Band concert

Grace's last band concert tonight here is a video of her Jazz band performing. Not much to see but great to listen! Grace is last on the right

http://youtu.be/86nBSxo0dsA

Smokey the Bear

We checked out Smokey the Bear from the nature center in the park yesterday and Owen got to keep him overnight and write about Smokey's adventure with us in the traveling journal. He also got his own Smokey Bear (Pharrell) hat ;)

The life....

The day doesn't get much better than this! Lazy morning with bacon on the campfire, eggs and toast. Drive into Devils State Park and do a 2.5 mile hike up to the peak overlooking the lake and what seems to be the entire state from up that high!! Chilling out by the beach and wading in the cool water which feels heavenly on my tired feet and legs. Back to the campground for dinner a game of cards and frisbee. Now, just lounging with my feet up and a beer in my hand watching the world around me go by and listening to the birds chirp over my head! Makes for one happy family :)

Boy Scout

Owen got his Tiger Cub and Bobcat patches tonight!

Overnight

Grace is at her friend Emma's house for her first 13th birthday party!  They went bowling earlier today and then all the girls are sleeping overnight in their camper at the house.  

I realized this is the first sleepover she has had in quite a while and the first group girl sleepover with this group of friends. I have to say I have thought about her all night and wish I could b a fly on the wall to see what they are up to! Grace is a outgoing girl but as she has come into the teen/middle school years she tends to hang back a bit and keep to herself.  She hates to get involved in any of the crazy drama that some bring to school so I think she picks her friends wisely.  It's funny because one of the moms that was at the house when I dropped her off said the same thing about her daughter.  I have also talked with a couple of the moms and the consensus seems to be that none of us will put up with the mean girl drama and all agreed that if we see any of it to not be afraid to give each other a call to discuss it.  

I really feel like this is a good group of girls for her. All the girls seem to be on the same page. Each of them have different interests but they all seem to come together and enjoy a lot of the same things. Maybe that's why it works from them? A lot of the drama kids have been attached at the hip all through school with being on the same athletic teams and I think that causes a lot of drama and competition against one another.  

She's a smart girl and I feel she is making good decisions. I just pray it all works out for her and she has a great time tonight! Yikes. My baby is growing up!