Eight.Six Years Old

 8.6 Years Old

• We got to go backpacking as a family to Pamelia Lake. You tell us that you don't like backpacking, but you seemed to have a great time. We camped right next to the lake. There were logs all over the place so Maggie, you, and JoJo used them to build this big lean-to style fort. We slept in hammocks. Having the hammocks up during the day was a big hit. You loved swinging in them and read in yours. When we hiked back, you asked me to give you math fact questions and spelling words. We ended with getting milkshakes from the Gingerbread House place in Lyons. 
• We seem to not being able to slow down this summer. We were able to go camping at Crater Lake. We drove down and spent two nights in the park. The lake was beautiful. We hiked up to the look out and then hiked down to the lake. We brought our swim suits this time and swam in the very cold water. You jumped in for about 1 minute, then found a hot, big rock to lay on like a lizard. We played games, ate yummy foods, and even went back at night to watch the sunset. On the way back, we hiked Diamond Falls and Salt Creek falls. They were so beautiful. I am so happy we made the stop. For dinner that night, we ate pizza and drank root beer. 
• Summer is wrapping up and so I wanted to be able to have one more big day on using our Berry Pass. I called it, "Big Summer Blow Out!". We met the Prices and the Smiths and tried to cram in all the activities that we could in one day. We started with Get Air. You loved doing the obstacle course with Sonora. Next, we made our way to the driving range. We had to take turns using the driver and chipper. Your favorite was using the driver because you could smack it hard and far. Afterwards, we headed to mini golf. I was in your group with Sonora and the little girls. Counting the swings were very loosely done, but there was a lot of giggles. We broke for lunch at Chick Fil-A. The last event we got in was bowling. We ended the night with pizza at Annie's to celebrate her birthday. It was such a fun day.
• The last thing with our Berry Passes that we got to use them for was going to Enchanted Forrest. I have heard such mixed things about the place. People either love it or think it is creepy. We were excited to experience it ourselves. We met the Prices there but they were going to be late so we went early and waited in line for a few rides. The log flume was really fun and the other one was sort of like a mini Hatterhorn. Once the Prices showed up, we walked through storybook lane (even went down the slide in the house). We listened to an Irish band and water show. We walked a Jack in the Bean Stalk play. And at the end, you went on the log flume ride again with Uncle Dusty. 
• We had back to school night and first day of school. You really wanted Mr. King but you got Mrs. Schurter. It was also hard because most all the kids from your class last year got Mr. King. Luckily, Emery is with you, so you were happy about that. I have to say that going back to school shopping with you was hilarious. We stopped at Once Upon a child, where you found a lot of "gems". You kept picking out these black, leather mini skirts with really fluffy pink sweaters. Yes, hooker clothes! Maggie and I were laughing so hard and tried to gear you towards other items. I got you to pick mostly better choices. First day went well. You are a very adaptable person, so I am sure it is going to be a great year.
• We made it to the Sublimity Harvest Festival. We met up with the Scott's and Horner's there. We were so unprepared, but the friends helped us out with ear buds and cash. I asked Sam to take you and JoJo to walk around. Ian was with him so he was being a big brother. You were able to play on the jump house. The night was going so long though. At one point, you started crying because you were so tired. I took you and JoJo home early to sleep.