Last hoorah of summer

 On the last week of summer break we went to Lake Casitas and Pismo Beach (again).  We camped with our friends, the Forrests at Lake Casitas.  They were on the last leg of their almost 2 week trip and went home after that.  It was the hottest week of the summer!  At home we heard it was averaging around 105.  One day it got up to 111!  Where we were it was 100.  It was hot enough!  Luckily, we knew we were heading to Pismo where we'd get major relief at around 68 degrees.

The kids set up their duct tape craft table and made a few sales.

 Devin lost his tooth the first night we were there.  I used the same trick on him as I did on Avery a few years ago.  I told him to hold it tight and show how he wiggles it and then I slapped his hand and out came the tooth!  It shocks them, but then they are so proud.  :-)

 Haley trying to keep cool.

 Dinnertime with the Forrests

Playing around down by the dock

 Trying their hands at fishing...surprise!  No luck!

At the Lake Casitas Water Park

 Devin, Tyler, Aiden, Avery, Justin

 We went to Ventura beach one day to get some relief from the heat...only to be cold!  But we'll take it!

 The kids only lasted a very short time in the water because it was too cold

 The opted to play catch and hang out

 After 3 nights and 3 1/2 days, it was time to head to Pismo!  At first they gave us a really small spot, but Kirk talked to them and they moved us to a very large one and we were very happy campers (literally!)

Behind the campground, right in front of the beach there is a runoff area.  We tried to get Haley to swim in there, but all she would do was walk around.  She doesn't know she is a water dog I guess.

 

A typical sight in our trailer.

 Duct tape stand.  They made a good amount again.

 Eating our favorite meal in Pismo - Clam chowder from Splash Cafe

 Movie night in the main square at the campground

Swimming time.  Always fun!

Aaronic Priesthood

Justin received the Priesthood the Sunday after his birthday.  Kirk ordained him and his sweet, old teacher that supports him in all his spiritual decisions came.  We are so proud of him!  The next week he passed the sacrament for the first time and sweet Sister Burd (who has moved about 30 minutes away) came to support him in that too.  We just love her.  She's his number one supporter.  He's a lucky boy to have her in his life!  Justin, we love you and are just so proud of the young man you are becoming!

First Scout Camp

Kirk went up to Scout camp for one night to help out.  These are taken with his phone, so they are very poor quality.  Just look at these dirty boys!  They were bragging about not showering the entire week (luckily the did swim!).  He said he had a great time and he earned FIVE merit badges!  Three of them will count toward his Eagle.  Woo hoo!

 Because these tents don't zip up they said raccoon came to "visit" every night.  They'd peek their heads in, sniff to see if anything good was in there and then leave.  Eek!

R.I.P. Charlotte

While Justin was at camp Avery found a baby bird that fell from the top of our second story roof.  After reading up on it we waited for the mama bird to come and feed her, but she didn't, so Avery convinced me to take her and try to help.  I mixed dried dog food with warm water and some hard boiled eggs (found that several times on the internet...if you find it on the internet it works!).  Avery named the little thing Charlotte and Charlotte ate really well the first day.  The next day she lost some interest in it, but over night she had sprouted tail feathers, so I thought maybe there really was a chance.  By the 3rd day she was pretty lifeless and she died.  Poor little Charlotte gave it a shot.  We buried her in the backyard and Avery decorated her grave.  I also took some pictures of her siblings who grew very fast that week! They flew away within a few days.