I was making cookies. I stepped away for a brief moment (probably to switch over laundry) and Chase shared with me that he had tried to clean up his mess. This mess consisted of somehow removing an egg from it's shell with only a small hole. Little magician.
Will and I had one hurdle to overcome before starting summer. This was a day surgery procedure ( on the morning of July 2nd) where they would take a scope of his digestion system to determine whether he was gluten intolerant. I tried to be a comedian and say we coordinated our outfits on this special day. I think he understood my vision.
The nurse offered him a warm sheet. As Will hesitated an answer I responded with, "Ooooh! you have to do it. It's amazing! You came for an experience right?!" And so he graciously accepted the offer.
After the procedure he was out of sorts. But quickly came back to his normal self.
He insisted on practicing his wheel chair skills before we left. I judge that they are lacking. It was comforting to come out to the warmth of the hot sun and know we had just conquered our hurdle.
In the afternoon of July 2nd, Logan departed to Youth Camp. He had a fun filled adventure in Waterton.
After Will was comfortable and Logan was delivered to his camp leaders ... the remaining kids and I started our drive down to Montana. But reminiscent of our 2013 summer, a tire issue held us up in DeWinton long enough that we were only able to make the trip as far as Cardston. I was grateful for the way it turned out though because we had one last visit and sleep in Great G & G Richards home before they moved out.
The next day I basically arrived at the lake, got the kids settled, slept, and the next morning left for Cardston to pick Logan up from the conclusion of his camp. I took my traveling companion Chase (because he such a good traveler - and terrible trouble when released from his harness :) He asked for a snack along the way. I thought this might work for a while.
We picked up Logan after a nice visit at G & G's and traveled south again. This time, I wasn't hauling a trailer of any sort so I drove Logan's pass. It was amazing how much snow was still up there.
And then, after an 8 hour day - we were back. All the family together. Chase found glasses and rarely removed them. I think he looks more professional.
The kids received a water Trampoline for their birthdays. It provided hours of entertainment.
Our entire energy and heart went into this summer project. We built a garage, with a 700 square foot bunkhouse in the woods on a lake. By my calculations, this project took shape in 7.5 - 10 to 12 hour days. It was an amazing learning experience and very exhausting. But we hope our short term pain will be worth a lifetime of family memories.
We camped ... as our way of living.
Of course, I was taken in by the majesty of the lake.
Chase wasn't thrilled with the deep water. So I made him a fun little space of his own to play in.
It was not all fun and games. I still had work to do. How does this look for an office view?
The boys went kayaking for 2.5 hours one afternoon. They came home with these beauties for me. They were the most hearty, rubbery, cartoon like flower. I've been told they are a water lily but I am not sure of their specific name.
This tent was our guest quarters. A big wind came up.... I'm not sure we can offer housing services any more.
This is the day Chase pushed Colby in the lake.
And the day we pulled out lego to play.
And the day we ate sheltered from a cool breeze coming off the lake.
Family games night. Including treats! It needed to happen more often than it did. But all good things come with time.
When it came to bathing. This boy received first class treatment: Warm water!
Mike came to visit. We gained many popular 'Mikeism' phrases as a result.
"Just don't worry about it"
"Jenn says you don't have to buy gluten free noodles"
We went on a hike with our most lovely neighbors. They are the most inspiring wonderful people. I want to grow up and be just like them.
Walking back; Colby, Logan, Josie, Ashley, Judy, Will and Hiker.
Bob carried Chase on his shoulders much longer than I think he should have. But they both loved it.
I set up a sprinkler one day to water the newly growing grass. It was the focus of a celebration.
Clothes and all.
This is what it looks like when you face plant in the mud.
How can you not adore summer?
