Lewis and Clark Riverboat Cruise

Well... summer hasn't been just all fun and games for us.... Mommy attended an NDEA Emerging Leaders conference earlier this week in Bismarck, that included an all inclusive pizza/pop cruise on the Lewis and Clark Riverboat down the Missouri River for our entire family. We also stayed at her hotel with her for a night, and got to take part in another of our favorite family activities.... (you guessed it) SWIMMING. It was pretty hard work, but now that she's back home from her class, we are back in the full swing of our summer routine..... playing outside, swimming in the pool, baking, playing kickball and baseball, reading books, playing in the sandbox, going to the movies, and of course taking an occasional nap, if we can find the time! Hard to believe that we only have two weeks left of summer vacation before school starts! We better enjoy it while we can!

Minot Again?

We had so much fun at the Roosevelt Park Zoo in May, we decided to return to Minot for a second time this summer, but this time we were so happy that Keiley-Shai could join us!

Last time we didn't get to see the giraffe's... but this time we saw the mommy AND her babies!

... and we enjoyed watching the penguins just as much the second time!

....so grown up!

I had to take a picture of these adorable monkeys I saw climbing in the trees right before we left the zoo... aren't they cute?

Back at the hotel, big sister Keiley-Shai gives Jayden a lesson on Dance Dance Revolution!

The Happy Bunch!

Swimming Time!

With our hotel attached to the mall... we even fit in a bit of school shopping, but NOT much as you can about imagine!

Dinosaur Land

Community Days

Cheering on "Daddy" as he competes in his second 5K of the summer!

2 miles into the run and Daddy's still smiling! :)

Taking a water/healthy snack break with Daddy following his run. We were exhausted... not only did the kids wake up early for this great event, but being a cheerleader/spectator is HARD work! :) GREAT JOB DADDY! We are all so proud of you!

Here is Daddy receiving his 2nd place in his age category.... He beat his time from his first 5K (that he participated in a week ago) by almost 2 minutes

Small Notes Participants, Jayden and Kameron, marched in the Kiddie Parade!

These patriotic kids were singing "Yankee Doodle" and playing their kazoos!

Patiently waiting for the parade to begin with G'ma and Papa!

A special visit from Rockin' Robot following the Penny and Pals show in the park!

Adrian takes time for a hug from Rockin' Robot!

What a great day filled with lots of family fun!

Keiley-Shai at Bible Camp

... and just how much luggage does it take for 2 pre-teens to stay 1 week at Bible Camp (these photos were taken right before we departed from the camp on Friday) the building in the background is the chapel where the bible studies, singing sessions, and skits were held.

Bailey and Keiley-Shai with two of their camp couselors, Amanda and Isabella.

Here's a quick tour of the camp.... see the lake in the background!

Dining Hall, Rec Center and Canteen
... canteen $$ was used to purchase snacks, pop, and oh yes Keiley's favorite... milkshakes!

.... the swimming pool

... and finally our cabin, Esther... !

Keiley-Shai and cousin, Bailey, had a great time at their Disciples Bible Camp this past week. They learned a lot, met some new friends, made neat crafts, sang songs around the campfire, spent time learning at the chapel, and did a variety of recreational activities such as jumping on the water trampoline, rollerblading, swimming, mini-golfing, and hiking. Be sure to ask Keiley-Shai about all her other experiences at camp. I'm so happy that Keiley-Shai has found a camp that she truly LOVES to attend, and this is her third summer going to Red Willow! She already can't wait for next summer! :)


Thanks to everyone who sent me mail while at Bible Camp.
(especially since I had to sing for each piece of mail that I received)
Thanks a Bunch! It was a blast!!!!

Love, Keiley-Shai

Old Time Photo

Nikki... thanks for the suggestion. I thought you could enlarge the side picture by clicking on it, but now I see that you can't. For everyone else, If you'd like to see this photo, (or any photos on my blog) closer up... just click on the picture. Jaxon is kinda hard to see because he blends in with Jim's dark suit, but how sweet that he's tipping his hat with his hand. :) and in case you can't see... our lil' firecracker, Kierra is holding a stick of dynamite! This was a great experience... and a fun time for not only mommy, but the kids loved it too!

Wisconsin Dells

Lake Delton

This picture was taken outside our hotel!

Copa Cobana Resort

Mount Olympus

Noah's Ark

Riverview Park and Waterworld

Moose Jaw Pizza

Pirates Cove Picnic and Mini Golf

Adrian and Kameron golfed twice in CT with Papa Parker, so they are now experts! :)

Jaxon's first time golfing ever!

Jayden thought golfing was "OK" but she REALLY loved ALL the flowers!

.... Kierra did too!


Keiley could NOT leave Wisconsin without a "cheese"head!

These are just a few of the many pictures taken on our vacation. This post would be much too long if I included ALL my favorites, so I chose just a few. We had a wonderful time and have already decided Wisconsin Dells is a place that we'd like to go back to sometime! It was a beautiful place, nice people, good food, fun for all ages, and the kids were amazing! It made for an enjoyable time for us all!