A couple of weeks ago the grands and I headed to San Antonio for Mighty Muscles Camp. My 2 grands were joined by a set of triplets and another grand for a total of 6 happy campers! Mighty Muscles is a day camp and we would drop the kids off at 9:00 am (I must say that first morning was a little hard for me; my daughter-in-law had entrusted their care to me and what if something happened?) and we would pick them up at 3:00. Each day for 4 days they had a variety of activities that they did, including but not limited to, swimming, karate, dance, climbing a rock wall, tennis, arts and crafts. When we would arrive to pick them, they were exhausted. Somehow on the air-conditioned drive home they would gain a second wind. Good thing we had lots of fun stuff for them to do in the off-camp hours.
My friends hosted all 6 children and 3 additional grandparents for a total of 5 adults. This kids took over the quilt room.
A soccer tent provided a great indoor camping experience for the girlsAnd the boys had a small tent that we also set up indoors.
Swimming of course was a major activity (grandma’s know this will wear them out!)
We dropped them off the first day and they figured out how it all worked…..
Some of our evening activities included tie-dye, decorating cupcakes, making a snow globe and scrap booking……
Tie DyeBeing cute!ScrapbookingScrapbookingSnow Globes – did you know a LITTLE bit of glitter goes a LONG WAY!Sock bubblesMore sock bubblesCupcakesCupcakesMmmmmmmm
One of the kiddos favorite activities was ‘smores. One of my least favorites – we are giving children long poky devices with hot marshmallows on the end!
MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMNo More Photos!
We attempted Crayon Art!
Adults need a better plan for this one
A few photos from camp….
Arts and Hearts!Waiting to performWaiting to perform “Who Let the Dogs Out” This is one tired puppy!Performing!A great dance for boys – it included basketballs
And just a few with the grands!
Gorgeous and Miss K!Grandma and another Miss K.Me and Mr. B!Little Toot with Dee DeeGrandma and another Mr. B!And Miss Holly with Miss A!
Our happy tie-dyed campers!
Thank you to all the grandmas that hosted our gang. My grandkids are still talking about how much fun they had and they can’t wait for next year!
Camp DeeDee has come to an end – but we had so much fun we have two more weeks planned the summer – in July we will venture to Utah for the Green’s Family Reunion – Just the GRANDS! Grandkids and Grandparents! Daddy will be working and momma will be busy studying for her summer college courses. And in August the kids and I have been invited to San Antonio for another camp – 4 girls and 2 boys – I sure hope San Antonio is ready for this!
Little Toot and Mr. B started ice skating in March of this year. Little Toot is figure skating and Mr. B is learning Hockey. Last month the instructor approached my DIL about having Little Toot compete in late June. Grandpa said he would pay for the kids to each have their own ice skates and my son and his wife figured out the rest, including a few extra lessons for little toot! My DIL put a call out on Facebook for help with creating the sound track for the routine and within no time at all had the perfect music – perfectly edited to meet the allowed time.
Little Toot earned 2nd place out of the 4 competing and we are very proud of her! Here are a few photos of the 2 kiddos on/off the ice……
Deep thought!We picked up his skates last Tuesday – this is his first lesson on his skates!Mr. B with his coach.Little Toot with her coach – GrantPracticing in the snack bar area…..Love that girl! Momma had trouble finding a choker so she found a beautiful headband and created the perfect choker….
She is such a girly girl and loves to wear makeup. After putting her skates on she slipped and fell – getting to the ice! But like any professional knows; if you cry your makeup will smear so she looked up at the ceiling and blinked and blinked and blinked. There were tears but no smears!
