SOS 2013

Another summer and another installment of SOS, Summer of Service.  Here we go!

Week #1: We gathered socks, granola bars, hard candy and water and compiled 115 packets for our families to pass out to the homeless as we see them.

Week #2: Donations and a tour of Arapahoe House in Westminster.  This particular treatment center is focused on pregnant moms and their unborn or recently born babies.  We donated numerous diapers, blankets, outfits, wipes and bottles.  They in turn gave us a tour of the facility and educated us on what they do for women and their babies under one. 

Week #3: We met at the new Thornton City Park where we distributed popsicles to all the "players!" Two pictures so we could get all the kids that came to pass popsicles out!  It was hot and awesome!   

Week #4: We donated any unwanted books that were in good condition to two local libraries.  We also created bookmarks to donate.  When we were finished one of the older children read some books to the younger children while they ate a delicious treat.  

Week #5: We went FISHing in Broomfield! Rather, we donated just over 118lbs of food and toiletry items to the FISH food bank.  We also took a tour of their building and learned about the services they provide the community.  Amazing how many people they serve each day.  

Week #6: We sang children's songs to the residents of Broomfield Skilled Nursing and Rehab center. 

It was another amazing summer of service.  

I'm grateful for the people that joined me in our adventures each week as we try to teach the next generation to value serving others.   

Mueller State Park

The pictures are pretty self explanatory!  We went camping to Mueller State Park just West of Colorado Springs and had a fantastic two days.  We went with the Busch, Gibson, Holland and Thornton families.  Yup, that would be 24 people; 14 kids 13 and under! We typically get rained on and at least one kid throws up.  We thought we'd get away with it this year seeing that Cory and Tiffany were good luck charms.  Well, they left at 8pm on Saturday night and the rains came and the puke began.  See if we ever let them leave early from camping ever again!  However, it didn't last long and it wasn't my kid throwing up, so...a great camping experience when it comes down to it!

4th of July

For some reason, every year, our 4th of July is awesome.  We usually do some shopping, eat good food, play and watch fireworks.  This year didn't fail! We went to the mall for fun and then went to see Despicable Me 2, followed by a BBQ with the Holland's and fireworks with the Holland's and our new friends the Krause's.  Kedzie provided most of the children and adults with "beautiful" face painting and we simply had a great day.  Grateful to live in this beautiful, free country.  

Lounge chairs for our movie!

Alex painted his own face.  Shocked, I know!

New neighbors, Brody and Cooper, Alex, Kedzie and Ethan

Kedzie and Cooper. BFF's

And the patriotism continued on into the next day!  Alex is proud to be an American!  

Oh my...

Oh my, what a summer!  It is flying by.  I can't believe this is the last full week of July!  I wasn't sure if I would be able to say this was the best summer or an over-done summer.  At this point in time, I'll have to say it's the best.  We've done math, reading, bike riding, plays, soccer, camping, hiking, playing with friends (probably not enough) and many other things.  We've hardly had time to breath let alone get bored and that's just how I like it!  However, the thought came to me the other night that once the kids go to school, I think I'll be bored! Gonna have to work on that!

Two separate weeks this summer, my kids were involved in "Backstory Theater" productions. Ethan was THE Frog Prince in the show The Frog Prince and did an amazing job.  Kedzie was a dolphin named, Hector in the production of The Little Mermaid.  She had so many lines, and remembered each one.

They were gone four hours a day and had a blast. Then, the big show was on the last evening on a real stage.  I thought they were both perfect!  I'm grateful for the opportunity my kids have to grow in personal strength and character through this program.  It's fun for all!