Summer Camps

Now that dance is over for the summer and we still have a few weeks before school starts, we decided to send both girls to summer camp. Riley is one that is run by the City of Clermont. She goes from 8-12 Monday-Friday and totally loves it. Her school PE teacher is the one in charge which she thinks is neat. She went to this camp last year and had fun so we decided to try it again. so far, she has come home with two ornaments that she painted, gotten a lesson from the fire department (then they got to play in the hose), and gone on 2 field trips. Due to family events she won't be able to go the next two weeks, but she might get in one more week before school starts. I don't have any pics of the camp as Riley is not allowed to bring anything valuable or electronic to camp.

Kamryn has been going to camp at her school. Her times are all day so we've been able to let her play and then take a nap everyday she has been there. This camp does really fun themes. Last week they had crazy week so they had backwards day, crazy sock day, and crazy hat day. Kamryn really got into it. She dressed backwards for camp and carried that theme through all day, even her pajamas. She really wanted some crazy socks so we looked around and thought about it and what we came up with was great. She won the contest for craziest socks. Then, it was crazy hat day and she wanted to make (or have me make) a hat she could wear. I found a beach hat she had and found things in our craft closet to "spice" it up. I actually found a way to attach everything on the hat and be able to take it back off since I didn't want to ruin it. Kamryn loved it and she won another prize. Each week she also has water day and a field trip. I think her favorite field trip has been to the bowling alley where she had her party. This week was Christmas week and they put up and decorated a tree, decorated Christmas cookies and even had a Christmas party. Several of her friends from class have been there so she is really having fun!

Kamryn's funky crazy hat as she called it.

Her crazy, funky, cool socks - she wore these all day

Nails, nails, nails

Today was a big day for Riley. She got her first real manicure. She has bitten her nails for years and we've struggled with ways to help her stop. We've tried different things and sometimes they would work for a little bit, but usually she would always go back to biting them. I'm not really sure what made her stop, but she finally did and her nails got nice and long! So, as a reward for letting them grow, we took her to get a manicure. The nail tech was great! I made sure I chose a salon where I knew Riley would get good attention and could understand the tech. The tech explained everything she was doing so Riley (and Kamryn) would know why she was doing it and how to do it. It took 45 minutes, but it was worth it. Riley got to bring home a nail brush, a nail file, and a cuticle stick to help when we put on polish. Hopefully Riley paid attention to what she was saying so she can help take care of her nails now. Riley chose a deep blue polish that looks great on her fingers (kind of wish I had gotten mine done too). Kamryn doesn't bite her nails (at least not now), but she cannot wait to get her first real manicure. It's amazing how much better her nails look than when I just paint them. Yeah Riley!!

The before pic - look how long some of those nails are

The after - all nice and filed/shaped, looking pretty just waiting to dry

July 4th

We were still in Fort Walton for July 4th. Actually, the dance competition ended that day. Not knowing when we would really be done, we chose to stay that night as well. We were invited to a beach/pool party to help celebrate a dancer's 16th birthday. The girls got to swim, we had awesome burgers cooked by some dads, and the moms got to hang around and chat. Then, we got to see fireworks from everywhere - we could see the city ones from Destin, some from Fort Walton, and then a ton from people shooting off their own along the beach (even though you're not supposed to in FL). All in all it was a fun fourth. Of course, we missed Doug and hanging out with those we usually spend the 4th with.

Nationals

This year, Riley was in competition at dance and they danced in several regional competitions. They did well and were able to go to Nationals. The studio chose to go to Nationals in Fort Walton Beach, FL (some studios thought it was funny that it took us longer to get there than it had taken them and they had come from out of state). The group danced well and I think everyone had fun. Since it was at a beach, we decided to make it our vacation too and went for the week. Mimi (my mom) met us there and in addition to dancing, spent time in the wonderful pool at our condo. Basically, that is all we had time for - dance and swimming. It worked out well and with the exception of a few storms, the weather was great.

The view from our balcony - we were on the first floor and could walk out and be at the pool

Kamryn in the lazy river

The pool area had a lazy river that ran around it and Kamryn could touch the whole way. She loved being able to swim in the water and not having to float if she didn't feel like it.

Riley in the river

Mimi walking/floating in the river (this was one of the few times I wasn't actually in there with them)

Kamryn coming through the waterfall

The regular pool had a waterfall on one side and all the kids loved jumping through it.

Riley jumping through the waterfall

Our little zombie!

She was in Thriller and this was the last time they will perform this piece. It is always a fan favorite and this competition was no different.

The ABC crew.

This was the second dance she was in and was all kids her age and a little younger. They did a great little number to ABC that changed into High School Musical's We're All in This Together. They looked so cute on stage and did a great job!

Father's Day

On Father's Day we were lucky enough to spend the afternoon with Doug's family in Ocala. His father lives there, as does his older brother and his family. We always have fun together, but it was even better this time as Doug's brother and his family were down from Memphis. We all have two kids and they range in age from 16 to 4. Luckily, they all get along together and our 16 year old niece doesn't mind them playing in her room. I think she keeps an eye on them so she knows nothing will get too messed up. We tried to send the ids outside to play, but they kept coming back inside because it was so hot! My sister-in-law made an awesome meal (as always) and the guys got to sit around and pick on each other as only family can. It was a wonderful afternoon!!

Kamryn brushing Austin's hair so he'll look cool

The cousins make a stack (Heather is missing and you can't see Kamryn on top). I forgot to turn the pic before I posted it so you'll have to turn your head sideways, but you get the idea.

Enjoying dessert - they LOVED that chocolate fountain!

Pics of the fort

Here are pics from their fort building experience. The top pic is the outside, then you have one from underneath, and then you have the sign. Doug, of course, had to add his name to those allowed into the fort.