Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July!!!

The kids started the night of July 3rd with some sparklers!

We also got to enjoy multiple firework displays from neighbors which was a lot of fun!

Trinity loved twirling her sparkler like a fairy and writing her name.

This is Caleb trying to say "cheese" and give a good smile  :)

The kids were VERY excited when they woke up today!
One of the first things Trinity said "Happy 4th of July today!"

We all had to get ready quickly so we could get to the parade.
Zeke looked super cute after his bath so we took the time out of our rushing to snap some photos.

Parade time!
Trinity and Zeke are getting ready for CANDY!

It was a HOT day, about 90 degrees, luckily we had an umbrella to sit under since all of the shade spots were taken.

Trinity got toothpaste thrown to her and she was very excited!
Good thing too!!! They will need the whole tube of paste after all the candy they got!

Pony ride * pics

Peter works at camp and has a hobby farm that includes miniature ponies.
He gave the kids a ride the other day - they had a ton of fun!

Isn't Zeke the cutest? 



Laughter *video

1st Fishing experience! *pics

No fish caught - but we sure had fun!

Life around camp *pics

Fun in the arts & crafts room

Cooling off with a hose

Learning how to swim - this is Trinity's favorite camp counselor, Vicky, with her

Zeke was super cute in his swim trunks!

We had some girl time while Caleb and Zeke slept - Trinity got her nails painted pink and purple

Caleb then woke up and joined us... he of course painted his own...   :)

1st time canoeing!!! *pics

Getting all of our gear on before we head to the canoe

The first stroll into the lake the kids stayed in the middle of the canoe and touched the water.

Then it was Trinity's turn to try using the paddle. Izzy joined in too!

Zeke wasn't as into the whole 1st canoe trip thing...

1st days at camp *pics



Proud girl with a hole in her mouth!



 Trinity lost a tooth the second day of camp! It was her second tooth to loose.

She now tells everyone that she is not only 6 years old, but that she has also lost 2 teeth!



Caleb decided he should show his teeth since Trinity was  :)



Taking our first walk in the woods

Trinity and Caleb were very excited... the only problem was the ticks we all brought home with us - yuck.

We've had a good time checking out the different parks in the area.

Izzy has enjoyed camp too!



Rollin'

Zeke is Officially rolling over to his tummy!!!! Oh the beautiful milestones of a baby  :)

This morning I woke up and was (A.) pleasently surprised he slept until 7:30 versus 5:30, and (B.) surprised he was on his tummy! And then after his bottle I layed him down and he did it again... however, he isn't too happy yet once he is on his tummy.  He's got to get those arm muscles worked on so he can lift up for longer.... crawling workouts, here Zeke comes!!!!

Middle of June

It is hard to believe we are already in the middle of June! How time flies when you're having fun!  :)

Unfortunatly, I cannot upload pictures right now, but I felt I MUST write, even if it is a little more boring just to read and not see the evidence!

We have all been at camp now for just over 2 weeks. During those weeks, there were no campers since the counselors had staff training, so we were able to get to meet lots of new friends. We are all being spoiled by the counselors and most of all by our wonderful cooks: Heidi and Peter - a beautiful wife and husband team. I am being spoiled because everyone is so willing to help out whenever I need extra hands, and the kids are being spoiled with all of the love flowing their way.

We've been outside a LOT! We are currently staying in a camper, which really isn't too bad since all of our meals are in the dining hall with the counselors and we've had nice weather. The couple times it has been too hot or raining, we go to a retreat building that has a nice tv so we've taken in a couple movies. Otherwise we are typically outside, at the library, or in the arts & crafts center. The kids have all gone canoeing, fishing, swimming, and we've gone "fast like a speedboat!!!" on the camp's pontoon. Not too many bug bites, but we've all had our share of ticks- yuk.  But needless to say - we're having some fun  :)

The only issue I have with the camper is the fact that all of my "tricks" are packed away where I can't find them. In my own home, I know where the chalk, sprinkler, craft supplies, puzzles, instruments, etc. are all hidden, so sometimes I feel like it is hard to find things to keep them all busy. But alas, the weeks seem to be speeding by so I must be figuring something out.  Jon and I just put an offer on a house!!!! We're SOOO excited, but the closing date looks like it will be the middle of August, so we will for sure be on the campus basically all of summer camp. This has been, and will be, invaluable time for us, as Jon is getting to know the camp much better since we are there, and the camp will now also be a second family for all of us. In ministry, Jon and I have found that it is important to know your church or camp because they really become a part of your family, so I'm thankful (even though all our boxes are packed for the summer) that we are staying at camp. We may be moving into a camp cabin in a couple weeks, as the numbers for campers aren't as high after the first couple weeks. If we move then we'll have a little more room to spread out and I could maybe even bring in a couple extra boxes of "tricks" hidden away (if I can find them first!).

