Break from Vacation updates - current updates!

I'll post more vacation stuff tomorrow, but I wanted to post these pictures I took here at home since we've returned.    These are the invitations we've been passing out to Lauren's birthday party at the end of the week.  She is having an ice cream theme - with an ice cream bar along with her cake.  So, appropriately we made ice cream bar card invitations.  I've seen these done many times - but usually a real ice cream stick is used.  We didn't have any so we made our own!  They turned out really cute.  When we deliver them, she asks them to "pick a flavor".

  Being a goof as always!

This is a picture I took that I thought just turned out really cute of the kids - unusual!  Our community recently lost a 22 year old in Afghanistan that was a graduate of Jason's High School.  They were asking people to line the streets in support of the family during the funeral procession.  I thought since all we had going that day was the pool, we should go.  It was very emotional.  He was buried at the National Cemetery with full military honors.  Please keep the Mahler family in your prayers.

And of course, the biggest event of this weekend was getting Jason ready for the National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) camp.  He is taking the "Pack and Paddle" course which means that in addition to having to schlep all his stuff all day, sleep in the woods, and create his own shelter, he'll also have to help carry the canoes overland as needed.  It will be a good lesson in endurance for him.  I'm hoping it will build his confidence and initiative.   It was amusing listening to Dave and Jason trying to pack up the bag efficiently.  Packing, unpacking, practicing how to protect it from rain....where did you put your sunscreen?  Why in the bottom of the bag?  What if you need it while walking?  On and on....for half the day.  But, his dad had him really ready for anything by the time he left!




Here he is all ready to go!  Going away a boy and coming home a little bit more manly!

Still looks like a little boy to me!  

  Back to vacation review tomorrow.


Susan