Roddy Tree 2011

After skipping a year, we were back at Roddy Tree Ranch this summer. A Loveless family tradition that the kids just love. It is a great place to relax and have fun, that is for sure.
The drought this summer caused the river to be low and the fishing pond was barely hanging on, but there were still fish to be caught and we found a new fun place to swim in the river.
Of course we danced the night away at the Lazy Days Canteen, while the guys played hoops. No telling how much money got dumped into that expense jute box! We played lots of oldies as usual, but this year our time at Roddy Tree will be remembered with Rolling in the Deep by Adelle! Thanks Olivia.....
The entire Armstrong clan joined us this year, which made for more fun!
With a stop at Buc-cees on the way there and a stop in Gruene on the way back our trip was loaded with fun. Of which most of I did not capture in photos this year. I will have to rely on the photos of others this year to remember the trip!

We survived our first church camp!!!

Olivia and I took off for Pre-teen camp this past week. Her first time to go and my first time as a counselor! Daddy has wanted Olivia to go practically since she was born. He has so many memories of church camp and he wanted the same thing for Olivia. Olivia wasn't ready to go until this year and probably because her mother was coming along.
I have to say I was very proud of my little girl. She did not cling to me at all. She went off and made new friends and had a great time. I thought I would see her at meal times but usually she and her friends were sitting together and her mother was an after thought and I was thrilled.
At first I was concerned she was going off to camp without a friend and not really having many friendships with the kids there. In retrospect, that is the way to go. When you bring a friend or already have a friend you want to hang with you don't get out of your comfort zone and make new friends!
Olivia crossed a big hurdle this summer and realized just what she can do on her own. I know the thought of having her mom close by was comforting but I think next year she can make it on her own, though I had so much fun, I just might want to go back. This time with a eggshell for the plywood I had to sleep on!

Another 4th of July

We had an even bigger 4th of July celebration in our neighborhood this year! Daddy is the president of the HOA and he and the others work hard too make things fun in the neighborhood. This year we had two fire engines come for the parade. And this year we had lots of people riding in the parade, which made it a lot of fun for everyone. Afterwards we had hot dogs, snow cones and a watermelon eating contest at the clubhouse!
Jenna came to enjoy the festivities with her cousins! The join in on the watermelon eating contest. Abby was going after it......unfortunately she was competing against teenage boys and had no hope of winning!