Two Things

Well...there has been a bit of swirl around these parts here lately. I will do my best to catch you up, while sharing two things about everyone:

ZANE

1. Loves the pool and specifically the diving board! He has worked hard this summer to be able to jump off the diving board and swim to the side with no help (or flotation devices). And now that he has conquered that - he will go off the diving board no less than 50 times anytime we are at the pool! 

2. We have had some issues with his skin recently (infections and allergic reactions). I think he is on the mend - finally! He is a rockstar at taking yucky medicine and has been a trooper through a few days of not feeling well.

JAXEN

1. Finished his summer basketball season with a bang! It was a little rough there for awhile (playing kids who were older, more skilled, and they just were not winning games). Then they won their last two games! The very last game was a little intense.... down by 13 points at half-time, came back and went ahead in the last few seconds of the game....but fouled the other team, who missed their throws and so the Jaxen's team won! You would have thought they were the greatest team ever by the celebration that followed - such good memories!!!!

2. Jaxen was able to attend the Nazarene Kids Camp for 2 nights and 3 days. It was such a good experience for him and I hope this is something he wants to do every summer!

NIK

1. Since I last blogged, Nik had hernia surgery and is recovering nicely from it. He has a follow-up appointment next week, but we expect him to be back at work soon. He does not have his strength and stamina back - it's a slow process - but he is doing well!

2. With his extra time at home, recovering, he has been able to do some fun things with the boys! This past week they went to the movies and another day, went to eat at a Pizza Buffet - which they thought was the best thing ever!

CARLA

1. I have taken on some different responsibilities at work recently - in the areas of finance. It was a bit stressful learning new tasks - but now, I'm kind of enjoying doing something different! We are looking to hire a replacement - but until the right person comes along a few of us will be sharing this responsibility. The girl that left gave me a sweet "departure gift" - Diet. Mt. Dew / PB M&M's and a card!

2. The season is changing around here. According to the weather - summer is sticking around, but our summer is coming to a close. School starts in two weeks; Nik goes back to work after being home for a few weeks; and our wonderful friends who have been staying in our downstairs apartment are heading out. Changes. They are good - it just sometimes takes me time to process them :)

Zane: 5 Year Well Check

Zane went for his 5-year Well Check last week.

He is so big! His weight was 43 lbs and he is 44 4/3 inches tall. 

He had a good visit - no issues physically or developmentally. 

He did have to get 3 shots - which is never fun, but he was a trooper. In fact - he put on such a brave face he would not let the nurses see him cry. He was silly and fun with them until they left - then he cried in my arms for a few minutes, because it had hurt. Sweet boy. 

Upon leaving, he did receive some prizes for being so brave. He got to pick out 3 suckers, 3 stickers and 1 freeze-pop. I asked if I could take a picture of him and look what happened...

 

The freeze pop fell out of his napkin and I caught in on camera - haha!

Yes, he still ate it :) And I got another picture.

This boy is all ready for Kindergarten!!!!

Kanakuk Kamp

Kanakuk Kamp:

A 5-Day traveling day camp experience for Kampers ages 5-12 featuring the excitement of the Kanakuk experience in locations across America. Kanakuk brings the exciting adventures in Christian athletics of Kanakuk to your community. Activities include Zipline, Slip-n-Slide, Euro-Bungee, Climbing Wall, Archery, Putt-Putt, Inflatables, Interactive Games, Water Events and more!

Kanakuk is a discipleship Kamp! Everything done at Kanakuk is designed to build strong disciples who will impact their world for Christ. This devotion is integrated into each day’s activities, equipping Kampers of all ages to represent Christ in all they do.

Jaxen attended this camp in Summer 2018 and 2019. It was cancelled in 2020, 

and this year both boys were able to attend!

They were dropped off each day by 9am and then picked up at 4pm. 

I was able to grab some pics (online) of the time the boys spent at Kanakuk Kamp!

Jaxen's group (he is in front of the trash can)

Zane's group having fun with water (he is 4th from the left)

Jaxen (in the background)

 

Zane on Euro-Bungee

 

Love the group pics of the littles

 

Think Zane had fun, or what

Jaxen's group (he is in gray shirt, gray shorts - two over from leader in red)

 

Jaxen and Zane with their counselor on the last day (both with blue hair)

This was when I picked them up on their last day

 

Each kid receives an award at camp, given to them by their counselors.

 

Jaxen's is for the outstanding qualities of Fortitude and Aspiring Others.

If you can't read it, his counselor wrote:

Jaxen has great determination in his daily walk through life. He faces each new thing with courage. Jaxen also seeks out how to grow each day and become stronger in his faith.

Zane's is for the outstanding qualities of Obedience and Enthusiasm.

If you can't read it, his counselor wrote:

Zane is quick to listen and slow to speak. Zane seeks a deeper understanding of the truth. Zane has a great  passion for God and for those around him.

 

Also - Zane received the Bumblebee Award one day!

"Bumblebee awards are given out 3 times a week. 

They are given to Kampers who demonstrate a great attitude, team work, and gave it their all!"

 

On the last day, Zane was called up and received the 110% Award as well!

"This award recognizes the Kamper that goes above and beyond in all they do.

The Kamper who is not afraid of anything and gives 110% - beyond humanly possible!"

 

How cool is that!

What I thought was even cooler - is that Jaxen was the one who told me about both awards.

He was sooo proud of Zane and really bragged on and loved on him!

I wish I was able to be there, but here a few pics....

 

 The boys had fun, made new friends and learned more about God and their relationship with Him!

Tired Boys

The month of June has been a whirl-wind around our household, especially for my boys....

and they are tired! 

Jaxen is loving his new Dallas Cowboys hat so much I caught him sleeping in it one night.

 

Zane fell asleep in the "dog house" he made!

Between swim lessons, basketball practice/games, playing with friends, family/friends visiting, VBS and Kanakuk Kamp - the boys have had a wonderful (but tiring) June!

 

Here are a few pics I captured (online) from VBS at our Church:

 

Jaxen, standing in the middle (black shirt)

 

Zane is to the left (white shirt)

 

Zane is running on the left (blue shirt)


Zane's group (he is front row, second from left)

Jaxen's group (front row, kneeling in green shirt)

 

 

Stay tuned for pictures from Kanakuk Kamp!