Vacation- pilgram ranch

The boys and I went on vacation this weekend. Last year I found this ranch but bc of excessive rain eliminating a lot of the ranch activities- had us choosing to cancel our trip. So this year we decided to try again. With the boys busy schedules this summer- a weekend getaway was a perfect vacation. The boys had no wifi or cell service but embraced the vacation and had a fun time. 

The owners had an appt in emporia so we toured the ranch on our own.

Our cottage

The boys were every where. 

How's that for a view of your backyard? Soybeans anyone?

The coolest pic, I think. 

Eli helping Noah as he climbed the silo.

Not a fun mom moment!

The ranch has a river running through it- must be by the trees!

Giant hay bales!

Boys!

I was right- it was by the trees!

Skipping rocks is an art I have lost. :( but the boys are pretty good at it.

Noah had several great skips.

Eli too- Lucas stepped in front right as I took the photo- guess you had to be there!

Love this pic of Lucas skipping rocks!

Eli is so funny!

Ok what's next?

The boys loved going around on the golf cart!

And they took turns- mostly without fighting!

The owners had dinner plans on Friday- so we were on our own. What should we do?

Kayak anyone?

Noah stuck already!

He got the hang of it!

Eli and Lucas decided to share - turned out it made it much harder than they thought.

And there they go-

Doing great- the boys were so loud- I am sure they scared every wild creature in the area away for miles.

Lucas the cat whisperer!

Day 2 fishing in the flint hills love the views.

My fishing spot- I caught a rock! So proud of myself!

I like taking pics more!

Noah's second bass.

Lucas caught two sticks.

And a blue gill!

Noah 2 fish, Eli and Lucas with 1.

More kayaking

When we weren't running around the ranch - the boys loved eating cookies fresh from the oven.

Eli wanted to take this little guy home.

We also played monopoly - took all weekend to play one game.

This time we were fishing with live bait. 

Noah is done fishing!

Lucas decided kayaking is better by himself.

Eli wants to try fishing while kayaking.

Eli and I went with the owner to bait some lines at sunset in hopes of catching some catfish. Eli was hoping to get bigger than a 50 lb er. (That was the top weight from the recent vacationers)

So pretty on the river.

Beautiful sunset.

Happy birthday Eli!

Thought I would finally post the pics I took from Eli's birthday party. Eli wanted all his cousins to come so we had a cook out and everyone had a great time. Eli had his friends over Memorial Day weekend. I didn't get any pics bc keeping nearly 10 14yr old boys feed- was a full time job! He had a great time playing video games with his friends. 

I think the big kids like the park as much as the little ones do.

Yee-ha!!!

Gotta be like Eli!

This could end badly.

Boys will be boys!

I love seeing the kids play with Colin. He runs around with them and always asking them to pick him up. Noah was great giving him a piggy back everywhere.

The master minds! Growing so fast!

Where is Cassi going?

Thx Andrew for doing all the grilling!

Yummy food!

Cassi likes her cupcake!

After dinner, the kids wanted a kids vs grown ups volleyball game. Andrew, Jen, dad and myself took on the challenge. We played the oldest 5. After beating them badly, Eli and Scott decided to join the winning team and Jen played with the other boys. All the boys were shocked at the adults diving for the ball-even Papa! Hopefully we can get together again before school starts again. It's been a busy summer so far and can't believe it's almost July!

Jiggle jam

The kids performed at Jiggle Jam, a huge kids feast in KC, over Memorial Day weekend. They did a great job!

Titanic

Lucas's last big project of the year was about the Titanic. He did his project on the first class library. So ask him some questions- he probably knows all the answers. After the projects, the 5th grade classes had a huge party. Food/games and loads of fun!

The food!

Musical lifeboats- ( musical chairs) this was my station and was quite surprised that the kids would love it so much! And luckily no one was seriously injured.

Musical lifeboats made everyone hungry!!!

Titanic memory

Sunken treasure

Lucas stuck his face in the icy water. Burrr!

Lucas's masterpiece.

School picnic and field day

The last week of school, Lucas had the all school picnic and field day. It was hot and sunny! I helped out at the snack table and I lost track of all the water we went through. 

A quick pic before Lucas ran off with his friends!

Cup stacking

Sponge race- great way to cool off

I am thinking they got extra wet on purpose! Smart boys!

High jump! Lucas was so excited to be tied for first place!

Tug of war!

Band banquet

Noah lettered and numbered in band. ( I guess you have to earn the numbers of the year you graduate- I was so confused  when Noah said "numbered" in band). 

Kinda blurry but Noah getting his letter/number.

Eli always entertaining with the fake mustaches from coaster that they gave out.

Lucas didn't want his pic taken.

Noah with his letter and number.

End of the year concerts

The boys have had several concerts so I decided to post them all in one. It's been a busy end of the year and I can't believe how fast it's gone.

Lucas at the West area band festival. 

All of fifth grade band from our nosebleed seats that Eli chose.

Eli in the West area orchestra festival.

Noah after the spring band concert.

Spring orchestra 8th grade concert

All the boys have done great in music. Noah has added the bass clarinet and contra alto clarinet to his musical talents. Eli is working in private lessons to maybe audition in the KC youth symphony. Lucas has enjoyed the trumpet but is thinking of going back to strings. Instead of the violin- he is thinking cello maybe the instrument for him. I have lots more to post for the end of the year so come back soon.

Happy birthday Tovi!

Today is Tovi's birthday! He spent the day napping. Rough life!

On our way to the pet store!

To many smells to pay attention to the toys.

Eli decided to carry him to help him focus better. Unfortunately it didn't work!

Birthday cake time!

All worn out! It's hard getting older. Happy birthday Tovi!