Posing – she wanted me to get her whole body including shoes! Skates will be put on shortly!Such a hammmmmmmLittle Toot with her skating friend. Her friend earned 2 first place honors (different division than Little Toot!) Momma added the “bling” to Little Toot’s skating costume and also helped out a couple of other young skaters by adding their bling!The warm up before competition for basic 2 skaters….practice practice practicemore practiceSitting on the bench waiting for her turnAnd she takes the ice – I have to wonder what went through her young mind as she realized she is on the ice all by herself and in a competitionGet ready for her swigglesA little stumble – she hasn’t stumbled in her routine before – but she had a GREAT recovery – and remember she did earn 2nd place!Back on track…..And the finish….and the final pose!“Friends on the Ice” Grandpa could not resist!
I hope she continues on this path as she is really graceful and so beautiful to watch on the ice!
Good thing we have been so busy with outside activities that our inside activities have been stacking up – because yesterday it rained A L L – D A Y! While I was excited about the rain – the children were less than excited until we went to Hobby Lobby to pick up some more craft supplies.
Here are some photos from our inside adventures….
Is that make-up on the boy-child? No we are face painting!She couldn’t quit giggling while she painted brothers face!He was so patient!The “artist” with her painting!
Many of the photos below are taken by the kiddos – with my big camera – with threats of bodily harm if they got face paint on my camera! They used “live-mode” and did a very fine job with photography!
Now it was my turn to paint!And my subject!Peas in a Pod!He did enjoy this activity!And now he is the artist!A mustache and a beard and you see that dot in the middle of my forehead? A bullet hole! Great!Keep them closed!The finished product!And the “artist” with the painting! Quite a pair aren’t we?Hey – I figured out the timer! We can all be in the photo!Then we were on to apron painting!A grey apron for the boy! NO RUFFLES!Pretty cute!Love it!
We also tried painting flip flops, paint did not work so well, next time we will try markers. At least 3 washings and a shower and we have most of the face paint off!
Mr. B learned a new move in Karate yesterday – it is the Hip Throw! Lots of fun! Today I think we will tie-dye and go ice-skating!
Third Annual Camp DeeDee is underway. After teaching paper-piecing all day at Pinwheels and Posies I picked up the kiddos to begin our week of fun fun fun. We stopped at the grocery store because “Mother Hubbards Cupboard is Bare”, we needed food. We raced home and started the pasta salad to take the Annual June Jubilee at the Seyler Oasis! This event is always great fun and it was fun for the kids to see their previous camp counselor Sam!
Mr. B just learned to swim without a flotation device last weekend and he is a real fish now. Here are a few photos from Saturday!
The little mermaid – she loves the water – even before she could talk she would stand at the back door and making swimming gestures!A Hand Stand!Sorry it is blurry – but this kid is perpetual motion!Time out for a little snack!Good down to the last crumbHe is so cute!Grandpa feeds the little mermaid some grapes!Just some fun watery photosPhoto Fun!Lucked out on the camera settings and these were just fun!The boy is a true fish now!Glub Glub Glub….Fish eyes!Finally – a snack!chillin!
Sunday was a quiet day – we got up and went to Home Depot and bought plants to make mini gardens later this week and a bunch of stuff that Grandpa needed for electrical for the barn. Then we came home and had some lunch then it was movie time (the little man was pretty tired and we needed some quiet time) We had purchased the Lego movie while we were out so that is what we watched. Then it was time for swimming and then some dinner and then a few competitive games of Left Center Right!
You left this world 18 years ago today. It was our first snow of the year and it was a decent snow! Corey was in Montana, Jenni lived in Georgia but was out of that state on business. Phone calls were made, plane reservations were made and cars were loaded up. I met my big brother John for the first time – he and his wife flew in to meet us and say good bye to you. Bill and his bride of many years also came to the services. In your death we have found each other – I know you rest in peace knowing this! We miss you often and wish you could share in our wonderful lives. Since you left the family has multiplied! You have birth to 6 children, your eldest, David left us while you were still here. How hard that must’ve been for you! It was hard for us – I can’t imagine losing a child at any age!
