EIGHT

Spencer turned EIGHT on the tenth of this month.  He was so excited about this birthday, that I think he told everyone (several times) that it was his birthday.
His day started out early with the opening of presents.  He got cards and money from both grandparents, a water bottle, an iTunes card, the movie Lorax, an iTouch case and from mom and dad he got his own Russian Tortoise.  We spent the day at Roaring Springs and then came home for cake and ice cream and watched the Lorax.





We wrapped up a small rock (in about five different sized boxes) that had written on it, that his present was in our neighbors garage. (They were out of town - Perfect!)  Spencer decided to name his tortoise, Jessie.  "Jessie is the BEST tortoise in the whole world!" says Spencer.










I think it was an amazing day for an amazing boy!!!

JULY

Our month of July started out with celebrating Sarah's birthday (see our last post). We enjoyed celebrating the fourth of July quietly at home. We went to the Hidden Springs parade and got plenty of candy.

Then we played a game of baseball.


We had the Merchant family over for a delicious BBQ.

Then we watched fireworks at the Ramey's. (The only picture we have is a collage Sarah made on Instagram.)

We spent an afternoon at Municipal park and then walked to the MK nature center.



We spent another afternoon at Eagle Island.





These kind of afternoons, really tuckers him out.

We had lots of fun another afternoon at Lucky Peak.

That is Sarah, Andrew and Mia swimming out to the plume. I double dog dared them to go touch the plume. They all did it and got a Shave Ice from me.



The kids had two more swim meets. Sarah and Andrew did their first Individual Medley. An Individual Medley is where one swims 100 meters of all strokes, Butterfly, Backstroke, Freestyle and Breaststroke. Andrew got first place and Sarah took third. Very Impressive!!!








Andrew and Nathan had a Webelos campout in Caldwell.






We discovered a beautiful new hike.

Benjamin did another week of swim lessons and loved them. He is getting to be a great swimmer. He can swim the length of the BIG pool without stopping so we think he will do swim team next summer.






Spencer participated in the swim team swim-a-thon and swam 50 laps to earn $50. Way to go, Spencer!


Mom, Sarah and Andrew traveled to Oregon to have a weekend of visiting with Nonnie and Grandpa. It was a great weekend for everyone! We were also there the same weekend that Sandy and Ana came. What a treat to catch up with them!!







While we were in Oregon, Dad and the three youngest boys had a GREAT time! They made milkshakes, slept wherever they wanted, ate cake, shopped and hiked.