She's BAAACK! (Part One)

Well, folks!  It's been about 6 months since my last post.  Yikes!  Our family has been busy so it's about time I updated this blog!  Like they say, time goes by too quickly when you're having fun!

I will do my update in a few posts just because I have so much to share.
So, let's just dive right in, shall we?

Josh and Jake have been busy with all sorts of activities.

They both played on a winter basketball team and had a great time learning and playing.  Their team comprised of 10 boys: five 6th graders and five 5th graders.  They all had different levels of playing experience and the league really focused on teaching the boys the basics of the game as well as how to play as a team.  Josh and Jake both had a fantastic experience.  So much so that they have already decided that they want to play again next year.

 Josh and Jake!

Go, Red Devils!!!

Coach Debby giving the team instructions.

Jake is #4.  Go, Jake!

Josh is facing us with his arm up.  Go, Josh!

Watching a high school game right after they played!

Here are most of the players in the league.  Jake and Josh are a couple rows back on the bottom right.  Can you see them?

 In school, both the boys play an instrument in the 5th grade band.  Josh plays the alto saxophone and Jake plays the clarinet.  This is the second year they have each played and they both really enjoy it.  They played in a few concerts this school year and are both excited for what next year brings.

In December, Josh and Jake turned 11.  Now instead of participating in cub scouts, they are involved with the boy scout troop in our ward.  They LOVE it!  Bring on the camping, fishing, hiking, shooting, and all other boyish stuff you can name.  They have really great scout leaders that teach them cool stuff and take good care of them!  Recently, they have been able to do a lot of fishing...

...and they've done some camping.  This year, they went on their first Klondike Derby campout.  In preparation for this, we got them some new sleeping bags that would keep them warmer in the colder temperatures.  I was a little concerned about this trip since Robb and I would not be with them and let's face it.  Camping in February is COLD!  Plus, the boys were responsible for their own meal preparation.  Although I knew they could do it and that they would have leaders there to help if needed, some moms worry.  I happen to be one of those moms.  But, they had a great time and stayed warm and fed!

Trying out the new mummy bags.  Don't they look toasty?

Kate had to give it a shot.  We had to keep an eye on her so she didn't stow away in their bags.  She wanted to go camping with them!  She still doesn't quite understand why she can't be a boy scout. 

This year the middle school had a Wellness Night were parents and students could go and see some of the things the kids have been working on in P.E.  There were different kinds of performances, demonstrations, and hands on activities that all promoted healthy physical activity.  Jake's class was selected to demonstrate the Trestle Tree.  What is a Trestle Tree you ask?  Well, it's a collection of bars and mats that you use to exercise with....

 ...like this!

Jake is the boy under the basket with his back to us.  

Here's his face!

Josh and Jake climbing on the Trestle Tree.

 Kate climbing on the ropes. 

In addition to the Trestle Tree, we got to check out the weight room.

Josh on the treadmill.

Kate pumping some iron.

We also got to try out a rock climbing wall and run hurdles!

Jake doing some climbing.

Josh running hurdles.  He did great!

Kate doing the mini hurdles.  (I love this shot!)

In March, we celebrated Robb's birthday!  We had a great time with cake, ice cream, and presents.  

Ready to celebrate!

What did he get???

 New biking sunglasses!  Now he will go biking in complete style!

 Josh ready for some ice cream!

 Kate and Jake excited for dad's birthday!

I have so much more to share with you.  Part two of my update coming soon.  I promise!