Drum Major Camp

Tanner spent the last week at Slippery Rock University for their Drum Major Camp. He made lots of friends and had a blast. We got to go pick him up this morning and see all they learned this week. To start things off they had us all stand and try some music leading basics, and let’s just say, I’m not cut out to be a drum major. 🤣 But it made their performance that much more impressive after we saw how hard it was. And we got lucky that one of my favorite Mexican restaurants happened to be on the way home. 🤤#bandnerdsrule🎶🎶

Cooper's Endowment

After snagging the boys from camp the night before, Dean and I hit the road the next morning to attend Cooper Mitchell's Endowment session at the Columbus Temple on Saturday.  We sure love Coops and have enjoyed watching him grow up and desire to serve a mission.  The people in Salem, Oregon are lucky to be getting him for the next two years!  We're also grateful for the example he has been to our boys over the years as well.  The drive to and from the temple was full of phone calls from the boys at home, and me trying to keep the peace remotely, but we're still grateful we got to be there for Cooper's big day and the chance to be in the Lord's Holy House is always our favorite. (Side note....I graduated high school with Lisa's little brother Steve who flew out for Cooper's endowment too.  Small world!  And never would I have ever thought I'd be spending the day with Steve Morley in the Columbus Temple 20 years later.  Weird!)

Fun with the Littles

While Tanner, Landon, and Braddock were gone to camp, Bridger and Keaton enjoyed the extra time and attention from Dean and I. We read books, played games, went to the beach, went out for pizza, and hit up the movies. It was interesting being down to just two kids around here, but kind of a fun little change for the week!

We sure love twinning! Striped pajamas for the win!

Bridger got to cash in on some of the free pizza's he'd earned from reading at school!

The boys always have to dig a hole for a "hot tub" when we're at the beach.

Dad let us sneak away to the movies while Keaton napped. (Mom might have done a bit of napping during the movie too! ;) Hahaha!) 

Young Men's Camp 2024

Dean took one for the team and committed to driving the boys to Young Men's Camp.  They loaded up their gear for the week and made the two hour drive to the Laurel Highlands.  Richard Kofford joined them for the drive as well.  Dean was nice enough to snag pictures of all three boys before leaving, and the other photos are courtesy of Landon.  It's not much but I'll take it!  Haha!  Landon and Braddock were both excited to go.  Tanner was not as excited, but he went anyway.  In true Tanner fashion he ended up in his own cabin and kept to himself more than the other boys, but in the end I think he had some fun too.  They came home with tells of "rats" named Jeff in their cabins, some bee stings, and lots of wild boy shenanigans.  They also made some good friends, and learned from their leaders too.  We ended up coming to pick them up Friday night after the testimony meeting because we had a lot going on that weekend and needed them home.

Father's Day 2024

 We celebrated Dean all day on Father's Day.  This cool guy is such a hard working, great dad.  The boys helped me with breakfast for him in bed.  Then Keaton was full of extra cuddles at Church.  We gave him some new shoes and a Bluey book, and made sure to snag a picture with all of his boys.  We sure are blessed to have Dean in our lives and if we're lucky these boys will grow up to be just like him.

Jared and Genevieve's and the Trip Home

I should have taken more pictures, but we had so much fun at Jared and Genevieve’s beautiful home in Georgia. It was the perfect stop on our drive back and it was about time we FINALLY saw their place! We were all pooped from a long week of fun in Florida, so we enjoyed some low key relaxing in their pool, playing lots of card games, eating yummy food (shout out to Jared for his smoked ribs!), and getting out some energy at the Church gym. My personal favorite part was watching them serve in their callings and welcome missionaries into their home to be set apart. We sure adore their family and loved getting a peek into their world. It’s clear they are loved and do so much good in their neck of the woods! Thanks for having us guys!!

This photo will forever be a favorite! 

These goons are the only ones brave enough to swim in the cold pool!

Had to make one more stop at Buccees on our way home.  When will they bring them to PA!?

This is always a welcome sight when we're on a long road trip!

Braddock had to get a Buccee onesie!