Roaring River 2021: Lessons Learned, Megan turns 16

 Last year we learned a few things about camping at Roaring River. 

1. Not all of the campgrounds are created equal. Campground One is where its at. We reserved a space a year ago!

How cool is this spot right by the river? You can pop your tube right in and ride the current down to the swimming hole. 

2. Renting a U-haul is just a good idea. The Flynns and Huffords are practically living life in tandem, so we went in on it together! No more minivan tetris with camping stoves, pets and offspring.

3. Catching my children playing with sticks will aways be my best reason for going camping. Its just important. 

4. Making epic fires is the second-best reason.

5. I love these humans more and more every day. And I miss my other 2 humans. 

6. "Going to see the hatchery" can and will turn into a 1.5 mile hike that maybe turns into a 3.5 mile hike when you get lost. Always wear good shoes. 

 7. If you pay attention, there are beautiful things everywhere.

Missouri has snake grass! 

8. Never pass up the opportunity to have a giant ice cream cone with your framily. 

9. If you are looking for a teenager, try the power source. 

10. Alexa...add BB guns to my shopping list.

11. Stop celebrating Megan's birthday in the woods. She's a good sport about it, but I can tell she isn't livin the dream. 

12. When tv and video games aren't an option, hat's will be made!

Hat's will be worn!

Pups will bask in the sun

And chords will be learned. 

13. Camping is good for the soul. 

Calling home

 I'm so glad we get to talk to Ethan every week! It would be so hard to not see him or hear from him except for Mother's Day and Christmas.

With Elder Sellick, his first companion and trainer

Elder and Sister Featherstone, Mission Presidents

Video calls home!

Getting into silly situations

Team teaching with the Sisters

Zone Conference

Service hours

His first baptism!

Mermaids

 Many extra chores were completed to earn the money to become summer mermaids!

SBL: Modern Art and French Bakery

 It's just me and my 4 artistic girls! We are going to make the most of it! Do you know how rare it is to have everyone interested in the same thing at the same time. 

Rare.

We've never been to Kemper Museum of Modern Art. But its free and we are gonna give it a go...we got nothin to lose. 

We were encouraged be the row of artistic heads we encountered on the walk from the parking lot. 

And it just kept getting better! 

The exhibits inside were interesting and...modern. 

But, in truth, the best things were outside. 

We finished the fieldtrip off with a stop at Tous Le Jours french bakery. We each chose a different flavor of macaron. I resisted the urge to get my favorite pistachio. But Megan already chose that one and so I was forced to select the Raspberry Lavender. We have to try the maximum kinds of flavors possible.

It's summer time!

help ME....help YOU...

I've traveled this road 5 times before. 

It's time to make a building to contribute to the 4th grade Sunnyside City. 

I have learned not to take over, guide, offer advice or contribute in any way beyond providing supplies.

Anna made a City Hall!

And then she cried.

Never Fear! Mama is here! And we have loads of foam paper left over from Megan's Papyrus Head Project (heretofore known as MPHP).

Love that happy smile! That's a City Hall even Mr. Nibbles can be proud of!

 

Socks and sketches

 There are two things I find all over the house. 

Socks.....

And sketches....

I'm open to a change in our sock to sketch ratio as the kids get older.

Presenting!!

 I give you the 2021 Summer Bucket List!