus we both really enjoyed the study. Win Win. The kids each had a blast...which I'm so grateful for (and grateful it only lasts 5 days).
Miley, Benjamin and
Jacob enjoying the
songs and dances
at VBS.
Gavin and his 5th Grade group performing their skit at VBS.
***
We were able to take the whole family to Dairy Days in Meridian this year. We decided to get the boys unlimited ride passes as well...such a great investment. Since Gavin and Ben are so much taller than the younger two, they were allowed to go off on the "big kid" rides by themselves (so long as Gavin kept his phone on him). Meanwhile, Paul and I toted Jake and Miley around to the "little kid" rides. Six hours of rides and carnival dinner made for a fun (albeit tiring) evening. The kids enjoyed themselves so much and it was a needed family (of 6) night before the new arrival. (I was a bit jealous that I wasn't able to ride the Zipper as I traditionally do...dang preggo belly.)
Ben (with his hand up) and Gavin (with NY hat) on the Pirate Ship ride
Miley & Jacob during their "Safari" ride...
Daddy was able to join Miley & Jake on the Carousel
Gavin & Ben getting on the Zipper...Ben's very first Zipper ride!
***
And although not in the post title, Paul and the boys were even able to get in a few fishing trips this month. Paul even found a new fishing spot that he enjoys...only about 15 minutes from our house--bonus! Although he "missed the big one", he did get some good catches.
Paul's catfish...