You had a tough life and were not able to watch the middle 3 of your children grow into very fine people. I love these siblings dearly and appreciate them every day! Your leaving has brought all of us together – so for that we are all grateful. Jenni and I are able to enjoy our big brothers and our beautiful sister! The 6 kids you gave life to – gave life to a total of 17 grandchildren. I love every one of these nieces and nephews and have met all but one! I am privileged to be invited to and attend their weddings. They include me in the day to day happenings of their families. I love being an aunt! 18 years ago when you left us the internet was just coming on the scene in homes – you would’ve loved it! To be able to watch these young adults and their families grow up is an honor!
Your 17 grandchildren have brought at least 30 great-grandchildren (with another one on the way in August).
Here are a few quick moments in our lives … I have 1000’s of photos and they all make me smile!
Lorna’s Legacy!
Me and Jenni – just a short time ago! Once upon a time in a land far far away!
Christmas 1999 we all got together! A first but not a last!Bill and a new grandson – Penny’s youngest!A couple more of Bill’s beautiful grandchildren. When they were little!Remember the infant you witnessed taking his first breath? He was married almost 10 years ago, he is also a father – which means I am a grandma!
Family time during Andy’s wedding! Aunt Dee and Jenni’s 2nd grandchild.In Houston for Andy’s wedding. Uncle John meets Jenni’s first grandchild!Jenni – we were finishing the wedding quilt for Andy!David’s kiddos – Jason and Betty celebrating Jason graduating. Along with Jason’s daughter. May 2011
The following photos are from Jamaica 2008
2008 Brittney got married in Jamaica – Here are 4 of Lorna’s kids with their fabulous spouses!Jenni is happy and Phil is the guy that keeps her happy!Jenni and Shan!Jenni and Brittney (before selfies – you had to have someone take your picture!)Jenni’s 3 youngest (I am going to pay for posting this!)Jenni and big brother!Me and big brother!Jenni and the brothers. Corey in the front – you remember his sense of humor don’t you?!
Kylene’s Wedding – October 2011
John’s daughter with her niece (one of John’s grandkids!)Bill being a granddad – nothing better than a sleeping grandchild to snuggle with!Bill’s daughter and her son!A close up of those eyes and smile!John’s granddaughter steals the show at Auntie’s wedding!John’s oldest – with his 2 girls (and now he has a son!)Missing Jenni – she was grounded from flying 🙁
Various photos…….
This little guy was born on Christmas day a couple of years ago – doesn’t he look just like his momma!Jenni’s and my grandkiddos go eye to eye!Our little one made it to 10 years old and boy did we celebrate!This one may be the younger sister but she is the bigger sister in all the ways she helps her little-big sister!Jenni’s oldest grandchild is an amazing inspiration to us all. Here she and her younger brother play together.These are a few of your goofy great-grandkids celebrating at Camp DeeDee in 2012One of Jenni’s grandchildren – he was just accepted to Georgia’s Target program for gifted children. This photo he is in a mock shuttle at NASA. Maybe he will be an astronaut!My first niece (that I knew!) and my first grandchild! in 2007I turned 50 this year – I remember your 50th birthday – I was 9 and planned a party for your half century! (too bad this is a horrible photo of Corey – but the rest of us look pretty good!)
My first blog post was a letter written to my son from my mom – to visit click here.
Missing you Mom! But I know you are never far…..
Dee
PS – thanks for queuing the parade at Disney World to start just as we entered the Magic Kingdom! I so wish you had been there (but you were!)
Last year I started a summer camp for my grandkids with their cousins that live in another state. This year the cousins were not able to attend so we invited a friend’s kiddos.
