High Adventure For Two!!!

Now that Amanda can babysit, Doug and I can actually go out on dates together. What a wonderful life-stage to be in! Usually we go to the movies &/or out to eat. Not much else to do right now because it is too hot for most outdoor activities. Saturday, we (I mean I) decided to be spontaneous and brave the elements. We decided to go tubing down the Stanislaus River. Why not? We have the tubes, the baby-sitter, and a super hot day.

After a few minutes (I mean moments) in the river, we realized that the Illinois streams and lakes had not prepared us for the CA mountain rivers. Brrrrrrrr!!!! That water is COLD!!! With our inter tubes under us and our canoe paddles in hand, we headed down the river. It was a wonderful afternoon, even though we spent much of our 4 1/2 hour tour spinning in circles because of the winding and unpredictable current and also because of our crazy paddling techniques, fending off trees and approaching shorelines with our paddles, and laughing at each other. The scenery was beyond words, the water was crystal clear, and the company was priceless. The rapids were mild, which was a blessing in disguise. I so enjoyed our "high adventure" and look forward to another run at it within the near future. As for Doug, he can't wait for our next date of dinner and a movie!!!!


We meant to take a few pictures when we finished our run, but we were to numb to stand or walk straight. :)

GUESS WHO'S HOME!!!!

Amanda is home-alive and well. Well, alive and filthy! In my opinion, she definitely earns the badge for the dirtiest camper. I thought that she had gotten a great tan, but no, she was just covered in dirt from her head to her toes. Her long, blonde hair hadn't been shampooed since she left. I think that showers were an option if you didn't have anything better to do. Apparently, she found tons to do. :)


Not only was she dirty, all of her belongings were caked with dirt as well. She saved every half used water bottle, every candy wrapper, kleenex, and ??? from the week. I think that she got confused between the trash can and her duffel bag. :)


In all seriousness, it is great to have her home again. She had a wonderful time and met so many great new friends. Several of them actually live in our town, but attend Oakdale 2nd ward. She has been a "chatterbox" all afternoon as she retells all of the events of her first year at camp. It is fun to hear her stories. She is already looking forward to camp next summer and a reunion of all of her new friends some time soon.

WELCOME HOME, AMANDA!!! WE MISSED YOU!!!

By the way, I have been renamed 'dude' and everything is 'sweet' or it 'rocks'. Oh, and the picture doesn't tell a thousand words. In the picture, she actually appears much cleaner than she actually was in real life.

AMANDA'S OFF TO GIRLS' CAMP

Today Amanda left for a week-long girls' camp in the mountains. She was so excited about going to camp. She woke up this morning at 4:45 to ??????. I don't really know what she was doing, because I was still sleeping. :)

I dropped her off at the church this morning to get checked in, and then she rode on a charter bus to camp. Tears were shed as the bus pulled away. Mine, not hers. Good thing I was wearing sun glasses. The more seasoned moms were laughing and dancing. I will practice that for next year.

It will be so weird to not have her here this week. This is the first time that she will be away from home for more than a day at a time. I know that she will have a great time and enjoy every minute. For her, the time will fly. For me, I don't know! Is this what "empty nesters" go through, or am I just overly protective? Yikes!!!!

To help me de-stress, I must find something to organize! Wait!!! All of my closets and cabinets have recently been organized. Let me know if you have any organization projects that can be a part of my therapy program! :) Oh, I could start in Amanda's room! Hurray!!!!!

STEPHIE-THE FOUR-YEAR OLD FISH

Today at the pool, Stephanie decided to try to swim to Mom without wearing her arm floaties. After several successful tries, she decided to try her new skill in the deep end. She bravely jumped off the diving board to Mom, and then she swam to the ladder. She spent most of her pool time jumping off of the diving board. She was so excited and proud of herself. It is hard to believe what a difference a day can make. She now calls herself "a little fish".

TERRIFIC TRIO

For Father's Day, we surprised Doug with these fun pictures of the kids! It is amazing how fast the kids are growing and changing. ENJOY!