Show Me State Games

As Tim and I try to raise our kids, we want them to experience everything, but we also want them to know the importance of helping others.  I have volunteered at the Show Me Games for years and this year McKenzie joined me.  I loved having her there with me.  She wanted to help with soccer so we were out there bright and early before the first games began.  We were assigned to be court marshals.  Basically we watched the games and made sure nothing went wrong and no one needed anything. 

One of these teams was made up of prior MU soccer players.  That team was really good.  They won 10+ to 1.  I lost track after 10 goals.  The next game was better because it was more evenly matched. 

Church Camp #1

Last week McKenzie spent the week at Church Camp.  This is one of my all time favorite childhood memories.  I could not wait until camp started every summer.  It makes my heart so happy that McKenzie enjoys it and looks forward to going every year.

This is the row of girls cabins.  The windows were down due to the rain.  It is a very rustic camp and in the middle of now where.  But there is no better place to spend time with God.

Inside her cabin

Camp is full of all kinds of activities and games.

They had to work together to get the tarp to roll with them as they raced to the finish line.  McKenzie's cabin won.

Carter and I went to eat dinner with McKenzie one night. 

One of my childhood friends, Amy, was there with her new baby.  She was so little and so sweet.

My friend Amy and Baby, Bella Joy
Amy's parents were the camp directors the entire time I went as a kid and up through college.  Amy and I never missed a year.

This camp is where I met Tim.  One year he showed up the last night of camp and the rest was history.

Here piggy piggy piggy

Tim and a few of his friends went on a hog hunt in Arkansas in May.  Only three of the guys brought home a hog.  Tim's is the far right one.

Tim with his hog.

I think he is hooked.  He is already talking about what he wants to hunt next time.

Getting away!

Last weekend Tim and I took the kids to Branson for a long weekend.

Tim and Carter trying to be funny, cheesing for the camera.

my sweet girl.

On Friday we went to Silver Dollar City.  It was a hot one but we really enjoyed all the water rides.

McKenzie and Carter enjoying the new fireman's landing area.

Tim and McKenzie riding roller coasters.

They are the third row from the back - the two with their hands in the air.

One night we ate dinner at McFarlain's and were inducted into the rising table society.  It added some excitement to dinner.

What is a vacation without some swimming, ok lots of swimming?

We enjoyed dinner one night at Uptown Café.

yum, milkshakes!

a little Putt Putt competition.

I had lost touch with one of my dear friends from college about 9 years ago.  I found her a few months ago on Facebook.  She lives close to Springfield so we made plans to meet up while we were down there.  It was wonderful getting to see her and her family.

her daughter Calli and McKenzie

Carter and Kalan (her son)

My friend Lacy and myself

Summer school

Carter had his first day of Kindergarten summer school yesterday. He had a great day and enjoyed getting to go to "big school".

We went in yesterday and found the kindergarten classrooms but couldn't find Carter's name on any of the rosters.  I asked one of the teachers I knew and she told me to ask the office.  We went to the office and the secretary asked for his last name.  I shared and then she asked if it was "Timmothy"?   Oh shoot yes, yes it is.  He was on the roster as Timmothy and I didn't even think to look for that.  Another mom of the year moment ;)

Carter and his teacher Mrs. Blume.

What have I gotten myself into?



Tim is holding a deer mount for one of his friends who will be moving back here from Texas.  Carter thought it was pretty "awesome" and wanted it hung in his room.  He is sooooo proud of this little fella.

Why walk when you can skate?

Last week Shelly and Henry came for a visit.  One night after work we met them to go skating. 

Carter is going to be my speed skater.  He loves to skate fast.

Mom and Shelly resting

Shelly helping Henry get his barring's when he first started, but before we knew it him and Carter were all over the place on their own.  Those walkers are wonderful to give the kids their independence.

McKenzie was working on crossing her right foot over her left as she went around the corners.  It is fun to look back and see how far she has come since this skating trip.

Shelly asked if they would play, Walk like an Egyptian.  I wish I could post video of Shelly walking like an Egyptian. :)  It was very nostalgic to skate to, as that is one of the songs they always played when we used to skate as kids.