Freedom

         This Fourth of July we really tried to bring home the concept of loss in order to gain.  We have been studying many statesman (a person who exhibits great wisdom and ability in directing the affairs of a government or in dealing with important public issues), our forefathers and their commitment to their country.  They were men and women of public virtue (to voluntarily sacrifice personal benefit for the good of society. For example, George Washington served two terms as President even when, as he was accepting the post, he wrote that it "would be the greatest sacrifice of my personal feelings and wishes that ever I have been called upon to make." ).  They understood and depended on the hand of God in all of their dealings, private as well as public.

        I chose a story to read to the kids titled, Six Boys and Thirteen Hands.  This story is all about loosing many to gain our freedom and how God had a hand in it.  This story was the beginning of a wonderful family discussion that ended in tears and beautiful songs about our country.  I am over joyed with our new found love for history and celebrating our founding fathers and the soldiers that showed public virtue as they sacrificed their lives, time and health for the freedom of our nation.  There is so much out there to be learned about good leadership and how to become an astounding member of your family, community, place of work and your nation.

Here is our gang for the "fire works" 

The Great Sedona Escape

I love last minute let's get the heck out of Dodge trips.  There is no planning, just get in the car were going.  We only stayed for one night but we had a "great" time.  Sedona is so beautiful!

As soon as we arrived the kids were eager to get there mini golf game on.  The boys played their own game and only came chasing each other with their clubs once.  I think they are getting along better.  Of course I took Maggie and MY LB down in a close not so close round of pro-mini golf. 

It was really warm in Sedona, so much for escaping the heat.  We went swimming after dark and had a great time playing water volley ball (I lost so we wont dwell on that for long).

Early the next morning we went on one of our favorite hikes.  The kids are becoming great hikers and even show some enthusiasm for the sport.  After that it was more swimming and a grand finale of a family mini golf tournament (once again we wont dwell on that).

On the way home we stopped to say hi and happy Father's Day to pa-pa and me-me.  The were pleasantly surprised!

MY LB is so wonderful to surprise us on Father's Day weekend with this great idea to escape to Sedona.  He kept telling the kids that mom gets to pick where we eat and what we do because this trip is especially for her.  I totally fed into that!

Do to things going on with our home we have to fore go a big vacation this year so every chance we get to escape is pleasantly embraced.  We will be visiting Sedona again towards the end of summer and we are all very excited to redeem ourselves at water volley ball and mini golf (that's right LB, you heard me, you are going DOWN).

This is one of those pictures that brings questions with age. 

What am I wearing? 

Did you ever brush my hair?

Still Scouting

I thought that I would brag catch you up on my fantastic scouters.  They are such magnificent boys and the scouting program keeps them "good" busy.  Spencer is on his way to becoming a Bear and Matthew is sweeping through the Boy Scout program and setting outstanding goals.  MY LB and I are so proud of our boys and their desire to "Do Their Best".

Spencer received his Wolf and an amazing eight arrow points at Pack Meeting last month.

Matthew received his Tenderfoot last month and has set an awesome goal to have his Star before he turns 12.  He is very eager to make this goal happen and I know he can do it, he is already very close to First Class.

We are so blessed to be part of the Cub Scout/ Boy Scout program.