Day 1 we used the afternoon to let the kiddos get to know each other ~
A little bit of sustenance for our campers – notice no red licorice or smores ingredients – I had to make another trip to the store!Watching a Lego Movie!A little bit of girl time bonding!A little bit of girl time bonding!
then we headed out to a Skeeter’s Game. This was our first visit to this ballpark. We chose the “lawn” because it is near the playground. I was extremely impressed with the ballpark and especially the playground. The staff working the playground were very attentive, if children were not obeying the rules, they were not just told to “stop” they were pulled aside and it was explained why the rule was important. The staff also took the time to show the children how to use the equipment properly. Little Toot was so proud of herself after she did the “ropes” course all by herself! Next time we will be bringing the swimsuits, as the splash pad is pretty awesome also. The lawn seats are right above the bullpen so the kids were able to watch the players warm up as well. Players and coaches are encouraged to give out autographs and the kiddos thought that was pretty cool!
Round and Round the saucer goes!A little push from mom!Stretch!Great climbing!Had to ride the alligator!Trying to get an autograph from Skeeter – by the time she would make it all the way down to the field he would’ve moved on!As we were leaving she was able to snag an autograph from Skeeter!
Day 2 involved a little bit of tie dye activities – A big thank you to the older sister of our guests for making all the kids pants to tie-dye! Each kiddo was able to dye a shirt, pants and pillowcase!
The Tie Dye ShirtLook how cute these pants turned out!
Day 3 was just the grands, we headed to “Luling, TX” for the Big Watermelon Thump. Now a smart grandma would’ve checked the weather to know that the heat would be close to unbearable (111). We had fun anyway with lots of cool downs. Little Toot participated in her first watermelon eating contest – I thought I had my record button on, but it wasn’t so I will just have to tell you – it was really fun to watch! Both kids enjoyed the Magic Show and little toot was even chosen as a volunteer! A couple of removable tattoos were added to the children and then we headed to lunch at Blakes! Luling is known far and wide for their BBQ, but we enjoy Blakes!
Oh yeah – when you are Luling at the watermelon thump – you must bring home a watermelon!
Day 4 was spent at home, we worked on a painting project but realized it was going to take a while to paint enough popsicle sticks for our project and headed out to ride bikes and swim instead, then we had BBQ chicken, hotdogs and smores!
Where there is a will there is a way – eating red licorice while painting is a tricky deal!Step 1 – taste itStep 2 – get that extra chocolateStep 3 – stretch the marshmallowStep 4 – pose for the camera!I am not sticky!MmmmmmmStep 1 – Taste it!Step 2 – Stretch it!Giggles!Hey who took a bit out of my Smore?
Days 5 & 6 were enjoyed with the kiddos new friends, we made pizzas, suncatchers, played video games, watched a movie, played “Angry Birds” (not the electronic version) and found a new favorite game for children and adults to play together “Left, Center, Right”. And of course lots and lots of swimming! Oh and we also had some water balloon games and lots of fun with bubbles! Have you ever made bubble snakes with a water bottle and a sock?
Sun Catchers!Another one bites the dust!On a wing and a prayer this one gets caught!Nice Catch!
I will get it!Whoops that one just popped!Great Catch!Daddy is a baseball coach – don’t show him this picture!See that cooler in the background! That is where all the balloons were!Launch!Pencil Jump to keep the splash at a minimum while the camera is out!Splash!Little frog eyesLove this picture!
We also built a fort! Thanks to our Camp Counselor Samantha for the great walls and roof!
The fort!Cherished quiet times – before bedtime!Cherished quiet times – before bedtime!Cherished quiet times – before bedtime!Cherished quiet times – before bedtime!Cherished quiet times – before bedtime!Cherished quiet times – before bedtime!Could only get one of him – he didn’t like the flash!Getting ready to sleep in the fort!Looks pretty comfy to me!
Day 7 we picked up donuts and then got the car inspected while we munched, then off to the carwash! Once we got home the last of the laundry was finished up and momma was there to pick up her kiddos! They had to show her some of their projects and teach her how to play LCR! Another new game we played was the word game “hangman” momma was pretty impressed with how well little toot could play this game!
Momma was also able to play while the kiddos were away, dinner with dad, then celebrating a friends 30th birthday, she also participated in the “Electric Run” and had a girlfriend day that included lunch in Galveston and other fun without kiddos!
