Vaction - 4th of July

We had an opportunity to get together with Carp's family for the 4th of July. I so enjoyed relaxing and chatting with everyone. The kids were so well behaved when we were there - it was crazy. They were busy playing with cousins, doing the "Survivor" challenges, repelling, swimming, fishing and so many other fun things.

The kids were divided into groups and did "Survivor" just like the T.V. show. They worked in group to accomplished challenges and voted for who they thought was the biggest help. There were torches that were extinguished every night and an immunity idol. They had a blast!

Carp brought his gear so he could take the kids repelling. Carson and my nephew Brandon helped out. The kids had so much fun, they did it the next day too.


All the grandkids around the pool


The kids also did a talent show. Gabby sang "God Bless America", Carson and Nathan did Gollum tricks, and Seth did armpit and back of knee farts. Hey, it takes all kinds!

Our family with Nana Kendig


We also were able to take pictures with Nana Kendig. Mom and I went to a quilt shop that opened that week. I was able to read and relax. It's hard to believe that I could be among over 50 people and be so content and relaxed! It was great.

Hershey Park

We also went to Lancaster to see friends and visit market. The kids got a treat when we went to Hershey Park. Brandon was able to go with us. We discovered that Nathan LOVES roller coasters and that Seth hates them. We were also able to visit the Hershey Zoo.

Hershey Zoo

Pappy & Iris Mellott

We had the chance to visit with Pappy and Iris Mellott. We went to dinner and hang out chatting. It was great to get a pictures of the three Carsons together.

Pappy and Iris Mellott

Carp, Pappy and Carson - Actually, all Carsons but we have to tell them apart some how!

Gettysburg

Another great opportunity came in the form of visiting Gettysburg. Carson and Seth really enjoyed this because they have participated in a Gettysburg reinactment. It was really hot and humid that day, just like it would have been during the battle. We did a self guided tour on a CD and learned a lot!

Nathan in General Lee's Headquarters Museum

We saw and read about all the locations the battles were fought. It was an incredible experience to walk where such a great battle was fought. There are memorials everywhere for different states and soldiers.

It was a great vacation. People came from all over the United States to enjoy this 4th of July together. I loved seeing everyone all in one place. I loved getting to know some better than I have in the past. What a great experience for our family.

Mom Mom Herr with the kids

Carson Completes Eagle Project

Carson completed his Eagle project on June 2nd. He arranged the ham radio communications for a locall 50 mile race. He left at 4:00 a.m. and returned home after 11:00 p.m. - a long day for him. He managed the communication traffic for the race at a central command center. He organized all the volunteers to keep track of the runners. All in all, he and those who volunteered to help put in over 400 hours for the project! Carp and I were able to help at a couple of the stations that the runners came through. It was cool to hear how he was doing on the radio and how much he stepped up to help out. Way to go Carson! We are proud of you!

School's Out

School is out! The kids were so excited to start on their weeks of sleeping in, sun, swimming, and grazing all day though the kitchen. Nathan and Gabby were able to participate in a Radkids program the past couple weeks. Also, this week we started library time and finished up on the first round of swimming lessons.

I've been doing a lot of yard work with the help of my Sammy girl. Of course, some of that help includes tearing my flowers from their life flowing stems. We just don't see eye to eye on that one yet, but hopefully will come to an understanding soon. She is so cute when she trys to be so helpful!

Here is a cool lego thingamabob that Nathan put together. I love when the kids create things like this. You can just sense the creative juices flowing!

Dance Festival

Every year our school does a dance festival. Each grade level gets together to learn how to do a dance to some fun music. During the last week of school the parents are invited to sit and enjoy the dances. I was lucky enough to have 3 kids doing dances.

Seth's 6th grade class did a dance to the song "It's On." They did a dance with jump ropes. It was pretty cool. (Seth is in the background with the gray shirt on.)

Nathan's 2nd grade class did the YMCA dance. He was rockin! (Nathan is in the center back.)

Gabby's class did a cute sycronized dance to "Zippity Do Da" that included a lot of ring around the rosies type movements. (Gabby is in the back far right with a light purple shirt on.)


This is how Sammy felt by the time we were done. Actually, I kinda felt the same way when trying to navigate out of the crowd to get home. All in all, it was fun and the kids enjoyed themselves.

Graduation

We had two graduations this year. Seth graduated from 6th grade in anticipation of starting Junior High, and Gabby graduated from kindergarten. (Yes, there is such thing as kindergarten graduation.) Both were short and sweet and ended with pictures and food. Congratulations to both of you!

Boy Scouts

We attended a Court of Honor for the Boy Scouts tonight. Carson received the On My Honor Award for at least two years active service in Boy Scouts and reaching Star rank. He also received his 45th merit badge. Seth advanced to 2nd class and received his 6th and 7th merit badge. Both really enjoy scouting along with their Dad. Way to go!

Father and Son Campout

The boys came home from the annual father and son camp out yesterday. They went to Little Sahara and enjoyed lots of what the sand dunes have no offer. Lots and lots and lots and lots of sand that is. They were accompanied by many of their friends to enjoy a night of roaming and exploring. Nathan, our family bug collector, found an impressive stink bug. Seth went four wheeling and got kissed in the face by a passing branch. OUCH! Carson hung out with his buddies while Carp relaxed with the other dads and chatted. In the morning they all got together to have a big breakfast before breaking camp. After they got home Carson took his shoe off and dumped a handful of sand in my hand. Carp and the boys cleaned up all their stuff and shook out all the sand they could. Yet, there was still lots of sand in the washing machine when I cleaned their clothes. Fun! Crunch, crunch goes the dryer door. They had a good time so it was all worth it!