Deception Pass - Scheenstra Family Fun Weekend

We took Dad's newly remodeled motor home on its first journey - to Deception Pass for the weekend!  With a motor home and two large tents, 8 adults, and 8 kids (and 2 in the "oven") we filled up our back corner campsite quite nicely.  The kids could not have been happier to spend the weekend together playing with rocks and sticks.  It's so fun to see their little personalities come out, and how they are really starting to play "together."  Wayne is the oldest and a clear leader.  At one point Treven wanted to do something and Wayne said no.  Treven walked away shaking his head saying "I just got dominated."  He wasn't mad or anything, just stating the facts.  It was HILARIOUS.  Poor Trev!  We ate meals together, everyone bring pieces of the meal and had late nights around the campfire too.  There was lots of exploring at the beach, bike rides and walks around the loop, and trips up to the public bathroom.  I am sooo ready for summer again.  Where will the next family fun weekend be?

School's out for the summer!

Whew!  The last month of school was a whirlwind with special activities, baseball, t-ball and yard work!  It seemed like we jammed packed our schedule until the end, and then look at each other and said, "now what?"  I love summer - I love having the kids home every day, not rushing to leave the house, and not being worried about getting them to bed on time!    

I can't believe how much these guys have grown this year!  The first two pictures are from the beginning of the year, and the one of all 3 boys was from the end of the year.  

Bike Rodeo

The Bike Rodeo is a much anticipated end of year activity at our school.  Students in K through 2nd grade get to meet with volunteers who teach them bike safety, check the fit of their helmets, and then set up an obstacle course.  All the kids can bring their bikes from home and have fun on the course with their friends.  Wayne and Weston were really excited that I was there to help, especially since I got to layout the obstacle course for them.  The trickiest part?  Looking over their shoulders to check to see what number the volunteers were holding up, to teach them how to check for traffic.  Pretty fun (and HOT) day!

 There was a LOOONG line for head-checks.  The kids all thought it was so cool, and WANTED to wait in line.  Who can understand Kindergartners?

 Weston and his friend Kai

Lake Sheridan 2014

Lake Sheridan was a MUCH needed break for our whole family.  It was a WILD departure, with baseball games until 8pm the night before, and leaving early in the morning, but it was TOTALLY worth the late night packing and craziness!  We were there for less than an hour and the boys were pulling away from the dock.  Fishing time!  

Aww - love these big boys!  They were so excited to have "Lake Sheridan" hats and to hit the water - a little rain didn't stop them one minute.

Success!  Wayne was pretty proud of his first catch on Lake Sheridan.  We were too!  He was fascinated with all things boats and fishing this year, and often met other family coming in from fishing to check out their catch, and see "how's the bite?"  Towards the end of our trip Chad and Jenn came in, and Chad had caught an almost 4 pounder.  Amazing!  Bless is heart... he let Wayne hold it and... the fish slipped out of his hands and FELL BACK INTO THE LAKE!!!  There was momentary panic (from what I was told) and then a quick dash for a long handled net to retrieve the fish from under the dock.  They got it back, and Wayne learned a valuable lesson about slippery fish.  :-)

When did they get this big?

Addison would not allow ANYONE in the front seat with her.  She shoved them all into the back seat.  And here's the funny part.. they listened!  I'm not sure what gives her authority, but she's got it, and knows how to use it.

"He who does not catch his own fish can have his picture taken with Uncle Deryl's fish"

See?  Pretty proud of Uncle Deryl's fish for him!

"Photobomb's" made for great entertainment while camping.

WOW.  This was my moment... Tyler had all 3 boys fishing, the sun came out and the clouds parted, and Addison was napping.  Take in the moment, breath deeply and slowly, and soak in the amazing creation of our Lord!

Wyatt learned to ride without training wheels!  Dad didn't think he could do it, but Wyatt proved him WRONG!  Way to go Junior!  His smile was PRICELESS as he pedaled off for the first time.

This picture has a story behind it...  Tyler was out fishing in the rain and I had all the kids, and then the sun came out!  Aunt Shari watched Addison for us and we rented a pedal boat to go exploring around the lake.  The boys have wanted to go to this dock for years but you can only get there by shallow water, so that was our first stop.  They were pretty proud of their pedal power!  We kept going and exploring and found floating nests that native birds had made.  They were so cool!  We talked about how God created those birds to protect their babies. After that we headed  out to the "Lost Island".  It was FAR.  As we got closer to it, storm clouds started rolling in and we could hear thunder and see lightening in the distance.  Then we heard a boat approaching, and could see that it was Dad, so we all stood up and tried to wave him over. He waved back AND KEPT GOING.  I was a little worried, and then we heard another boat.  It looked like Uncle Deryl!  We tried to wave him over, and cruised right up to us, hooked up our rope, and gave us a nice tow back!  :-)  Good thing we have Uncle Deryl.... Dad, not so much that day!

The kids would wind down at night by hanging out and playing Minecraft on their Kindles.  Fun times!

Well... and Wyatt would do his "bootie shake" since he hadn't turned 5 years old yet...

Lake Sheridan - 2014!

Homeward bound!