Cub Scout Day Camp

 During the middle of June, Austin went to Cub Scout Day Camp.

 I volunteered as a walking leader for the first day of camp and got to hang out with Austin and watch him participate in the various activities. Austin's favorite was fishing which I never got any pictures of. When I asked him if he was able to catch much this year he said he caught a "bass and a catfish." But you never know how accurate that is.

 Every day he got to do Archery

 And shoot BB guns

 

 I think he's improved since last year

 There was crafts

 They made Viking hats and a Norway flag

 They did Scout Skills. On this day it was learning how to set up a tent.

 Looking good.

 At the beginning and end of each day they did a flag ceremony.

 It was a really good group of boys.

 Craig also volunteered to be a walking leader for the last day of camp.

Then we all joined Austin for family night. We ate pizza then they played a some gaga ball.

 Basically you hit the ball with your hands and try to get someone else from the waist down to get them out. 

 

 It's a fun but dirty game.

 

 Even the girls jumped in to play which basically consisted of standing there trying to not get hit. But they still managed to get dirty somehow. At least my girls did...no surprise there.

 Then the scouts did a program and passed out awards

 Each den was responsible for doing a skit. Our boys choose to tell a few jokes

 And sang a song.

They ended the program with giving a final Pledge of Allegiance to an old flag. Then we stool in silence while the flag was folded up and burned. It was actually a touching moment thinking about the flag's meaning and this great country that so many have fought for and died for.

Back to Branson

A few days after school ended we went to Branson for our 2nd time this year.

We stopped at Branson Landing and watched the water fountains shooting off to the song "Living on a Prayer." Craig took the kids to the front and they enjoyed the view and the water mist on them.

We spent 2 full days at Silver Dollar City. We got season passes this year so this time we went with some good friends of ours. The kids were excited having friends to do the rides with. We did a lot of rides and I didn't get pictures of them all but did use the I-phone to capture some memories.

Austin and Mikayla are pro's at Thunderation now. In fact, Austin says it really isn't even scary anymore. They did this roller coaster 2 times each day we were there.

Riding the swinging ship which I will admit went a lot higher than I expected!

Macy and Brooklyn on the Carosel

The swings were a popular ride this trip

Mikayla and me on the swings. She loved them! I tolerated them though I am learning that I don't really enjoy the spinning rides. If I'm not careful they will make me sick.

Craig took Austin, Mikayla, and Brooklyn on The Lost River. They all came off soaking wet but even Brooklyn was happy and loved it! 

Mikayla always jumps at the opportunity to help and sit with the younger kids on the little kid rides. She enjoys that kind of thing.

Austin was a good sport too and did the same (but tried to avoid the picture taking).

Austin and me tried out the Wildfire Roller Coaster. We were told that it only had 2 loops but it had more like 6 loops. But we both loved it!!

So the 2nd day at Silver Dollar City we convinced Madeline who was also now a "pro" at Thunderation to try it. She was so scared but loved it too.

And since there was no line we did it a 2nd time.

The first day at Silver Dollar City we ended with the log ride and since there was practically no line they rode it at least 3 times. Even Brooklyn! They were soaked!! 

And the 2nd day we took Jax with us to ride it.

We attempted to ride the Powder Keg roller coaster a couple times the 1st day but either the line was really long or it was temporarily closed due to rain/lightning. So it was our first stop the 2nd day and had no line so we rode it twice in a row. I was worried how Mikayla would do since Thunderation was the only big roller coaster she had done. And she was scared the first time but when it was done she was the first one to ask to do it again!

More swing time.....this time Mikayla rode with her friend's grandma.

 And yes, this little cutie came too. She was the observer of all things and was a great sport!
 

We had a great time! Can't wait to go back!

End of School Wrap-Up

 Our neighbor Jackson comes over most mornings before school until it is time to catch the bus. So Mikayla gets to enjoy a little extra friend time before the school day begins.

 One day Austin's friend Ryan came home after school and they discovered this turtle in our neighborhood which they wanted to keep so bad but finally agreed to take it to a large pond in town.

 Mikayla with some friends at "Super Kids Day"

 Tug-O-War with another 1st grade class. Kayla's class won (she is 2nd from the back of the rope).

 Enjoying shaved ice at "Super Kids Day"

 Austin's class got to bring sheets from home and create a Mega-Tent the last week of school and had a pizza party along with chips and dip. Super fun!

 Mikayla had Mrs. Boyle for 1st grade and loved her! She was excellent!

Austin had Mrs. Graham for 3rd grade and she was also awesome! My kids both really lucked out with the teachers they got this year. On the last day of school, Austin's friend came over to play and the first thing he said was "Did Austin tell you?" After doing a little digging Austin finally told me that he got a girlfriend the last day of school. Apparently one of the girls in class asked him if she could be his girlfriend and he said yes. Since it's a girl I don't know and now it's summer, I guess that relationship will have to be on hold. Haha!

Piano Recital

 Austin and Mikayla have been taking piano lessons from their Grandma Vicki and performed in their 1st piano recital in May along with their cousins.

 Austin performed The Secret Agent by Kevin Olson and in true Austin form walked straight up to the piano focused, performed his piece, and sat right back down without looking at the audience. He did a great job learning this song which was rather difficult for him so I was super proud of him.

Mikayla performed Piccolo Pete by Mark Nevin and while she was sitting in her chair waiting for her turn I could tell she was super excited. And in true Mikayla form she walked up to the piano and while she was playing she looked over at the audience couple times and smiled. That girl loves an audience!! I was super proud that she got her song memorized and performed it well...with a smile!!