Rainbow River Run

For the first Friday in Summer we decided to go to Rainbow River before the springs got too crowded.

 Merry, Grace and Adam floated kept jumping off the tubes and swimming so they moved slightly faster than Eliza and me,

 Eliza was tied to me with and didn't want to touch the cold water.

 Unfortunately the go pro battery died about 2 minutes in to the float so we didn't get any cool pictures of the fish, diving birds and otters we saw.

Jacob was tired after all the school stuff so he slept most of the trip.

 After the tubing we went to the head waters of the spring to have a picnic and swim.

 I am not sure if Merry is sleep walking or not.

 The water was so beautiful and clear.

 Merry showing off her cool tricks.

 Eliza even go in the cold water and swam.

 Jacob took a nap instead.

 Adam ready for the plunge.

 Happy faces after a fun day of swimming.

Grace under water.

An awesome way to start summer break.

5th Grade Graduation

 

Grace graduated from the 5th grade.

She was lucky enough to have Ms. Bos as her teacher, both Jacob and Merry had her too. 

 The official crossing the stage picture.

 Grace is such a sweet girl.  She received the "perfectly positive" award from her teacher which pretty much sums up her personality.

I know her Dad is going to miss her help in the morning getting ready for school.

 Grace is also going to miss Mrs. Hancock who brought her a chocolate milk and gave her a hug everyday.  One of her classmates asked her mom why her Grandma couldn't come and see her everyday like Grace's Grandma. 

Her friends this year have been awesome.  Gracie, Angelina, Alana and Megan(not in the picture) are super sweet. 

We are so proud of this girl.

Happy Birthday Jacob

 Happy birthday dear Jacob.

The big 15 this year.  His birthday fell on Memorial Day this year which means he got out of bed in time to blow out the candles.

He also got his learner's permit, which is very terrifying for me.

The Last Luau

 Today Eliza had her kindergarten luau.

Our blue-eyed girl all fancied up.

 According to Eliza this was "the best day ever."

 Eliza loved her teacher, Ms. Crumpler.

 Strumming on her ukulele.

 

 Eliza in her luau outfit. Her class performed a bunch of songs, my favorite being "I lava you."

 I guess it is time to retire my luau shirt.  I have worn it to all five of my kids luaus.

 One of my favorite of Eliza's drawings this year.

Mother's Day

Mother's Day with my sweet kids.

Beach day with the cousins

 Brother Mike came to visit for work and brought his whole family.

We took a trip to Manasota Key with Brother David and Mason and Porter.

 Brother David showing Christian how to hunt for sharks teeth.

 Eliza slashing in the water.

 Jacob helping Christian dig for sharks teeth.

Grace with the mermaid hair.  Beach light is always the best.

Mason and Adam, disproportional same-age cousins.

Tricia was fascinated that the water was so warm (that is what Wyoming does to one).  I was concerned it would be too cold for me to swim in early May (that is what Florida does to one)

 Jacob posing with his boogie board.

 Merry bringing in the shark teeth collection.

Grace has to do a math project on shark's teeth.  Luckily this beach visit fit right in.

Slightly edited of course with Porter starring as John and Merry starring as Sarah and Jaws starring as Bobby.

.  A picture Grace took of some of the shark's teeth.

We had a successful day collecting and a great time with the cousins.