Scouthaven

The last load of laundry is in the dryer marking the official end of cub scout camp for this year.  And, once again, Tyler had a blast... not sure I can say the same for Dan, but overall it sounds like he was a good sport.

Now that Tyler is a bear, he can officially whittle.  He earned some sort of designation that allows him to carry his knife at scouting events.  I'm not sure how I feel about that and may hide it back up in the cupboard.  He is still my little boy!

Archery was another big hit this year.  I'm told he shot 25 arrows yesterday morning and aims really well.

They also did all sorts of things with Nature Mary.  I like the bird feeder.

I hope Tyler got his fill of the other critters at camp, because none of them are welcome in our home.

I hear that Tyler had  bit of a wipe out on the bike, but he hasn't told me about it so he must have recovered decently.

I think the S stands for Scouthaven.  Either that or Tyler needs to repeat Kindergarten.

I was pleased to hear that Tyler jumped right in the lake this year to take the swim test and swam the first lap strong... then he touched seaweed and it was all over.  Oh well, he got red which allowed him to do the water activities that were important.  It was a huge leap for him to get in the lake at all.

They did have some rain this year, hence the funny looking rain pants, but overall it sounds like they stayed dry.  They didn't stay warm.  Next year I will pack winter hats.  Brr!

They had bonfires... and s'mores!  Without me!

Yesterday was family day so Ryan, Grandma, Grandpa and I made the trek to camp.

Ryan missed his brothers.

We got to see Tyler shoot the bb guns.

A picture of our campers.

Home sweet home for 4 days and 3 nights.  

And, then for the family activities.  

Ryan joined in on the fun with a little help from Dad.

Riding horse on a hockey stick??

He was having a blast.

And, having Grandma there made it extra special.

Here is the group that lasted through Sunday afternoon.  I'd say they had already lost 4 campers or so.

 The countdown to next year has begun!!  What's that??  Did you hear Dan groan?

New Toy

While I love my original camera, there were times where it wasn't appropriate to lug it along... so I got a new toy!!

Isn't it tiny?  This little camera has full functionality in a very small package.  Check out the flash!

To give you an idea of just how small it is, here is my original camera.

I think the small camera does a pretty good job.  Not quite as nice as the big camera, but I think I'd be upset if it did that well.  Here is a sample.

It is perfect to bring along to amusement parks and such.  And, this is actually the old model so hopefully in September I will buy the new model and it will be even better.  Love it, love it!!

Eternal Flame x2

Someplace as cool as the eternal flame deserves a second trip.  We'll probably end up there at least once more before winter hits.  I love it!  And, so did Grandma and Grandpa.

Forest Lawn Cemetery

While Tyler and Dan headed out to cub scout camp, my parents and I went for a cemetery tour.  Mom and I have done this before, but Dad was in for a treat!!  Forest Lawn Cemetery is a treasure for sure.  I can't wait to go back.  Hearing the stories is fascinating and there are so many!  I wish there was a way to go back in time 100 years just to see what it was like.  

Everywhere you look there are pieces of sculpture and interesting headstones.  The whole place is full of rolling hills, curving roads and stories of amazing lives.  I wasn't sure if I should be taking lots of pictures so I don't have many.  Next time I will take more pictures for sure.  

This mausoleum was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, but not built until 2004.  It is beautiful.

Penn Dixie

We have to do everything that there is to do somewhat locally so that meant we had to go check out the Penn Dixie site.  And, what is that you might ask??  Well, it is a dusty hot pile of gray rock.  See??

This rock used to be at the bottom of an ocean so fossils are everywhere.  The boys found lots.

And lots.

Some day someone will be excavating in our yard and will find these fossils.  The signs of a boy mom who can only put up with so many pieces of earth in her house.  Sorry boys... finding them was the treasure.  

At least Daddy played along.

Lets check that one off our list.

Wise Woman Ceremony

On Sunday, June 23rd my cousin Jennifer arranged a surprise ceremony to honor our aunts.  I'll admit that I knew about it ahead of time and was really worried about it.  I was pleasantly relieved that it was a very nice ceremony of honor.  She had originally called it a Croning Ceremony, but called it a Wise Woman Ceremony on the day of the event... a wise choice indeed although I was sure to tell my mom that she was just crowned an "Old Crone."  Ha ha!!

It truly was a nice event that began with the aunts being smudged by my cousin Betsy and sister-in-law Alisa.

I had never seen a smudging before, but essentially is was like walking through incense.

Here is Aunt Toni.

Aunt Phyllis

Aunt Mary with Aunt Jeanie behind her.

The pieces of the ceremony.

Jennifer did a wonderful job honoring our moms/aunts, and those who came before us.

My Aunt Phyllis with daughters Jennifer and Betsy, plus granddaughter Madeline.

By the end of the ceremony, each was crowned, wrapped and staphed.

Aunt Jeanie.

Aunt Mary.

Aunt Toni.

 

This is my Uncle Jim's wife, Eve.

I love this picture of my cousin.

Aunt Phyllis.

This picture of my mom cracks me up.  I hope this means she, and everyone else, enjoyed this.

Aunt Connie.

 Here they all are... ready for their debut on Survivor!!

I hope these women know how much they are loved and appreciated.