Melena is 14 today!

HaPpY BiRtHdAy MeLeNa!!!

I can't keep up!

I try to post everyday but I can't seem to keep up with it. We finished up with school last week. I'm not used to having the kids home from school so soon. Ethan in in a football camp this week and next week the kids are starting a bunch of fun activities. Camryn is going to learn tumbling and cheer leading and swimming. Ethan will be doing swim team, soccer and basketball. Melena is just going to be chilling out. She is not much of a joiner. She has girls camp coming up soon. Oh yes she turns 14 tomorrow. It's hard to believe. Just a quick update.

Little Bighorn Battlefield

On the drive we saw this mother antelope with her baby.

This monument represents the Native Americans who were present at Little Bighorn.

This is the area where General Custer

fell during the battle of Little Bighorn

Ethan listening to the story of the battle at

Little Bighorn. He really enjoys history.

Camryn was getting bored. She is not much of a history buff.

She would rather be out making history that listening to it.

The girl has got to move.

A herd of horses that were at the Little Bighorn Battlefield property. I thought that Pam Shofkom would enjoy them.

This tree was on the drive between the different sights of interest at Little Bighorn Battlefield. I thought that it created an interesting picture. I took it - not Melena. It was one of the times she let me handle the camera.

Kindergarten Promotion

My sweet little Kindergartner has just become a big 1st Grader. Today was Kindergarten Promotion. Camryn's teacher, Miss Terret celebrated their promotion in their classroom. She had the class sing a bunch of songs that they had learned throughout the year and then she presented each of the children a certificate and a little scrapbook with a page dedicated to each child. It was really nice.

Miss Terret's Kindergarten class.

Camryn getting her certificate and scrapbook.

Camryn with Miss Terret

Ethan finished up his elementary school career this year as well. The school didn't do anything special for the 5th graders. They did have a fun day the last day of school.

Ethan with Mrs. Breeden his 5th grade teacher.

8th Grade Promotion

Today is the day, I can't believe has finally arrived. Melena has graduated from middle school and will be starting high school in the fall. How did the time pass so quickly. It seems like she was just starting kindergarten. Even worse she takes driver's ed next year.

Receiving her certificate of graduation.

Decorations for Melena's Promotion. The theme was "Let's Get Tropical"

Melena in her new dress.

Kindergarten Field Trip to Colstrip

The kindergarten class got to go on a field trip today around the town of Colstrip. It was exhausting climbing on and off the bus, herding a passel of 5 and six year old children around and keeping everyone in line and safe. You really have to appreciate what teachers can accomplish in a day.

Colstrip Police Department and Jail.

Colstrip Fire Department - checking out the fire truck.

The Fire Chief is standing in the background.

At the bank learning about the drive-thru window and everything that happens at the bank.

Hanging out and waiting to see a tour of Town Hall. We are a town not a city.

Lunch at the park and a half hour of play time as we wait until it is time to go to our last stop. Camryn is eating with her friend Bridger whom she also goes to church with.

Our final stop at the Colstrip Bicentennial Library where they got to hear two stories read to the by the Librarian.

Father and Son Campout

This weekend was the East Billings Stake father and son camp out. They went camping at a place west of Billings. It was about 3 hours from Colstrip. Kyle and Ethan headed out for the camp-out after school got out friday afternoon.

Hanging around the campsite with the other campers

Saturday morning they went on a five mile hike.

The man in the picture was the guide.

This was their one and only rest they took while hiking.

Mountains in the background.

The hike concluded when they reached the waterfall.