Family Camp Out

Alex had fun camping

At our camp site

pretty lake

the scouts

no fish were caught, but it was fun anyways

taking a food break

the moore's

In September we attended the annual family camp for the Cub Scouts.  We were at White Horse Lake in Williams.  The camp out included a 3 mile hike, fishing, lots of play, exploring and sleeping in a tent!  One night there was a scary storm with lots of lightening, rain and thunder, which made it hard to sleep for a while!  At least the weather was cooler than home and everyone had a good time!

Oregano's for Lizzy's Birthday

The birthday girl

Pink BB Gun - awesome!

oops..mid talking photo!

Ben keeping Michael Hawk happy at dinner

goofy cousins

pizzookie baby!!!

My neice Lizzy turned 11 at the beginning of September and we all went to Oregano's for the Phipps' traditional birthday dinner!  Ben and I got to come and Nana and Papa were in town, on their way to a vacation at Hilton Head.  Lizzy got a pink BB gun from Nana and Papa and an I-Touch from her family.  Great 11th birthday in my view!!

Bill and Janet

This is a great photo of Bill and his Mom Janet - taken on Mother's day this year.  This is a great photo - Janet is my mother in law and we have always enjoyed each other - people make fun of the word "mother in law", but I like mine!  It's unfortunate she lives on the other side of town, but maybe she'll move over to the east one day.  It's cool that Janet takes care of her mom, Helen, who I think is close to 98 years "old".  Thanks for all you do Janet!

Music for everyone!

Ben the guitar player

Alex can play(?) too. . .

blurry Alex

Alex's music therapy with Jay

Music Jay comes for music lessons once a week with Alex.  Sometimes Ben will grab his guitar and join in.  This day, Alex got the second guitar and also started to "play".  So...everyone had a guitar and it was cool to be in the room listening to all that guitar noise!

Target Practice

Ben takes aim

checking targets - who got the bullseye?

Ben

Evan takes a turn

Ben had Evan over a couple weeks ago and so Bill took them to the back yard to do some target practice with Ben's BB gun.   They both reviewed safety with Bill and then took turns shooting at the targets.  Alex and I hung out watching and it was a nice evening doing an outdoor activity!

The start of another school year

Happy on the first day of 5th grade

go Alex - big 2nd grader!

Ben started 5th grade and Alex started 2nd!  They are growing up so fast - - and now Alex is in a typical 2nd grade class.  Ben has his first male teacher and he is really enjoying 5th grade - although I can do without the hours of homework each night!  Here are pics from their first day.....excited to see what the year will bring!

Bella turns 5

Nana and Bella

Markie eating his slice

Bella and Alex

Lots of tickets!

Aunt Kim and Lizzy

Bella turned 5 in August.  Bella got two birthday celebrations - one was at Chucky Cheese on her actual birthday. The other was a couple weeks later at Build a Bear. Nana came up to celebrate and it was a lot of fun.  Bella was excited to get her own DS!  Bella is #3 for the Phipps - I was there right after she was born.  Bella is a very pretty and outgoing little girl.  She can have quite the attitude, but can also be very loving and sweet.  When Bella gets extra cranky, it's usually because she hasn't eaten!  She loves her "chocolate"..milk, that is.  Alex considers Bella his best friend and they are very cute together.  Happy Birthday Bella!