SCOUT CAMP!

Steve is our ward's scoutmaster and had the privilege of going to Camp Napowan for his 5th year.  Because he has gone multiple times, he knows the camp--its schedule and layout, and has figured out how to help the boys be as successful and efficient as they can.  Four of the 7 boys earned 11 merit badges during the week!  Unbelievable!

 To avoid doing swim checks on Sunday, they drive up EARLY Saturday morning, get set up, do swim checks, and play.  For the last 2 years, this handsome man pictured above has coordinated us hanging out with a group from Arlington Heights for some added fun.  He is also Steve's partner in crime.  Luckily they get along because he and Steve got to be the leaders of this scout camp as well as varsity scout camp that was held a mere week after this one at Camp Tomahawk four hours further north in Wisconsin.  

Water balloon launchers - they can leave a welt!

Evan is working with the "Mayor" in leather working.

The boys work, work, work at night around the campfire, weaving baskets, writing reports, etc.  This is the secret to earning so many badges.  Utilize every minute!

Early morning observations for Environmental Science

Flag Raising ceremonies

Rifle Shooting

Digging for minnows (not a merit badge, but added to the fun)

Public Speaking

More working around the campfire at night

Canoeing

First Aid

Waiting to jump in and turn clothes into life preservers...

Steve's Policy: When you finish a merit badge, you have to raise your hands in the air and declare to the camp "I just finished  my _____ merit badge!"

One of the greatest things about scout camp is that these boys learn they can do things they never thought they could.  I believe scouting is one way young men these days learn how to do hard things.

Troop 68

Steve was so proud of these young men!  As we were going through the hundreds of pictures he took and he was talking about each shot, he would get emotional and then I would get emotional.  What a unique moment to see the love my sweet husband has for these good boys.   The week, of course, didn't go without challenges.  Three boys got sick and one (my son) threw up all over the tent.  To everyone's credit, the boy who got his sleeping bag creamed didn't yell or get mad.  Everyone was kind, polite, supportive, and worked hard.  Steve's planning on doing it all over again next year!

Youth Conference

Who's Your Hero?

 Steve and I got to be a "ma" and "pa" for a group of young men and women from our stake.  Now, I love being a mom and mothering, so to be given 12 terrific and fun teenagers and be told that I get to mother them for 48 hours, was a blast!  I had phenomenal kids, too.  We had older ones who were leaders and engaged the younger ones.  We had funny, calm, sweet, smart, humble, and strong kids.  They were a terrific mix.  Our first day, we got to be taught by "King Benjamin" who introduced the theme of "Who's Your Hero?".  We got to have devotionals, listen to speakers, sing, dance, act, learn about Indexing, mark a set of scriptures (Braxton has already given his away to a girl learning about the gospel now), and have a testimony meeting.

 Team building exercises were actually quite fun.  Here's a spider web where the kids had to help talk each one through the labyrinth.  We actually got 4 kids through!  Only group there!

 Some of our girls were hula-hooping maniacs!

 This was no challenge, just our kids wanting to do something together.  Do you see Steve 2nd one from the right on the bottom?  Oh, yeah!  The Birdites ruled!

I miss these kids.  We got to have the 5 boys sleep at our house.  Grandma Bird took our own kids, so that they wouldn't be a distraction.  We were up for hours eating ice cream, solving riddles, telling stories and jokes, and having a great time.  I wish we could have had the girls, too.  I needed another day with them to feel like I was ready for the Youth Conference to be over.  

I have seen a few of my "kids" since then and love it when they yell, "Mom" from the other side of the store.  I know it's ridiculous, but I really fell in love with these kids faster than I thought possible.  One of the most awkward moments, but funny moments was when the DJ at the dance had the kids find their "parents" and dance around them to Bruno Mars' song, "Amazing".  I think my heart grew 2 sizes during that song. :)

Red Oaks Nature Center

 While Steve was gone to scout camp AGAIN, we decided to explore a new preserve with some hiking trails (really they're walking trails).  BUT, we all had a good time and did something new.

 When Steve and I were dating, I learned that Steve loves bridges, so every time I see one, I think of him.  Our little expedition sure made me miss my hubby!

 We all learned that Evan is pretty good at skipping rocks!

The girls loved all the wild flowers.  I was able to bring home an entire bouquet's-worth squished in my pocket. 

 I love hanging back and hearing their conversations.  It's amazing for me to watch them grow and develop into people with thoughts, opinions, interests, and actual knowledge.  The best is to see them be friends.

 At a certain spot, we had a few frogs serenading us.  They were fascinating!

