It's been awhile...

I don't think we ever sit down here! I would have never guessed that school-end would be such a crazy time. There is so much to do; baseball games, soccer, adventure day, luncheons for staff, family-teacher meetings, school camping trips (skipped that one), and last but not least graduation. During the graduation party, Charlie graciously accepted his diploma, a couple awards (excellence in book bag work and block-building), and announced the beneficiary of over $400 the kids raised with their bird note cards. Cole's school took a field trip to Gowen Field to check out Blackhawk and Apache helicopters. We learned that the Apache can shoot bullets, missles, and bombs, which according to the service man "are used to blow stuff up." Isn't that fantastic? Thankfully the Blackhawk is more peaceful, and when not in service for war is used to put out fires. Charlie informed to not "worry because I won't be a soldier when I grow up." He must have read my thoughts. Admittedly, the size and construction of these helicopters was pretty awesome.

We also managed to get a camping trip in. We traveled to the Bruneau Sand Dunes with some friends from school. The second night two other families joined. Charlie was especially enamored with one boy's "summer cut." He had been asking for a summer cut for a couple months now. I couldn't stave it off any longer. Last Thursday I went home to Woodinville for a surprise 60th birthday party for my dad. His brother Richard also showed up. He was quite surprised. On Saturday the girls cooked/prepped food for the party while the boys golfed. About 20 friends (including Ann and Doug, my in-laws) came to the party and a good time was had by all. I got to see my new nephew Max, who happens to be really cute. Lily was a proud big sister and did a good job of being gentle with the baby. Skylar thought that I was pretty neat. He screeched my name at the top of his lungs "meeemeee" and I chased him around while he giggled. Pretty cute.

Now I'm sitting here in front of the computer looking at pictures of my boys. They have been in Ketchum visiting with Nana and Grandpa since Tuesday. I thought that John and I would have lots of exciting plans since the kids are spending the nights away from us for the first time ever, but I'm sort of pining for them. I really miss my boys! I have only called them twice each day--I love hearing their voices. It sounds like they have been very busy with various activities; swimming, tennis, library trip, crafts, picnics, hikes, visit to bird sanctuary, parties at friends', the park, seeing the horses, and raccoons:), playing games with Nana and Grandpa...phew. I want to go to Camp Taylor myself. We're going to pick them up tomorrow. I'm running in The Sawtooth Relay, a 62 mile run from Stanley to Ketchum. Each of the 6 team members run five to six miles, twice (10-12 miles total). Our team starts tomorrow night at 1:30am. We hope to be finished by 1:30pmish on Saturday.