Draper Family: Summer Fun, Ward Camp-out, Father's Day and more....

I don't really know what to make of this summer. It has just begun, but it's the first time that I won't be babysitting any kids (besides my own) since I don't remember when. It's probably been about 4 or 5 years since it's been just me with my own kids. So far.....I love it. It's true that they drive me crazy sometimes, but that's nothing new. I think everyone's kids do that to their parents every now and again right? and it's true that I get asked, "Mom, will you play with me?" more often. I love to play with my kids, but I DON'T love playing with barbie's as much as I did when I was a kid.
Aside from the crazy moments and all of the playing with dolls, I've really enjoyed the freedom of going anywhere I want for as long as I want, not having to be ready to report all of the day's activities to someone (except to Josh of course), sleeping in (sort of...well, not really I guess). I suppose I don't really know what it is. I love the family time, and I love that Josh get's home from work sometimes early, and also get's some time off!
So, the first activity we did this summer was going over to Tucker's house to play with water toys/pool. Tucker is a boy that I have been babysitting since March. It was a fun day and the kids had a great time.

Bella and Luke play in a pool at Tucker's house.

Bella and Libby (Elizabeth's nickname that we're trying out) at Tucker's house.

Tucker's mom, Michelle gave us this really cool slip n' slide. We were so excited to get it all set up and try it out. There were a couple of problems: My backyard slopes to the side, and turning the slip n' slide the other direction made it a tight fit between the cement porch and the wooden gate. So, there wasn't much space to take a running start, and once you reached the end you better had been praying you were going slow because otherwise you would crash into the gate. Another problem: Isabella doesn't do well with water (especially in her face). The poor thing wanted to play so badly. You could see how conflicted she was; Wanting to have fun, yet scared of getting sprayed. Eventually I unhooked the water and played helicopter with the hose, and also made little waterfalls/tunnels, limbo for the kids to run under. they had a lot more fun with just the plain old hose.

Luke and Slip-n'-slide

Luke is a big fan of water. He is squinting because of the sun, but he is actually really enjoying himself.

Isabella is not such a big fan of water. She wants to play and have fun, but the water makes her slightly timid.

After getting water in her eye the show is over. No more slip-n'-slide for Bella. She looks so pitiful. Poor thing.

We went to our ward campout at the end of June. We decided not to stay the night, but came mainly to visit and make smores. Isabella and Luke had such a great time. Bella wanted to cook anything she could find over the fire. Unfortunately everything she cooked wound up having ash and dirt all over it as well. Luke kept trying to get into the lake. We forgot bathing suits, so swimming in the lake was a no-no. Luke didn't understand this and kept trying to get in the water... to no avail. Actually, I lied, he did get in the water once but he didn't make it very far. I only have myself to blame because I showed him where the access to the lake was. What was I thinking?! I obviously wasn't. I'll know better next time I guess.

Bella at Ward camp-out.

Okay, so we actually didn't spend the night. We just took this picture next to someone else's tent. It was a REALLY hot day and so we just went to make smores. We look the part though....right??

Making smores, and silly faces.

Happy Father's Day! Isabella was so excited to give her gift to her dad. This was the first time that we got to hear Isabella sing with the primary. They sang the song, "Father's". It was really sweet. I think Bella was more interested in waving to us than singing. It was so cute, and she did sing during the chorus of the song.

Bella couldn't wait to give daddy his Father's Day gift (a cozy for his soda's).

Happy Father's Day!

I bought these glasses at the dollar store to use as part of my "scientist" costume for singing time in primary. Isabella played "scientist" for the rest of the day when we got home. Too cute!