Scout Camp Send Off

Pretty sure he's got everything he owns on his back.

He packed it all himself.

He could not be more excited to go.

And to top it off, Jer's going too. 

He's one lucky kid!

Bringing Skating Back

 Who doesn't remember getting dropped off at the skating rink with a bunch of friends to skate your hearts out?  Believe it or not I've never taken my kids to a roller skating rink even though it used to be one of my favorites. Lucky for us, today Maryann fixed that with a group skate date. 

And it was even more fun than I remembered it being.   Maybe that's because I was there with Jake who is the exact age I was when it was a big thing.  I loved watching him love it like I used to.

 Brittany and Leah loving the wall:).

 Tate started out glued to Heidi but he was flying solo by the end of the afternoon.

That kid was so impressive!

 Self-proclaimed skating queens.  Heidi marked her card Advanced ++ (not even a real option). 

She was working the floor let me tell you.

 And this little lady was unstoppable.  Except by the blue shirt man who knocked her down.  Not to worry. A little ice to that wrist and she was back in action.

 Brady you were the man!

 Did I mention I loved getting to skate with him and his big smile today?

 Maryann, the party planner!

 Sorry it's blurry, we were just going soooo fast:)

Maryann, thanks for planning this fun day!

I can't wait to come back!!

And Jamie thanks so much for taking Luke.  It would have been a very different kinda day with him here:)

But next time you're coming!!!

The Other Happiest Place on Earth

 Sometimes those last minute plans lead to the best days and this was one of them.

 An early picnic lunch... 

 Then time for some ice cold slides.

 Fishing.

 Luke was glued to Britt's side. Man do I owe you Brittany!

 Bree was trying to get her nerve up to brave the cold water all day.

Jake may have given her a little gentle nudge to help her.
Pretty sure that did not go over too well!

So, the moms decided it was our turn to show the kids how it was done.
  We went down in a 4-car train, but we had some spacing issues...

  There we all are! It was SO cold. I was nice enough to try and warm everyone up. 

I have no idea what everyone's laughing at.

 Jace you are the bravest kid I know!

 And here are a few of the bravest moms...

 And some very brave spectators.

 Jake and Britt made a deal to jump in at the same time.  Only Jake didn't.  Sooo...

 Oh yes, he went in:)
(and I'm pretty sure Breanna is thanking you right now, Britt)

  He got the shock of his life when he hit the icy water. 

His arms locked right around Brittany's neck and he just kept saying "It's Cold It's Cold!". 

Thanks, Britt for getting him safely to the shore. 

 And the icing on the cake to this fabulous day?  I think it was Carter who found this frog and shared it with everyone.  Even Nikki. She especially liked it's surprise attack right close to her heart.

This was a trip that might just have to become an annual event....especially if we can get the hubbies to come next time!  Loved it all except for maybe the subject matter that was discussed on the drive up.  But the boys belting out Shakira in Spanish nearly made up for it.  As did the screaming match in the parking lot of two ladies who I then impersonated not knowing that one was right behind me watching my every move. Then there were the boys who helped with our coolers and waited for their tip, lunch upon sit down, rules about peeing in rivers, fearless kids, Brittany being an absolute angel with her shadow named Luke, my edginess over boys near edges, icy cold slide rides, rules that are made to be broken, frogs that have a thing for Nikki, and a day with some of the best friends and kids ever!