Went on a Field Trip with Heather to the Edge.

The entire sixth grade headed off the a place called the Edge.  I learned a few things - One, sixth graders have major attitudes.  Two, iphones are soul suckers and should never be put in an elementary school age childs hands.  There were so many selfies I couldn't keep track.  Three, don't go on an all day field trip when you have broken your toe.  Heather appreciated my efforts so it was worth it in the end.  Her favorite part was being in the woods when a herd of deer came through and the rope tower.  She was the first to climb in her group and went straight to the top - FEARLESS!

 

We Went "Mining" and mini golfing in Dulles.

It was a beautiful October day with mild weather and we took advantage of it and headed out to Dulles.  There is a mining area and putt-putt course.  They had a spectacular time and found a turtle as well.

I Ran to Alaska for the Weekend.

I went to a funeral to support a friend of mine for the weekend.  Off to Cordova Alaska I went!  The children were left with Eric for three solid days.  One of those days they were in school.  On Sunday I got an email from Trevor's teacher sending me the newsletter by email so that I could now receive all important documents that way.  I explained that I'd be back the next day.....so it wasn't necessary and thanked her for worrying about it.  I then found out Heather had been authorized to sign all of Trevor's homework forms because I was gone.  I found this very very comical.  Eric, however, was not amused.  When questioning the teacher further, I found out that all Trevor did was talk about how I was in Alaska and also mentioned that Eric was very busy and didn't have time to sign papers.  This made me laugh even more.  When questioning Trevor, we found out that he was so worried Eric wouldn't sign (P.S. it was for his good behavior so of course we would have) and he would miss out on a prize that he asked if Heather could do it. Its good to be missed!

First Day of School.

While Heather is now always ready for a photo opportunity, Trevor is not.  Heather is now in 6th grade, hates "sparkles, bright colors (ignore the shoes) and anything girly (ignore the skirt)".  Which makes her quite the joy to shop for.  Trevor is entering the 2nd grade and is still fish fish fish but now will supplement fish for anything camouflaged or skylander covered.

Labor Day was the Annual Camping Trip to Natural Bridge.

Eric didn't make it this year as the dog has become a bit much and can't be kenneled. So off to KOA the kids and I headed.  Upon arrival we found that the brand new cabins were just open and did we want to upgrade?  It had its own bathroom and kitchen and a gas grill.....umm YES.  Eric was not overjoyed to hear that we had our own bathroom on the one year he opted out.  We visited the zoo, the safari park and the Natural Bridge at night were we were treated to a laser light show and taught about creationism.  Heather and Trevor were not buying what they were selling so we left early - it also didn't help that the bugs as soon as the lights went dark started dropping on top of you and since you couldn't see what was landing it was quite freaky!  We had tons of fun and laughs.  They made new friends, sang karaoke, swam, and Heather and I even had a white tiger pee all over us.  Thank goodness I brought scented wipes.  Trevor was very proud of himself that he was not standing by us when the tiger said "hello".

This picture is my favorite photo of all time of Trevor.  He was so mad that I made him get in that llama hole. 

While Heather looks very bored roasting marshmallows they loved it.  We cooked our meals on the grill and fire.

Trevor told me this picture was essential and then proceeded to pose just so.  He cracks me up.

Pool is Finally Closed for Summer.

We closed out the summer with raft night.. We were the only ones who showed up with rafts which were really boats. so we had boat races.. The kids had a blast!