Just the Two of Us.

 This past Sunday Levi got to ride to church with us because he busted out the window in his truck on Thursday night. 

It was a treat for all of us and when we got home I asked him to take a picture with me for the blog.

This is what I got. 

Summer Fun!

We have spent the last few weeks enjoying being at home on our beautiful piece of paradise. 

In the summer this really is our favorite place to be. 

Clairana and Cecily - Crawdad/Crayfish

I was on the phone with my mom and looked out to see Clairana had swung Cecily to sleep while holding a chicken. 

We went swimming in the grandparents pond with the Kruger family!

The creek was moving too fast because of all the rain so we asked if we could invade the pond for the morning. Everyone had such a great time. 

Nephi walking with Baby Jane

The Mitchell family came over for a visit and of course everyone loved the new kittens. 

Nephi reading to Cecily.

Cecily now can get the guinea pigs out of their cage all by herself. Lucky us she got them out at bedtime last night and we had to hunt and find them. 

Playing in the creek for Adventure group with the Askeroth & Worster families!

Kari took her picture with me! She is such a treat. Mother of eight beautiful red headed littles...well some are big. 

Our newest addition coming soon! The Kruger family had two kittens at their house and before Levi brought home the two he found a couple weeks ago I had arranged for us to get this little lady. 

Our newest read aloud in the house. 

 

Cecily the Spy

Cecily was yelling at me to come so I hurried into the kitchen then she shhhh at me. 

She was spying on Papaw mowing the field - it was so cute I had to take a picture. 

She was so proud she got the binoculars all by herself and was checking him out.  

 On Friday, I loaded up the kids to go see the goat show in another county. 

            I thought this would help us understand how it all works - it seems to be quite some effort. 

I asked Jack and Jane if they would like to join us even though we did have to leave early in the morning. They accepted which made the trip so much better. 

Then at the last minute Levi took time off work so we all went. 

That made it even better so I could have extra eyes on this crazy toddler we have now. 

We went to the goat show then walked around to see the other animals - it was in Williamsport so the competition was much smaller than Tippecanoe but it was nice to see how everything functioned and we learned lots. 

Then afterwards we headed to the Williamsport Falls because it was only a few minutes away. 

I was amazed the waterfall was gone and the creek/stream had dried up - we were just there! 

I was so glad we went a few weeks ago! 

Then we headed to a diner for lunch before coming home. 

It was such an unexpected fun day. 

More Summer Fun!

Once we were home from Racoon Lake, Levi had another camping trip planned. 

He went night fishing with Elliot and Damon and stayed to check lines in the morning. Levi was the only one to shoot a Carp in the Wabash of the boat. Unfortunately, some campers messed with their lines so they were all on shore when they checked them in the morning. He did have a great time getting away and enjoying time with his buddies. 

While he was away Mamaw and Papaw invited us over to swim in the pond and cook hotdogs over the fire. 

Papaw with Cecily and Clairana

First catch of the night. 

Everyone got to sleep on our floor while dad was away.

The Boys - Damon and Elliot with Lee. 

 

Raccoon Lake

Summer Fun!

We went camping/boating with seven other homeschooling families. It was so much fun. We came home late every night and went back in the wee hours of morning so we could tend animals and our new puppy but it worked out great. We brought a paddle boat, a canoe, and all our kayaks which made everyone's time on the water better. 

The kids all took turns sharing and swimming.

Then one day we rented a boat and so did the Stricklers and the Bruckens brought their speed boat. 

So Much Fun. And Sun. 

Brucken's joining the party!

Cabella!

Levi and Cecily tubing

Nephi found the first cicada we wanted to document it because this type won't be around for another 17 years. We don't have any at home ... maybe soon but at the campsite they were all over and loud.

The Stricklers rented this pad which was a big hit. 

Nephi and Bella Tubing

Only picture of the littlest girls and Cecily appears to be choking on water - sorry lady! 

Elenora and Cecily 

She is more alive here. 

Nephi tubing with Adam and Luke behind the speed boat now. 

The Girls! Clairana, Coraline and Cabella

Coraline and Clairana

Coraline was super nervous but C made it better and she ended up being pretty cocky about riding. 

Dinner with the Goodsell kids!

This is Randy - we were wondering what he was doing - he put his lifejacket on his bum so he could float better. I said he seemed more macho like he was treading water while the rest of us were floating. 

It actually was his birthday and he said macho left years ago.

This girl road in the truck with chips all around the campsites while the big kids were riding on the tailgate = Freedom!

Playing with the Strickler family - 11 kids and 4 adults 

All the Cicadas. 

Levi rode with Luke (Randy and Dennise's oldest) for such a long time! Finally Randy threw him off going about 40 if I remember right - Levi said he was sore for a few days. Fun Times.

 

Clegg Garden Adventure

On Thursday our adventure group headed for a nature walk along the Wildcat Creek at Clegg Garden. 

I had actually never taken the kids even though it is so close to the house. We had a great hike and lunch with everyone. I really do enjoy this group and getting out together.