Sky Ranch

We took our annual trip up to Sky Ranch last weekend for Family Camp with our church and we had a great time! The weather was outstanding and it is always fun to spend some time up in the mountains at such a beautiful spot.

We did a service project our first morning there. We sanded and applied weather sealer to the log benches in the outdoor chapel and moved all the wood chips around. Kaylynn liked "painting" with Haley.
The outdoor chapel has a fantastic view. Here are some images looking out.

After that we went on a hike to Beaver Falls. Kaylynn loves to hike and climb on rocks so this was a favorite activity of hers for the weekend.
We did a lot of other things on Saturday including watching the humming birds at the lodge, fishing (Cory and K), archery (Jamie), horseshoes, tether ball, bocce ball and, of course, a campfire with songs and s'mores!
Several people saw a moose walking through the campground when we were on our hike so, of course, I was determined to see that! I got up before the others on Sunday morning and headed out to find that moose. I was torn between looking for the moose or using the bathroom first but the nature call won out and I headed towards the bathroom, rather then the meadow. As I was walking that way, looking side to side in the woods for the moose, I finally glanced forward and there, 15-20 feet in front of me standing right in the middle of the trail looking right at me was ... THE MOOSE! I quickly retreated while getting the camera out of the case and putting the zoom lens on all at the same time. I was unprepared, I was going to the bathroom first! I snapped a quick picture before he headed into the woods and then followed to the side of him at a good distance to take a few more pictures through the trees (there were way too many trees!). Not the greatest, but here are a couple.
He kept his eye on me and sauntered along, finally leaving the woods, crossing the main road, walking right past the lodge and into the meadow.
He had meandered along the edge of the meadow and forest and I stayed on the other side of the meadow and snapped several more pictures. Here are some action shots of him eating the leaves off a small tree.
It was so fun to be the only one up and watching this moose on his morning stroll. It made my day, and whole summer of camping, really! I hope he continues to hang out at Sky Ranch so we can watch him get bigger over the years.

While we were waiting for breakfast I noticed K striking poses with her shadow. It was really cute!
Pastor Paul making a monster pancake - He even flipped it all in one shot!
This was just a cool mushroom along a path.
Here is the full group of us after worship on Sunday morning. Several of us tie-dyed shirts on Saturday and all wore them the next day.It was a fabulous camping trip. If any of you locals are interested in joining us next year come talk to us!

The official celebration

Early on the morning of K's birthday she was up and excited to open presents - still in her PJ's.
Daddy picked out Legos for her!And G&G Vogt got her a (jumbo!) Barbie Jet!They also got her this cute outfit that she decided to wear to her party later that afternoon (not shown, matching socks, of course!).
Right before we headed off to her party, K fell asleep! She got a good cat nap and it really perked her up and rejuvenated her for her party at Bounce Town!
This was the favorite slide at Bounce Town. James loved it and got quite a few slides in before too many kids arrived! He kept trying to get up the ladder even with the big kids climbing right over him...because once all the kids showed up it escalated into complete craziness!
There are 6 other jumpy castles at Bounce Town (proof of one below) but the slide was the favorite by far!
After 75 minutes of exhausting bouncing, we went into a separate room for pizza and cake. (Couldn't quite get the picture of the cake before James' hand went in the frosting!)
The whole crew of kids. Cute bunch, huh?!
We didn't have time to open presents there so when we got home K tore into all the great gifts.
The next day she learned the one down side of inviting so many friends to her party - lots of "thank you's" to write!

At one point at Bounce Town, K came down the slide yelling "This is the best birthday party ever!", so I think it was a success!

Visit to G&G's houses!

Kaylynn made a big circle across the upper midwest this summer to spend some time at both Grandparent's houses by herself for a week each. She had a great time and we are so glad they were able to spend some quality time together. She started her trip by heading from home to Lincoln, NE where we met G&G Vogt. We spent the night there and hit the pool several times before she was off to MN.

I think she spent quite a bit of time working on arts and crafts...
and playing outdoors.
Of course, she was able to check out G&G's new 3D TV, which she loved!
I think they kept her busy because one night we talked to her and she said that she laid on the floor and the blanket was "just so comfty" that she fell asleep one afternoon!
She was lucky to be visiting around her birthday so she got to celebrate with cupcakes!
Then, she was back in the car and off to Jamestown, ND where they met up with G&G Wolff and off they headed to MT. I think her favorite part of the farm was all the kittens running around at G&G's and Uncle Pete's!
I think the kittens enjoyed it for awhile, then they wanted out!Of course, another birthday celebration was in store!

She got her first set of golf clubs!Now for her first lesson...Even if she can't hit the ball very well yet, she sure looks cute carrying them - doesn't she!!!
And we can't leave out the obligatory photo in front of the sign.