Elkhart County 4H Fair Cheer Competition

Mishawaka has a great routine....problem was three of our stunts fell.  Definitely need some cleaning up to do and since attendance has been an issue (with many girls in different sports)...we just didn't do as well as we had wanted to do.  At least we got some experience in.  Unfortunately, Mishawaka placed 4th out of 4 today.  Northwood first, Goshen second, Elkhart Central third.  Gabi did great though considering all the moving around she had to do.

 Gabi and Kylee

 Fourth Place Trophy

 Maw maw and paw paw came

 Gabi and Kristen (choreographer of routine)

 Gabi and cheer sister (Paige)

 Sophie came too!

 Gabi made the cover of the program this year!

 The fierce Sophomores!!!

Permitted

Yep...it's happening...

Patriot Tour 2015

For Ben's birthday this year, we got Ben two tickets for him and me to see the Patriot Tour sponsored by Team Never Quit.  I figured because of his interest in The Lone Survivor and American Sniper, this would be something we would enjoy.  In fact, Ben actually got me American Wife written by Taya Kyle for Mother's Day.  Not quite finished, but I am getting there and love it.  We got to see the Patriot Tour this past Friday in Chicago at the Vic Theatre.  We were actually pretty close to the stage - probably 25 yards or so.  Pretty awesome to hear some incredible stories from some inspirational veterans.  The speakers leading up to Marcus Luttrell were Chad Fleming, Taya Kyle, Pete Scobell (sang), and David Goggins.  Personally, I was most awestruck with David Goggins...telling of his ever endearing journey to become a Navy Seal and run 100 miles!  Incredible. 

These speakers took their time and Marcus Luttrell actually spoke for a good 45 minutes or so recounting his personal feat as shown in Lone Survivor.  Just incredible hearing it all first hand.  It actually inspired Ben and I to watch the movie last night! 

Waffle Farms Campground Vacation 2015

We got to spend 10 days at Waffle Farms for our summer vacation this year (June 25-July 5).  And also this year, things were a bit different...my parents and my aunt Carol actually both bought campers and decided to join in on the fun!  It worked out best for my mom's side to all come the first weekend (June 26th) so everyone met up at the campground with their boats.  We planned another fish fry, but rather than catching our fish (we didn't have time), we brought some fish from home in our stock pile.  Uncle Rusty and Aunt Julie came on Friday with Brandon, Lexie and Ryan.  Uncle Kenny and Aunt Sharon came on Saturday.  Everyone stayed til Sunday since the weather wasn't exactly perfect.  In fact, Saturday was a complete wash - it rained all day and was actually like 70 degrees!!!!  We checked out a little restaurant on Coldwater Lake (Barefoot Grill) with the family to spend some time together.  Sunday was better.  A bit chilly but it was sunny.  We did all our lake fun on that day.

We allowed Gabi to have a friend come up on Tuesday through Friday...Kylee Stapleton from school cheer came and had some fun the remainder of the week.  Luckily it stayed dry for us...only a bit chilly.  Highs were only in the 70's.  It's a good thing we had some girls who aren't afraid of getting in some chilly water. We did keep busy though while it warmed up.  We actually took the kids into town to go cart one day and we also went to eat at the little bar with our boats (which was very good!)  My parents and Chad/Amber and family all stayed through July 5th so we had plenty of visiting and entertainment.

We ended the week with just the family (my parents and Chad/Amber and family).  Kylee went home on Friday evening.  We actually got to watch fireworks on both Friday and Saturday evening over the lakes.  It was beautiful.  All in all, it may have been a bit chilly sometimes, but we had lots of fun and got plenty of sunshine in the end.  We all came back nice and tan!!!  Very thankful for that R&R.

And...here is the overload of pics...