School is Out!

 Because the weather is so rainy during the year, when it is pleasant we grab the keys and find some water. School let out and we were out the door first to Mabana Beach, which is a nice quiet place to bring Cecil.

That was June 20. On the 24th we headed out for Cascade Park, the Church-owned property for YM and YW campouts. This time it was a ward campout/service project.

Six days later we were at Wenberg Stake Park on the shores of Lake Goodwin. The grassy fields were busy because the weather was so nice. We snacked and played all afternoon, then all the kids slept for the drive home.

Marnie was feeling sick, but she did feel good enough to play on the equipment on the upper part of the park. Everyone else went swimming in the cordoned off area.

Seminary is Finished!

 I am excited to finish this year teaching seminary. This young class was fun, but difficult. Freshmen are not the easiest to wrangle. But having game day every Friday and trying to include fun every week was worthwhile. Calvin came with me often, even though he's not in high school yet.

Recent Performances

 The kids are all performing in some way at the end of the year. It's fun to watch them grow in their confidence. Most of the little squares in my handy calendar are full tiny scribbles. Of course, every week we have Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts where the boys continually improve.

Katie built a xylophone for Science Team!

Then she and Emily DeFreese sang for Young Women's. She has been really busy lately.

Calvin is running with the Stanwood Middle School track team. Every night he is heading to bed early and sleeping like a rock.

Celebrating Paul

 Paul turned 40 on Friday, the first of April. Everyone was excited to share his cake. He had to light his own candles and then blow them out again. 

The next month he was awarded the BSA's Silver Beaver Award. He was very proud to receive such an exceptional award and it was well-deserved. Rob Huff also received the award, so here they compare them a bit.

Spring Sun

 Sometimes we get lucky in the Spring and the sun appears. We took advantage of the warm weather and went to play at the Camano Island State Park. There are forts to be built and shells to find.

Then we went to Utsalady Elementary School for a surprise birthday party for Michelle Vance. Many ward members and local friends came to have fun.

Katie and Caitlin Woolbert chatting about high school things. When it was time to go, Paul needed assistance.

Frazier Achievements

 Frazier recently enjoyed a few days away from home at 5th Grade Camp. Every one of the children has loved it so far. I like that he is wearing his USS Midway hat from his trip to Nana and Papa's house.

A few days after this, we were pleased to attend his advancement in Boy Scouts. I even got a Mother's Pin, which I never deserve. My only contribution is getting him there on time.

I love Frazier's hugs.

Visiting Lincoln City

 We took the family to visit Grani Dani Frazier in Lincoln City overnight. Although it was cold, the temptation of the beach was too much for the kids. We stayed in a cute hotel right by the classic cold Oregonian shore.

This reminds me of when I was a child at the beach. You just clench your teeth and keep moving to stay warm. The kids all enjoyed a Chinese restaurant for dinner.

Dani was so pleased to see all the kids at her home town and the kids had a great time.