Summer has arrived!

Summer is officially here. We made it to the lake for the weekend. The ice cleared the day before we arrived so Nathan and Cole decided that it was swimming season. Nathan told Cole that he'd jump in if Cole jumped in so that's exactly what Cole did. The two videos below are of Cole and Nathan jumping into the icy cold water. This is Cole's very first jump into the lake when the water has been this chilly. He's prepping for the polar bear club and is nearing the day when he can join Nathan and his friends when they take a sauna and then jump into the water through a hole that they cut into the ice. Nathan claims it's one of the most exhilarating experiences ever...Jeni's not convinced; however, she's never actually given it a try:)

The pictures below include some pics from the lake, some from one of Kaydra's bball games, and some of Claire playing outside with her Barbies.

Cole and Nathan psyche themselves up for their first jump off the dock

Cole's the first one in the water this year

Cole warms up after getting out of the "barely warmer than ice" water. He said, "I'm never doing that again!!!"

But after a couple minutes, Cole had a change of heart. Here, he poses with Nathan only a few moments after their quick swims. This might just be an annual tradition for Cole. He felt great and the cool air temp didn't feel so cold after spending a second or two in the freezing lake.

Claire warms up in her towel. She's excited to swim this summer, but the water was a bit too cold for her this weekend. She dipped her toes in, but didn't go any further. She said she hopes that the conditions are more favorable for swimming next weekend (I guess she didn't say those exact words, but that was the message she conveyed to us.)

Sitting around the campfire

Enjoying the peaceful evening and comfort of the fire

Jeni and Tiffany pause for a quick cousins pose

Janelle, Jocie, Cole, and Jayden take a break to play a game inside

Getting ready to put the dock into the water

Claire swings in style

A beautiful rainbow graced our presence

Cole blows bubbles and watches them bounce across the water

A few basketball pics from one of Kaydra's games......

Kaydra listens to her coach as she prepares to get back out on the court

Looking for the rebound, but getting boxed out in this one

She's ready for the pass

Claire played outside on the swingset with her Barbies after her daycare friends left for the day. They had fun on the swings, on the slide, and in the sandbox.

Late March - April 19 (in random order)

Easter, Camp Metigoshe retreats, sandbagging, basketball, volleyball, Marketplace for Kids. Sandbagging pictures are scattered throughout this post. Filling sandbags was an activity of choice for the kids during the first part of April. On a few occasions they chose sandbagging over going to the Y. They felt good about excersising, having fun with friends, and contributing to the well being of the community all at the same time.

Kaydra, Cole, and Claire

...gleaming with smiles after the hunt

Claire shows Daddy how to dye Easter eggs

Cole and Kaydra prepare to dye Easter eggs at Janelle and Jerry's. They invited us out to their house to color egss and go on a fantastic Easter egg hunt. It was Eggsellent!!!

Kaydra performs a setting drill at volleyball practice

Kaydra holds the sandbag open for Max

Kaydra, Max, Jayden, Greyson, and Cole volunteer their time to fill sandbags.

Claire relaxes with Daddy on the couch

Kaydra shows The Pocketeer to Grandma Sherry at Marketplace for Kids

Auntie Tara stopped by to learn about the Pocketeer

Grandma Lana and Grandpa Art with Kaydra

Kaydra and her entrepreneurial partner pose with their innovative product, "The Pocketeer". This innovation provides simple, practical storage for all of your bedside essentials

Nathan chaperoned Kaydra's group at Marketplace for Kids

Kaydra passes the ball in bounds during her basketball game

Cole and Dylan fill sandbags at the All Seasons Arena

Kaydra serves a ball over the net at her volleyball game. Her teammates, Brekkyn and Emma watch as the ball clears the net.

Kaydra's fan club at the game

Audrey, Greyson, Cole, Brekkyn, Dylan, Tayten, and Collin pose with their shovels and a pallet of sandbags that they filled.

Claire smiles at herself in the mirror

Cole and Jayden sit by the firepit at the Hammering out faith with Dad retreat


Cole walks up a trail with Uncle Matt, Brekkyn, and Jayden at the Hammering Out Faith With Dad retreat at Camp Metigoshe


Kaydra has fun at the Friday Night Live retreat at Camp Metigoshe


Kaydra and her friends, Sidni and Ciara, enjoy the music at Friday Night Live


Spring has arrived...
The snow is melting, the ice is clear
The warmer weather is certainly near

Enjoy your day!

Cole's "Everyday Hero" Essay

All kids in grades 3-5 wrote a speech about their Everyday Hero. One essay from each class was chosen to read in front of the whole school. Cole did an awesome job!! We are proud :)

Celebrating at Homesteaders :) Each hero received a gift certificate!

Guess Dad is EVERYBODY'S hero. Mom doesn't even get to be in the picture ;)

One of Cole's best friends was also chosen to read his speech. Good job Tayten!!

Waiting for the big moment!

Mr. Petterson the counselor also posted these two pictures of Nathan, Cole and Cole's friends, and also Brekkyn & Audrey sandbagging. I'll post more of those later!! We are kind of behind :)