Sibling Camping

Duane and I invited my family to camp with us out in the woods near our house...(actually the woods at Uncle Dave's and Aunt Cindy's).  It was super fun to make our own "sites" and set up camp.

Brynn, Jonas, Bransen, and Austin enjoyed some exploring and swimming while we set everything up.

The rest of the crew (minus Mike, who was working, and Matt and Rebekah, because Bekah was sick) came a little while later and we got some good use out of our new camper pie irons.  

We got to go see a huge bonfire before bedtime.  Abby was a little scared :-)

Since Matt and Rebekah weren't there, Lisa, Bethany, and Abby squeezed into our tent.  Fun cousin sleepover!

The next day we hiked to a cool waterfall and swimming hole.  We roasted some hot dogs out there and had fun playing in the creek.  (And Matt and Bekah came by then, too!)

We had a super fun time.  Thanks to Dave and Cindy for letting us use your woods!

Waldameer Park

St. Joe's school had a special trip to Waldameer Park, PA to celebrate the end of the year.  What started out as a rainy, yucky day turned into a perfect day to enjoy the park!

Lots and lots of rides...

Even though it wasn't a particularly warm day, the kids favorite ride was Thunder River, where they got soaking wet.

After the rest of the kids from St. Joe's left, we had a short time to enjoy the water park.  By "we"...I mean the kids.  Duane and I were too cold to go in the water.

And a family selfie on the train, just for fun :-)

We're hoping to go back with Grandma Gabel later this summer!  Our kids definitely love amusement parks!

Bransen's Kindergarten Graduation

 Bransen did so well in Kindergarten and we are so proud of him.  He was super cute in his graduation ceremony and sang all the songs...even if he had no interest in doing most of the motions.

Marching in with his class

Getting his diploma

The song in this video is Bransen's favorite because "it wasn't very long"  :-)

He also read his page from a class book they made and did a really great job.

After the ceremony, hanging out with his sister and brother and enjoying some snacks!

Thank you to St. Joe's Catholic School for all of their hard work, and especially to Mrs. Foit.  Bransen had a great year!

May Candids

And now for our post that encompasses all the pictures that aren't enough to make a post of their own...

Our studious children reading together

Brynn and Bransen crossing the creek on their tree bridge

Jonas in a soccer action shot

Bransen crashing his bike over the hill

Jonas and the girls meeting a dog and musher from the Iditarod

Brynn and Bransen helping Aunt Deanne and me in the gardens

The cousins watching a movie

Trinity's annual Walk-a-thon...cold this year!

Now looking forward to the summer months!