The first week of July we headed up to Nampa, Idaho for the yearly Washburn Reunion. There are many events my kids look forward to... going to the pond, playing games with cousins and eating yummy food. Emersyn was excited to go to the "pond" this reunion. This "pond" is privately owned and has all kinds of things for the kids to do. There is a zip line, a twisty slide, canoes, wood plank anchored and lots of room. So, Emersyn has never done the zip line before because it is fairly high. She was determined to do it this year. She did it!!! And she was so proud :) None of the mom's went out to the pond this year. We had our women's lunch while the men took the kids out for some fun. It never fails when the family gets together for dinner at night, there are games to be played. They played ultimate frisbee, homemade twister, dodgeball, volleyball and 4 square. The last night, we had a carnival in the Rudder's backyard. The kids would go play games and earn tickets. They would take these tickets to the prize table and get to pick out something. One of the things Emersyn chose was HOT TAMALES!!! She is so thoughtful and knew her dad would be enjoy them. Sadly, we found out during this reunion this was the last official Washburn Reunion. There will be no more scheduled reunion with activities planned and places for everyone to stay. Doesn't sound like many of the family are anxious to give the reunion up. Rumor is, we may all try and gather at Lake Powell next summer. I am down for that!!!! Course, everyone will have to be responsible for their lodging and helping with expenses, but we hope it works out. Would be so fun!!!! I will NOT miss the drive to Nampa, Idaho. We love all the family there, but the 16 hour drive to get there is pure torture. Thanks Grandpa for all the years of Reunion. My kids always had a great time and many memories have been made.

Nothing like water volleyball on Sunday with the family!!! Being younger I remember gathering on Sunday's for a little water volleyball fun. Now, it's fun to gather again for volleyball on Sunday's. Fun, that now my kids can play, have fun and will have the same memory!!

This summer has gone by fast.. so far. There has been basketball camps, ballet camps, Marc working, Me working..... Cameron and Kaelyn have been kept pretty busy with the camps they have attended. Ellie and Emersyn have sadly not been so busy. They are the product of being younger and needing Mom around to do anything. It's hard for Mom to be around though when I have to work. One day this last week, it hit me and I felt bad. Our neighbor is always telling us we can go swimming.. so Ellie went and asked if we could swim. I put the computer aside and took them swimming. It was a great time!!!! When we were done swimming we headed to QT. It's been a QT kind of summer.....

We had a fun weekend last weekend!!! Through the month of June, Cameron (and the Mesa High Basketball Team) have played in several tournaments. Last weekend was no exception.... Varsity and JV both played in separate tournaments with left us with the pleasure of attending both... The JV tournament was held at Mesa High and Dobson. Going into Sunday morning we were seated #1 with being undefeated. We played one game and won... 77-49!!! The championship game played next against another undefeated team. I had talked to one of the coaches who said they were usually a good program. They seem them a lot in playoffs and that sort of thing. I got nervous... I did!! Isn't that what Mom's are suppose to do anyway???? Thankfully, the boys had an hour rest before the Championship game started. The team we played had a rest while we played and came to watch... The game started.... within just a few mins we were up by more than 10 points. To be honest I can't remember the final score, but WE WERE THE CHAMPIONS!!!!! I do know we beat them by 20-25 pts. So much for being nervous.... It was a fun day... It was a fun summer.... out of 26 games played by the JV, they only lost 1 game. Not a bad summer season!!! Now, we look forward to basketball season which starts in Dec :)

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!!!

This is what we have been doing the last couple of weekends.... I think it is actually kind of fun :) Cameron plays for his high school basketball team. During the month of June they enter a tournament a week it seems. Usually, they go to Michigan, but that has been taken off the schedule for this summer. It does sound like they are suppose to go to St Mary's in California though... not sure when. These tournaments have been especially fun because WE WIN!!! Who doesn't like to be on a winning team??? This weekend's tournament is at ASU... There are a few gyms which leaves us parents shuttling the boys' back and forth across the ASU campus. I love it!!!!!

And the party continues. After a couple days break we were back to celebrating Emersyn's birthday. She had a few friends come over and we were off to get nails done. Tomorrow... family over for dinner and then we will call it a Happy Birthday!