Caoch Borgmann on the last day of camp gave each participant an award for their achievements and improvements over the course of the camp. Cara was in the group of 4th, 5th and 6th graders. Coach Borgmann made a comment that Cara continues to improve in her skills and hustle while adding inches to her height.
Cara wished the volleyball camp would have lasted longer, but all good things must come to an end. Now she is looking forward to fall volleyball.
The kids all played in a small kiddie area in the museum. Then I took each of their pictures with this astronaut cut-out.
The traveling exhibit right now at the museum was an exhibit of John Wayne. John Wayne never served in the US armed forces, but he played a military acting role in many films. This area may have been my favorite.
After walking through two hangers of numerous airplanes and space capsules, the kids and I had enough. Keith could have stayed much longer and read the signs about each aircraft, but the kids were bored.
The kids loved looking at the vehicles in the parking lot to see what state everyone was visiting from. They did the same thing at the campgrounds.
Our campsite was close to the bathrooms and partially shaded. The weather was HOT, HOT, HOT. Everyday the temperature was in the upper 90's with the heat index over 100. Good thing that the camper had air conditioning. We took all of the bikes so that we could explore the trails in the park. We also took walks on a 6-mile trail loop the park has set up. During our walks we saw wild turkeys and a few deer.
The kids insisted that we try out the paddle boats. Justin and I rode in one paddle boat with Keith and the girls in the other. Justin's boat was faster but harder to steer. It was so hot and humid that the kids couldn't wait to get off of the boats.
The state park also had a water park which we all thought was AWESOME. The water park had a wave pool, regular pool, kiddie area, and slides. Plus, you only had to be 36 inches tall to go down the big slides. Justin and Ashlin thought this was the best because for once they were tall enough to go down the big slides. Their favorite area was the wave pool though. They all jumped waves for forever. Justin now loves to go under water since experiencing the wave pool. I don't have any photos from the water park because I feared for my camera.
Keith and Cara at the top of a 70 foot look out tower over the Platte River. We all (except for Ashlin) climbed to the top to look around.
These geese hung out around the small lake for the paddle boats. Justin and Ashlin fed them bread one morning and the geese would follow them around. But remember to watch where you walk!
This last Monday night Cara's team won the championship game 13-12. Unfortunately, we were gone on vacation and Cara missed the game. But, we heard that the game was exciting right down to the last out.
Erica's age group plays t-ball. Erica played on the green team which was sponsored by Insurance Associates. The t-ball teams do not keep score during the game. The program is pushing sportsmanship and learning fundamentals instead of winning and losing.
Both of the girls improved in fielding fundamentals and hitting skills as the season progressed. They learned to play many different positions because each inning you play a different position.
The girls played games twice a week. They played Monday nights and Wednesday mornings. I am glad their games were always back-to-back, but two hours at the ball field is still long to sit. We can hardly wait until next year when Ashlin can start playing and we will be at the fields for 3 hours each time.
Her coloring page is the middle picture on the top row. As a prize she received a whole bag of goodies from the library. Ashlin loves to color so a coloring contest was just right for her. Congrats Ashlin!
Take care,
Michelle
Holly took Cara, Erica, Kamree and Justin out on the paddle boat on the pond.
More paddle boat fun.
Kevin and Sandy also have a pool in their backyard which was a total hit because it was such a hot day. The kids were all loving the cool pool. Ashlin thought it was awesome that she could swim and also touch the bottom.
Erica helping Justin swim in the pool.
The street in front of the theatre was blocked off for the reception afterwards. The college had a tent set up to serve refreshments after commencement.
We were sitting up in the balcony so this photo isn't the best. But, Zac is about halfway back standing between two ladies. It took us awhile to spot him since we were so far away, but we were in the building. The graduating class was addressed by both a traditional student and a non-traditional student. Both students gave good speeches and so did the president of the college.
After graduation, we all had to pose for photos with the graduate. Zac posing with his dad, Randy, and his brother, Eli.
Zac with his Grandma and Grandpa Kliment. Zac received his teaching degree in history. He has to student teach the fall semester and then he will be a certified teacher.
Keith and Cara posing with Zac.
Some of these petunias, verbena and day lilies went to the fair. I took pink, burgundy, peach and yellow day lilies to the fair. If I would have had one more day, I also would have entered Easter lilies. But they didn't start to bloom until the morning after the fair started.
These pink snapdragons and the peach roses also were exhibited.
This hanging basket of petunias and some of these jumping violas went also.
I always snip off part of the vine and flowering clematis to exhibit.
The big pot of sweet potato vine and petunias, the smaller pot of the salmon geraniums and bocopa, and some of the dianthus carnations also went to the fair.
This photo is of her three sewing project items. She made a pincushion stuffed with coffee grounds, a drawstring laundry bag and a striped pillow. Cara received purple ribbons on all three items.
In her baking project, she took monkey muffins and chocolate chip cookies. She received purple ribbons on both entries. In flowers, she received blue ribbons on her cut annuals (verbena) and cut perennials (roses). On her terrarium she received a purple ribbon. Her water terrarium is also eligible to go to the State Fair. On her craft projects that she made on the project day last winter, she received 5 purples and 1 blue ribbon.
Justin looking at the chickens and the geese in the small animal building.
Cara practicing at rehearsal. She forgot her jean jacket for rehearsal. Cara's danced to the songs "She's A Bad Mama Jama" and "Oh Sheila". She is thinking of trying hip hop dance next year.
Ashlin danced to the numbers "Today Was A Fairytale" and "Be My Baby". Since rehearsal was the day of recital, many of the girls came to rehearsal with rollers in their hair. Ashlin didn't want to wear her rollers, but I knew she had to or her hair would be flat for recital.
Ashlin lighting a smoke bomb. She really enjoyed doing sliders that you just rub with the bottom of your shoe to ignite and crackle. She only gets to light a few small items.
We told Justin that he had to wear tennis shoes so that his feet would not get burned by the sparks or hot debris. He was so excited for the show to begin and couldn't wait for it to get dark outside.
Keith and Erica enjoying some of the pre-festivities in our driveway.
Part of Keith's stash of fireworks. He loves to blow stuff up.
The kids working on a sand creation. This occupied them for quite a while.
The kids love to play around with this inflatable boat. For a long time Keith floated around in it soaking up the sun and working on his tan. Ashlin and Erica are darker than he is.
Ashlin enjoying the lake. She would take her life vest on and off depending on what she was doing.
Justin running on the beach. He loves to swim in the water this summer. You will rarely find him outside without a pair of sunglasses on. He complains that the sun is too bright and that he can't see. He has been really responsible with his pair of sunglasses too.
Ashlin and Justin having fun in the water with Cara.
The opening lap is lead by the American Legion carrying the flags. Keith's uncle, Franny, carrying the American flag.
After the names are read of the cancer survivors present, the survivors lead the opening lap around the track to start the relay for the next 12 hours. People line the track and clap for all of the survivors. This photo is of Keith's aunt, Janice, and Randy's mother, Darlene, who are both cancer survivors.
Part of our team waiting to be announced and then walk a lap together for the lap of all of the teams. It turned out to be a pleasant evening for the walk this year.
Keith's uncle, Dan, was a contestant in the Mrs. Relay Contest. There were other gentlemen also dressed up raising extra funds for the event. They walked around and gathered more donations.
I purchased this sweet boy angel on a log during the auction that was held. I will find him a good spot to rest among some of my flowers. Keith's parents donated this lawn ornament for the auction. Next year, we will be in Creighton for the 11th annual walk.
