Camping

*First off, THANKS Cherie for all the pictures...I stole them without asking! 

If any of you know me very well, you know that camping is not something I enjoy or look forward too...in fact, I really despise it!  However, I had to make an exception.  Joshua and Kaulani had to do a overnight campout for some scouting merit badges.  Since they were the only 11 year olds in the troop, families were invited to join.  Jared said he would get a cabin for me, so I wouldn't have to sleep in a tent.  I thought that was thoughtful and was excited to sleep in comfort.  Well, the only cabin available was a one room, cement floor hut, with no electricity or water...basically a hard tent.   I put on a happy face and went anyway...after-all, it was only for one night!  Kalei and I shared the cabin (we slept the best) and the other die hards slept in tents.  These two were so excited for the adventure.

The Oldham's took their kayaks and the boys had lots of fun out on the lake.

Part of the boys responsibility was preparing all the meals.  We dined on hotdogs, chips, cobbler and smores!  YUMMY!  For breakfast we had pancakes and bacon!

The older kids spent the night playing games.  They were so nice and included the younger kids too!

About 3 in the morning we heard sirens, when we woke up we learned that one of the cabins not far from ours had burned.  Glad it wasn't ours.

We had a great evening with the Napoleon's and Oldham's.  Just glad it was only one night!

On his way to Eagle!

Joshua earned the rank of First Class in Scouts last night.  He also earned his Leatherman, First Aid, and Fingerprinting merit badge.  We are so proud of him.

Joshua's friend Kaualani, also earned his First Class.  Thanks to their awesome scout leader, Brother Oldham!

First Day of School

Freshman in High School, 9th grade

Last year in Elementary School, 6th grade

Meet the Newest member of the Cardon Family!

Jared finally got his Caribou back, and he is so happy!  And NO, I am not happy!!!!!

We have a 15 year old!

Nathan turned 15 this year!  He is such a great kid and we are so proud of him.  I can't believe how fast they grow up!  We only have him for 4 more short years!  We celebrated on his birthday with family.  He wanted his favorite cake....German Chocolate!

He got an IPhone for his birthday and was SO surprised....what have we done!

Fishing

My Dad, my brother Eric and Jared spent 3 days down south fishing for salmon, trout and halibut.  They had a great time, but didn't catch too many.  Josh got to go Halibut fishing, because Jared gets too sea sick.  We did get a couple small halibut for the freezer.

While they were all out fishing, we took my nephews, Tyler and Jacob on hikes and exploring...just what little boys love!

Wildlife cruise

While my brother and his two boys were here, we took a wildlife cruise out of Seward.  It was stormy that day and the water was rough, but we were able to see a lot of animals.  We saw whales, sea otters, sea lions, puffins, and bald eagles.  The scenery was beautiful.  We stopped at Fox Island and had lunch: salmon, prime rib and crab legs!  This Island that the most smooth, flat rocks, and the boys had a great time skipping them.  It was a great day, but Grandma and Grandpa were beat!