Second Camping Trip of 2012

After moving Steve and Tamara's stuff down to Detroit, we decided to do another camping trip together (6/15-16). This time we went south to a county campground. It was less shaded because they had small trees in the tent area. The whole place was more for RVs. We made it work and still had a great time. We played on the playground, rode bikes, went to the beach and swam in the water to cool off. It was much warmer this time. We camped mostly alone, and away from everyone else, so that was nice.

Those two heads in the middle of the picture are Marissa and Emily. The swimming area was shallow so they could walk all the way out to the rope.

Domonique was very unsure of the whole water/swimming thing. Kevin pointed out the fish that were swimming around them.

It was fun for the kids to play in the sand - they have always enjoyed doing that.

Here's the campsite. We put up the tarp between our cars for shade.

Tamara and the girls gazing at the clouds to see what they could see.

Sweet baby - 4 months old! (In three days)

Her newest thing is sucking on her bottom lip.

We went to a state recreation area near by to walk a trail. Kemiah and Xiomara took their bikes. Xiomara did fine but the training wheels on Kemiah's bike made it hard on the narrow spots and rough terrain. I helped her most of the way but Steve and Tamara helped out as well. We had to keep moving because the mosquitoes were biting.

Tamara took a picture of us in the field of daisies.

I tried to take the training wheels off the bike but one nut was really tight. We kept going but I prayed that the nut would be loose so I could get it off in hopes that it would be easier going on the trail. I tried again and the nut came right off. I said a prayer of thanks and Marissa took over on the bike.

The trail popped out at a park. We decided to have Kevin go get the car and bring lunch to us. He decided it would be faster to get lunch on the bikes. It was like he was a clown act but he kept going. Unfortunately, he took a left turn and should have taken a right, so he had to come all the way back. He dropped off the bike and just walked to the car. It was so nice of him to do that for us - I was so hot and tired from the fast walk and helping Kemiah on the trail. He had pushed the stroller with Domonique and Harmonie so I'm sure he was hot and tired as well. Thank you honey!

The kids enjoyed the playground while they waited for lunch.

Marissa helped Domonique go down the slide but then jumped off saying, "hot, hot, hot!"

Domonique wanted to go down again but decided the heat wasn't worth it.

It was a really fun trip.

First Camping Trip of 2012

On the 12th, we finally did it. We drove up north to Bay City Recreation Area. It's located on the Saginaw Bay off of Lake Huron. Some friends joined us to add to the fun. We found a great spot, the weather was nice, but a bit chilly at night, and we had a nice time. The kids enjoyed staying up late to eat smores and play capture the flag. We took all our gear on the trailer so we were able to bring their bikes, so that was an added bonus. We hiked a nature trail, played on a ginormous playground, and walked on the beach. The two youngest kids did really well and we all enjoyed ourselves! Tamara introduced us to cooking biscuits on the grate over the fire. They turned out great and were really yummy!

Getting marshmallow roasting sticks ready.

Here's our campsite.

The seagulls were very interested.

Go monkeys go!

Deliciousness!

Next morning... Big sister helping out little sister. Thanks for sharing!

Took a walk around the lagoon.

First time at a beach. She wasn't so sure about it at first.

It was a nice overnighter.

Saw it a little differently.

Kemiah is starting to write in her journal.

She starts by writing the date.

Kevin told her to look back to last Monday to make sure she spelled it correctly.

So that's just what she did.

And this is what she brought to me.

I had to look back to see what she had looked at for spelling reference because she was way off.

This is what she looked at.


I can totally see how she got what she did, because she broke it up in different places.

I guess that's what I get for writing in cursive and not separating my letters better for her.

It's kind of like the picture of the old woman and young woman.

Which one do you see?

Just thought it was funny and had to share it with everyone.

Poor little thing.

On Monday or Tuesday, Domonique got her thumb caught in the front screen door. It (the door) tends to slam shut at the very last moment and she was holding the door, trying to close it I guess. It shut on her thumb and now it's all black/blue/purple. It was a little swollen as well, and tender to touch. She's a tough one and just keeps doing what she wants to do, but lets me know if I hurt it in any way.

She pulled out another one.

Emily had a loose tooth and went to bed one night with me telling her we'd try to pull it out in the morning. An hour later she came back downstairs with a grin on her face. She came over and smiling wide so I could see the hole in her mouth. Silly girl. I was a good mother and told the Tooth Fairy immediately and the Tooth Fairy came that very night! Okay, they know it's me and I was good to get it done so quickly. I think Emily may have taken the lead in number of teeth lost, but I'd have to check on that.

(Bottom left (right in the picture) and you can see that the top ones are finally coming in.)

Star Belly Babies

This is what happens when you leave a 23 month old toddler alone with a baby.

She removed stickers from a project and stuck them to the baby.

I missed the shot when they were on either cheek.

Sisterly love. Domonique will even say STAR.

Her first popsicle.

It was her father's doing. I just captured the moment.

Okay, so he just gave her the stick. She sure enjoyed the lefterovers, until the stick fell out of ther mouth.

Progress with side effects

On June 7th, at 3.5 months, she figured out how to get from her back to her tummy.

Congratulations little girl!

The only problem with this new development...

She spits up every time she is on her tummy.



Forest Fort

Ben got the idea to build a fort in the forest near our house. When I say forest, I don't mean a huge forest. It's a spot of ground that the farmer doesn't use because it's in the corner. We asked if we could use it when we first moved here and the farmer said we could. Now Ben is busy, and the other kids are joining him. It has been fun to watch, and help a little. I think it's just great. They have their own little place to play and it's not out in the hot sun. We get the pallets from a place in town that lets us take them for free. The extra boards on the side were given to the kids from our neighbor, as well as the chairs. It has been a fun week outside. They are certainly motivated to get their school work done before lunch!

Pulling the boards off the pallet so that he can use them as he likes. Awesomeness of free wood for a boy! Yes, he is ten years old and can fit between the slats of the pallet.

Isn't that just awesome?!?! The pink boards on the side are the extra wood from the neighbor so we'll see what the kids do with those.

Nice sitting area for visitors or just relaxing in the shade.

A look into the woods. Too bad I took it at night so you can see it very well.

Just thought I'd share!

Goodnight Chickens!

The new chickens are a little strange.

This is how they go to sleep at night.

There are roosting bars inside but they just pile up.

There's a bunch on the inside platform as well.

Silly birds.