Camping... Texas Style

We decided to enjoy the spring weather and go camping. In the past every time I've ever been camping it involves driving up mountains and changing elevation to get to nice cool weather. Then there's TEXAS. There aren't any mountains in our area so we headed north to Sam Houston National Forest. It was beautiful! The weather wasn't too hot. We didn't need jackets or coats. We had a fire just for roasting marshmallows. We gave the older 2 kids pocket knifes and Lars did a mini-class on knife safety. Henry found his calling in life and carved a log for a couple of hours. Kayla was a little nervous so she had fun with the shovel instead. We took shovels for the kids to dig. They LOVE digging. I hate them digging in our backyard since we only have grass. They dug so many holes while we were camping! There were a big dirty mess when we got home. Jack and Henry made a broom from a stick and pine needles and a piece of string they found.

On Saturday we went into Huntsville State Park to go fishing. By the time we got there it was pretty hot and we were all pretty grumpy and tired. So we had a picnic lunch and headed for home.

Jack pretending to fish with the net.

On the way home we stopped by the HUGE Sam Houston statue.

Notice Henry is not with the group? If I had a nickle for every picture that looks just like this one...

It was so hot when we got home we washed the cars and the kids ran through the sprinklers!

We had a great time and hope to go camping again soon.

PS - I went camping with the Young Women last weekend - it was pretty darn hot (85 degrees) and about 90% humidity!! When I got back into town I went straight to the park and met Lars and the kids for lunch. Lars had taken the kids fishing all morning! They had a fantastic time!! It was the first time for them and they all caught fish and promptly released them back into the little pond. Sorry... no pictures

Awards

It's that time of the year again that comes every 9 weeks. Kayla and Henry got their report cards last week and had their awards ceremonies today. Henry was out sick last Tuesday so his report card came last Wednesday. While I was opening Kayla's report card I noticed a piece of paper folded and stapled shut. Immediately I knew that Mrs. Harrison did NOT want Kayla to see this note. I very slyly hid it and read it later. It was a letter to inform me

and Lars that Kayla would be getting the "Scottie Dog Award". This is an award that is voted on by the teachers and staff of the school. They award it to 1 boy and 1 girl each 9 weeks in each grade. It's kind of a HUGE DEAL!! Oh... she also made the straight A Honor Roll and all E's for citizenship.

Wednesday when Henry brought his report card home I found a sealed envelope folded up inside of his report card. Instantly I knew... He was receiving a "Scottie Dog Award" too. Henry also got straight A's and the citizenship award for his class.

They say "pride" is bad but Holy Cow!!!! We are soooo stinkin' PROUD of these kids!!