A day at the Dam

We have not been kneeboarding at the  Owyhee Dam for a couple of years. Kefford has pretty light days typically on Mondays and so we decided to take advantage of that and head out to the Dam. Trevor was in charge of getting the boat out there for us and we were meeting him and Keffords Uncle Brad out there with his family. When we got there we discovered that Trevor brought the old boat and it only had the tube in it. No kneeboards, no water skis. Oh well, we made do and had a fun day. I went on the tube first with Avynlea and Rylee. I literally had to pull Rylee off the boat and onto the tube because she was trying to chicken out. Wouldn't you know that that was the last time she had to be talked into going on the tube. She loved it and never wanted to come off of it. I am so amazed with how comfortable in the water she has become this summer. At one point we were docked at the beach waiting for something and I turn to see Rylee in her life jacket doggie paddling by herself out into the middle of the Dam. Seriously! I love it and I love seeing all of the kids enjoy the water.

Kefford went on the tube with Kenedy and her friend Emilee Brugger. They wanted the driver to go slow and so Kefford was not thrilled with that ride. 

Finally Kefford got to go by himself and the driver, Brad, could go as fast as he wanted. I was not on the boat at this time but I enjoyed hearing all about the daredevil tricks Kefford liked to perform.

He finally got flipped off and even loved that!

Of course Rylee managed to talk herself back onto the tube with Brad and Liam.

Definitely a fun day out on the Dam!

Some Summer Randoms

The kids took swimming lessons again this year and while I am pretty sure I got everyone on video, apparently I did not get everyone on camera. I did get Avynlea and Rylee showing some tricks on still frame and I think it is because of all four kids these two showed the most improvement from last year. Last year Rylee could hardly even put her face in the water and had to be pushed off the diving board. This year she was jumping off the diving board and swimming all over the place. Avy was doing fun tricks off the board and showing how much she loved the water.

Kefford found a comfy, for him, position on the stairs and Avynlea and Ryker had a need to join him. 

In preparation for trek the kids had a dance clinic to learn pioneer dances. At that time my calling was Trek Photographer and so I was at the activity capturing images on camera. Here are two of Kenedy I took with her two best friends. She is definitely not afraid of the camera. :)

Kenedy and Emilee Brugger

Hannah Blackburn and Kenedy

Kindergarten Celebration

The time has finally come! My baby is graduating kindergarten, I cannot believe it. It is going to be so different not having a kid tagging along with me on my errands. I am definitely not complaining, just contemplating how life is going to be a bit different for me. hmmmm

So on the last day of school I went over to the elementary school for Rylee's Kindergarten graduation. I was manning the video camera and had Kenedy take all of the pictures. She took some random ones but overall did a pretty good job.

The kids marched into the library to the beat of the "pomp and circumstance", so cute, they were wearing adorable, paper, graduation caps and looked a little nervous. After a little speech given by her teacher, Mrs. Leach, the kids sang some really cute songs which I am happy that I got on video. Adorable!

I spent most of the year driving a little boy in her class home, his name is Tevin and Kenedy always thought he was adorable. She took a couple pictures of him.

After all f the singing The "diplomas" were handed out and my baby was now officially a first grader!

I love this picture of Rylee, a typical expression of hers that just thrills me!

One of Rylee's favorite friends, Makenna.

Her teacher Mrs. Leach who was a fabulous Kindergarten teacher.

Rylee's other favorite friend, Maryn.

As always, on the last day of school is a school wide picnic. I brought lunches for the three kids, Kenedy was with her Grandma, and only managed to get pictures of the two girls. Ryker was too busy running around with friends and enjoying his freedom from school.

Crazy to believe that I now have kids in 8th, 5th, 3rd and 1st grades. Where does the time go? The other day Kefford and I were talking about the kids and vacations and things we wanted to do with them and Kefford mentioned that Rylee will most likely be out of the house in 12 years. That just completely stopped me, written down it seems so long but hearing it spoken made me realize how short that time is and it will go quick. The kids are growing up fast!