July and August: All the things (and many cat photos)

The kids have been back in school for just over a week, so it's time to catch up!

Gabe zip-lining at Boy Scout summer camp

Leaving for Philmont

Entertaining ourselves while they were gone: mug cakes

games of Carcassonne

sorting every last lego (me and Charlotte)

movie night

making crescent rolls

coloring paper flowers

visiting with Abby

going to pool near Jen's house

showing the cats their postcard from Zach

making jello

at the lake with Boy Scouts

Charlotte caught a fish!

Gabe took Charlotte out on the board and in the paddle boat

high school orientation

the boys bought Charlotte 500 ball pit balls for her birthday (they were a very good deal!)

Charlotte's classroom visit

first day of school

first day of high school!

first day of school parent breakfast

first football game

first Girl Scout meeting of the year, Juniors deciding what badges to do

first glasses

 

August: Philmont Scout Ranch

 

I am so incredibly proud of these two. Nearly two years ago they committed to this Philmont Scout Ranch trek, knowing little about backpacking but determined to enjoy this amazing opportunity. They learned and practiced so much, and they became organized, strong, and really prepared for the journey, thanks to their hard work and that of their crew members.

From their trek description: The Scouts will make their way through the Ponil Canyon where they’ll see ancestral Puebloan petroglyphs, help rebuild an old rail line and enjoy great music and stories at the Metcalf Station camp fire. Scouts will also get see the world’s first confirmed T-Rex footprint, participate in blacksmithing, learn mining history, pan for gold, shoot muzzle loaders, throw tomahawks, and shimmy their way up Spar poles as they learn about western lore and life and much, much more! Perhaps the highlight of their Philmont high adventure will be climbing to the top of the 12,441 foot Baldy Mountain.

 

They backpacked 50 miles and hiked 85+ miles in total. They learned about the history of Philmont and the history of scouting. They also played cards and climbed trees and built log bridges and sat in the dirt, which I'm pretty sure is why Zach wanted to be a scout in the first place. It's hard to believe he is starting high school. He will soon be a Life Scout and will only have Eagle Scout left to earn.

 

This was a once-in-a-lifetime trip, for sure. I'm glad they were able to do it together and make some great memories.