Insta Summer

BFF

This summer Calista started soccer for the first time.  She wasn't a big fan of soccer at first.  She met a little girl on her team named Gianna and would only go to practice if Gianna was going too.  Then on the first day of school we discovered that Gianna was in her class.  Let's just say, they have been attached at the hip ever since.  The first couple of weeks at school the two would get in trouble for talking to much.   I have really enjoyed getting to watch these two grow as friends.  For years Calista has made friends with Isabelle's friends and my friend's kids.  Gianna is Calista first friend that she made on her own.  Gianna is very sweet and is a good friend to Calista.  I hope that they are friends for years to come.

Girl Scout Camp Out

 This weekend the whole family went on our first Girl Scout Camp Out.  Isabelle joined the Girl Scouts this spring and we all have been loving it.  Our troop is a small troop of 8 girls.

We picked Isabelle up from school early on Friday and made our way to the campgrounds. Everyone arrived on time for dinner.  Only 7 out of the 8 girls could come.  We had dinner together Friday night and then the girls learned how to wash dishes. No paper plates this trip.  After dinner it was time to head up to the amphitheater for a special presentation about bee's by Ranger Scott arranged just for our troop.  The hike up to the amphitheater was lit beautifully.  The girls loved the presentation and even got honey sticks at the end.  The next morning the girls put on tie dye shirts they made at our last meeting and got ready for their first two activities of the day.  They did the final part of a three part series to earn thier First Aid badge, where they had to find and identify Poison Oak.  So off they went on a hike to find it.  It didn't take long.  Then they had a knife safety class.  Before we knew it it was time for lunch.   After lunch it was off to the lake for some fun in the water.  We had 4 Kayaks and the kids played in them nonstop.  For dinner the girls got to help prep the dessert using their knife safety skills.  They cut up the apples for the apple crisp.  After dinner we had a badge ceremony where the girls were awarded 5 new badges for all their hard work this camping trip.  Then it was time for smore's and a talent show before bed.  The girls had a great time, and so did the adults.  Lots of laughing and memories made.  Not one fight, argument or complaint the entire weekend!  I think we need to do this more often!!

 baby lizards everywhere.

Knife safety practice on pretend knives first then the real deal. 

 The badge ceremony was real cute. These girls were super excited to earn new badges.

 Isabelle's talent was a card trick. She did great! 

Safteyville Birthday Party!

 For Calista's 5th Birthday we celebrated by having a party for her friends at Safteyville.  It's a little mini town made just for kids to ride their bikes around.  With working stoplights and lots of space to explore.  All the buildings are sponsored by local businesses.  There are courts with houses and several streets for them to ride up and down.  There is even a McDonalds with a working dirve thru.  In the center of the town there is a capitol building, inside is where the party was held.    The weather was perfect, not to hot.  The kids had a blast exploring.  Freddie was the town policeman and used a siren a friend gave him to pull kids over and ticket them or send them to jail.  We played red light green light and even had a scavenger hunt.  The kids loved the working stop lights and the cross walks.

 My friend Tennielle made these adorable center pieces and the cupcake toppers.

 The favor bags had candy and bike spoke beads that the kids could put on their bikes.  

We even had special ones just for the boys.

Happy Birthday to you....

Officer Freddie

 Auntie Jennipher stopped by for a quick squeeze before heading out of town.

 Calista and Callie

 Red Light, Green Light! 

 Rhyden preferred to explore on foot so Calista walked around with her! 

 Grandma and Grandpa G! 

 Calista and Tennielle enjoying the shade for a bit. 

 A few of the big kids waiting for the light to turn green.

We all had a fun time at the party.  After the party some of her friends came over to our house to open her gifts.  This kid got spoiled.  Thankful for five wonderful years with this kid!!