The Real First Day!

Here goes Vivi today, headed out the door.
School did start last Monday, except if you are in Kindergarten. The kindergartner's got to go to school for about 1 and 1/2 hours last Monday. The rest of the week is reserved for kindergarten assessment of each child individually. Today was the real thing! Vivien could not wait to finally get to school, after waiting all of last week. It was an exciting day around here.

Vivi happy to be heading to school with the "big kids". Her teacher this year is Mrs. Wright.

This was the first "fake day" (that's what we call it). We had a long week waiting for school to truly start. We are glad we made it through and hopefully someone learned some patience:)
I can't believe this little girlie is headed for a year full of big school. She has a lot of fun a head of her.

Lilli last Monday. The start of 5th grade. Lilli's teacher this year is Ms. Hansen.

Ava ready for the big grade of second! Mrs. Bryson this year:)

Lexi ready for her 2nd year at Jr. High! (wow...i'm gettin old:(
She is taking choir, Spanish 2, and Facs for her electives this year.

Baby Erickson

I am excited to report that this baby Erickson happens to be ALL BOY!!!!

Cousin Camp 2009

Every summer my Mom and Dad host a camp for all cousins 12 and under. What a great time for the cousins to get to share together. I know all of the campers were thrilled to get to have ample cousin time.

Lexi ended up at the cabin at cousin camp time because of needing a ride home from Vegas. She was a great help to me and those Aunts who had babies. It was good to have her there.

Mam and Poppy with the group of campers.

Lily and her cousin Katie were our Jr. camp counselors. They did a fabulous job helping and directing activities. We were all grateful to have them!

Here are a few samplings of some of our activities: Writing in journals..

Even Nicolette and cousin Ella were thrilled to be included in activities.

This was a great activity, put on by Aunt Katie. We made terrariums and these turned out terrific. It's amazing what you can make from a couple of 2 liter soda bottles.

The planting of the terrariums

This was just getting ready for the big activity. Each year we have a camp theme. This year was...We Love Nature. We had nature journals, bug hunting, a nature scavenger hunt, "fishing", painting a huge tree with tiny hand prints for leaves, setting up a tent, and many more:)

Every cousin gets a certificate of camp achievement. Nicolette was very excited to be big enough to get her own certificate.

Vivien with Mam at the end of camp.

Ava's turn.

Lilli also received a certificate for being a great camp counselor.

In her spare time, Lexi was trying to convince each camper to come with her for a photo shoot. This is one of Lexi's favorite things to do,taking pictures. Here are just a few pictures of her models.
This is my darling nephew Ryan.

Ryan's cute sister Ella

I do love this picture that Lexi captured of Ava with the yummy sunshine right on her hair.
Thanks to all for making another successful year of Cousin Camp!