Cub Camp

Back in April Dillan was invited to register for Cub Camp, since he would become a scout soon. Since his birthday, he's only had one den meeting, but absolutely loves scouts! It's been hard waiting for camp to finally get here. Here's how it went:

Day 1: Chris got to go as a parent helper. They packed up their sack dinners and were all set. They got home at 8:30. Dillan ran inside the house and yelled, "MOM! I got to do archery! I did tug-o-war. Look, I drew a map of the camp! My den is den #7, you want to hear our den cheer?" He couldn't stop talking about all the fun he had!

Day 2: Almost 9 pm, Dillan runs inside "Mom! Look what I made!" He had a birdhouse under one arm he had painted, a long with a small yellow and green rock-looking thing. "It's made out of clay, mom." I turned it over and it was a compass! "I killed it in kickball today!" He went on and on about how he got so many people out and how his friend Luc kicked a home run. His shirt was covered in paint, and could I please wash it?

Day 3: They had a discussion about nutrition today and talked about the American flag. He told me he was making something at the camp, but it wasn't finished yet. He was looking forward to shooting a BB gun. His den won the loudest cheer. He thinks kickball is the greatest thing ever. He promises to check the lost and found for his hat the next day. He set it on a cone that divided the field, but when he went back to get it, the cones were picked up.

Day 4: The last day. The camp provided a BBQ for dinner for the campers, so he was excited he didn't have to pack a dinner. Hot dogs, chips, watermelon and gatorade. He LOVED the BB guns. He proudly showed me his target with the score written in the top corner: 29. He also showed me his patriotic craft. A red, white and blue sand art in the shape of a firework with sparkly garland all around. He is getting to know some of the other boys in the den, since he is only one of 3 from our ward, out of 12.

Such a fun week! Wish I could have seen it all!
Although, Dillan did describe it all pretty well. And I don't think he left out much.

Busy kid

Catching up, Dillan had a crazy month of May!
First, he turned 8. He wanted to have a soccer party. Because it was during baseball playoffs, we changed the party 3 times! Two different invites and a last minute change. It was nuts! But fun!

After a stellar soccer season, Dillan was selected for the all-star team! The U8 team was to play a U10 team, with a 16-year-old goalkeeper to help them out! It gave the U8s a chance to play on a large field and have a goalie for the first time. Positioning was the hardest thing for them to figure out, and they all ran themselves till they were exhausted! Dillan played center-midfield and did awesome. He scored the only goal for his team. They lost 1-3, but they kept it close most of the game. He got a medal and had fun playing with his buddy Ethan. Next season Dillan will be playing in a different league, which will be good for him. We'll miss his coach, but he's excited for the challenge.

These kids also FINALLY mustered up some bravery at Disneyland/California Adventures. Dillan braved California Screamin' and loved it! Leah went on Splash Mountain, let out a lot of tears after the big drop, but once she got off screamed, "Next time I'm riding in the FRONT!" They were rewarded with large lollipops to finish out their day!

And finally, Dillan was able to get baptized on June 1st. Grandma Donna, Papa Bob, Aunt Leeann and Uncle Chad all came from Utah to share in his special day. We also had a lot of family come to support him. He was very excited and talks all the time about his responsibilities because he is baptized. He understands the importance of being a good example to his brother and sister. He got to be baptized with Isabella, who's family are recent converts to the church. It was a great experience for all of us!
I hope he doesn't forget his special day. Hopefully he can read this post one day and know how proud we are of him and his decisions. He tries to make good choices everyday and follow the example of Jesus. This is his first step in his eternal progression and there is still so much for him to learn. I learn a lot from him everyday. He is very observant and always thinking. New experiences and responsibilities are his now. I can only hope that I have done all I can for him up to this point and can continue to help him along his path. He just grows up too fast.

Last Day of School!

...and we finished another school year! Amazing! It's like it just started, and now it's over!

Leah had an awesome year, with the sweetest teacher, Mrs. Taylor! She made lots of new friends, reads like a superstar, AND her writing took off like a rocket. She even earned a Young Author's Award! She is so excited for 1st grade, which means going to a full day of school with her big brother!

Dillan bragged all year how he had the only male teacher at the school. He loved Mr. Fisher, and had a great year of learning. He mastered multiplication and division, is reading well above grade level, and discovered a new talent/passion: art. He earned all 4s and 5s on his report card and is looking forward to a fun summer and then 3rd grade!













The kids came home to their doors blocked off with notes from Mom and Dad. They also had Dippin Dots ice cream to kick off the start of SUMMER!