I've REALLY been enjoying time with the baby lately! Ezekial is such a doll! He has been a great baby and can woo anyone that comes within 10 feet of him - he's so adorable. What I've really enjoyed though is seeing him grow. It's easy to forget how quickly babies change. In just the three and a half weeks he's been with us he is starting to hold things more - he grasps his toys and wants to hold/play with his bottle. He is soooo close to rolling over from his back to front. And the best part is he smiles and giggles a lot more!  He has this huge grin and great giggle - makes your heart melt! Whenever I can get pics on here, I will also post a video of him giggling - I think your hearts will melt too!

Trinity and Caleb were born to be "brother and sister" - at least they sure know how to act like it! They have a love/hate relationship, that 95% of the time ends in love  :)   It can be the best of times, and the worst of times with those two, but of course it is when I don't have anything to do that they are great together, and it is as soon as I want to get something done (dishes, paperwork, etc) that they decide EVERYTHING needs to be an argument - I'm beginning to think they have a 6th sense called the "let's do everything we can to keep Mara/Mom from showering, cleaning, or anything else adult".

Well, I have a feeling Zek will be waking up here any minute from a nap and the kids are going to need supper soon so I best be going! Hope this gave you a little glimpse into our world. Although chaotic at times, it really has been fun having the bigger family. Jon, Caleb and I are blessed to have Trinity and Zek in our lives.

Thank you for all of your prayers and well wishes, we are blessed to have such supportive friends and family.

Love,
Mara

SOON SOON SOON!

A new post will be SOON! I finally found our computer in storage so I am able to upload pictures, and more importantly, the computer was put somewhere I can hopefully have the kids with me so I can do a little bit! I have lots of pics to share and fun stories, so check in soon.

However, long story short, things are going well. We've been at camp 2 weeks now and are starting to feel more settled. The kids love running around and the counselors are great! This week will be the first week with campers, so things will be a little different, but we're looking forward to the new change.

Oops, Zek needs a bottle! Gotta run!

bouncin'



Just bouncin' in my bouncer. My legs are getting strong!



Aren't I cute!?

Yeah, you know it, I'm one adorable little boy  :)

School

1st of 5 days at Starmont was a success! Trinity had an awesome time. I so badly wanted her to help me write this post, but we stayed so busy playing outside tonight, that I lost track of time. So I will try to recapture some of the things she said to me when I picked her up at the end of the day...

"This was the most amazing day ever! I had so much fun! This is the butterfly my art teacher made me (twisted animal balloon) isn't it beautiful? Do you think Caleb will pop it? Mrs. Barclay was the nicest teacher! I met a new friend named Natalie, and Rebecca was my partner today. We had two recesses! But my teacher said she is going to try to get us THREE recesses for tomorrow! We didn't have music today but tomorrow we will." 

Most of this was said within the time it took to walk from the Elementary to my office in the high school.  :) 

Caleb was bummed that Trinity didn't go to daycare with him and asked for over an hour where his friend was, but he succumed to the fact that Zek was with him and that would have to make do.

Getting to know you

Trying out the bumbo! Zek seems to be enjoying it!

Trinity obviously has a love for music! She fits in quite well here!!! She decided to give me her serious look since playing the piano well is serious business.

The weather is FINALLY gorgeous here! The kids have been outside tons and were even able to get the hose out since it was warm enough.

Bedtime - finally. My son, Caleb, is the one to blame for a crazy bedtime routine. He's always had problems going to bed early, so this will probably be our biggest challenge getting him and Trinity to bed. Zek however, is AMAZING! He goes to sleep well and stays asleep even better - such a blessing! Here is a pic of Caleb and Zek resting peacefully. I tried to get Izzy (our dog) in the pic too, but since she is black and the lighting wasn't very good, she wasn't showing up well, but she was sleeping right in front of Zek's spot - all three of them looked so cute!

Trinity joined us for Sunday school, sang with the kids at church, and here Caleb and Trinity are at the Children's sermon. Her favorite part though - the cake afterwards to celebrate our confirmands.

No time in Strawberry Point is complete until you've had your picture with the World's Largest Strawberry!

Exciting stuff eh?

These two sure do have a good time together!

Trinity insisted that smiling wasn't enough - they also had to look like monkeys.

Zek wasn't so sure about the strawberry - but he sure did enjoy the walk outside!



So, that is a little glimpse into our weekend.
Tomorrow Trinity goes to school at Starmont! Mrs. Barclay will be her teacher, and I will be on the other side of the building teaching the "older kids". Trinity is excited about recess and music.
Zek gets to go to daycare with Caleb of which Caleb is THRILLED about!