 Evan is quite the birder.  He is able to identify many different birds by sight and by their call.  He really is amazing!  I don't know enough to check his facts, but he presents it with such confidence, that it sounds good. :)  Above we/he spotted a hairy woodpecker.  Awesome!

 There is a cave at the base of a hill near the water.

 Inside the cave....

 So...this was my favorite bridge.  The kids are here observing the frogs and damselflies and fish.  Fascinating.  I couldn't resist a chance to take a few snapshots and the kids couldn't resist posing. :)

These kids are so dang cute!

The Lemonade Stand

I'm a mean mom (I like to call it practical or realistic, but some may say "mean") and for the last few years, whenever my children have asked to do a lemonade stand, I've just said, "maybe later."  Then later has never come.  Well, it happened.  My children decided to have a lemonade stand (even though I kept telling them they'd probably not make any money--see, I'm practical).  They made the signs, decided on their logo--tweety bird, and the magic appeared.  It was hot!  Kids weren't playing outside, but we had some phenomenal neighbors drive by and stop to purchase the lemonade.  My children made over $4.00 that afternoon.  Thank you to the teenage boy in the black jeep, the family from around the corner, my neighbor who told them to keep the change, and the man with change in his car. It was a fun for me to watch them handle their business with me inside enjoying the air conditioning while I folded laundry and cleaned the kitchen.

Happy July 4th!

 I LOVE the 4th of July!  This holiday was no exception, except that the heat was nearly unbearable!  We started the day off with our annual ward breakfast/flag raising/games.  

 Evan and Carter were asked to help with the flag ceremony and Evan lead us in the Star Spangled Banner.

 The water balloon toss helped cool us off--some were refreshed sooner than they'd hoped. :)

 For the 3-legged race, Steve and Lizzie cheated a bit, but did VERY well.

 Emma and cute Hailey were doing great until their string broke.

 Our Tug-of-War was Primary v. the rest of the ward.  Yep!  We won!  Our Youth are Strong!

 Emma was the representative from the primary for the pie eating contest.  She had some stiff competition!

 The parade.  Carter decided to take it on foot.

 Temperatures were in the triple digits this day, so the only place I wanted to be was in air conditioning or near water.  We ventured over to Phillips Park Aquatic Center in Montgomery and had a great time along with many, many, many, many, many others trying to stay cool.

 The girls have watched me make superheroes in the sand for the boys, so...Emma requested Wonder Woman.  This was my best attempt, but I love how Lizzie decided to photo bomb with curly bunny ears while her sister can't open her eyes or do anything about it.  :)  Sneaky girl!

 (My favorite picture of the day!)

 My attempt at a cute phenomenon I found on pinterest.  Layered drinks!!!

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 It went great with my layered jello salad!

We stayed in the house until right before fireworks were going to start to keep Grandpa and Grandma out of the heat.  But this year we joined our neighbors who've extended an invitation for the last few years to meet up with them at their "base" (RV) at a Plainfield High School.  It was great!  The kids found friends to run around with.  The potluck treats were delicious and the show was spectacular!  What a way to celebrate our freedom and blessed nation!

Museum of Science and Industry

Free Day at Museum of Science and Industry!!!  I couldn't pass it up!  Typically free days are horrendous, but we decided to brave it because this is not only my favorite museum, but it's the kids' favorite as well.  I am amazed that out of the numerous times I have gone, I still find something new.  

Of course, we can't pass up the circus area where our shadows control the dropping color blots...

 or the fun mirrors.

 I am so glad we decided to stop at the U-Boat exhibit.  We got to see the actual German U-Boat that had violently hunted numerous American and Allied ships.  It is now the only German sub in the U.S. and now, a national memorial to the 55,000 American sailors who gave their lives on the high seas in

WWI and WWII.  Maybe in a few years, we'll actually pay the money to go IN it.  Maybe.

 All of us got to drive a submarine simulator and try to keep it level as we dropped towards the ocean floor.

 STORMS!  Emma helped control the tornado.

 She also was fascinated by the baby chicks in the Genetics Room.  Evan, who typically gravitates towards this area and calls himself a "chick magnet" was more interested in the cloned frogs--and we heard about it all the way home. :)

 The YOU Exhibit never ceases to amaze me.  The human exercise wheel is a blast!

 The kids love dancing by this wall and watching their moving silhouettes.

 Carter won the Mind Relaxation game.  He's totally cool, calm, and collected.

Can't wait to go back!  Seriously one of the best parts of living here in Chicago!