The Frio

While K was at camp, we took our 2nd annual trip to the Frio. Once again we had 3 houses full of family and friends. It was great fun! The only regret we have is that the time can't be longer. It's so good to spend relaxing time with relatives we don't see often enough...it gives our children a chance to know each other and a chance to know our aunts and uncles in a way that wouldn't be possible without this trip.



William



My Trash Man

Boys Enjoying the Water

Hollis

Taylor, J, and Garrison

Carter

Dad's Scary Mustache

Our Awesome Babysitters

Look Mom, Rocks!

CLH Bus

We can't believe K was old enough to go to CLH as a camper this year. As we began preparations, one of the things we had to discuss was whether or not he would ride the bus or we would take him to Mer and Pop. Dad never thought there was anything to discuss...he would go with Mer and Pop. Mom also thought there was no discussion to be had...he would ride the bus like all of the other children.

Score 1 for Mom. He rode the bus, but I'm not sure who had the hardest time...K or Mom. In the end, it was a good experience. It sure was hard to watch that bus pull away with my baby on it. If I didn't know firsthand all of the fun that would follow the bus ride, I don't think I could have actually allowed him to go. Score 1 for K!

Aunt Brooke, Uncle Simon, and all of the kiddos came with us to see K off at the bus in Austin. Uncle Ben had given us some tips from back in the day. He told K to bring a bag of candy to share with the other kids on the bus. It would help him make friends before he even arrived at camp. Attawaytogo, Uncle Ben! Right away K made friends with Sean and Madison. The candy was a nice icebreaker.


1st year



K looking a little worried in the very first seat of the bus. We decided this was not a good plan. J advised him to move to the back with the fellows we just met outside of the bus.


K sharing candy with Madison.

Sean telling his mom goodbye.

This picture helped me survive the first 3 days after K left. He was truly happy in this moment, so I had to be happy, too.

So Longhorn!

Swimming Firsts

This summer was a summer of swimming "firsts." Here they are:

• K joined the summer swim team.



• K learned to dive.



• J graduated from Nitro I. Woo hoo!



• J learned to love swimming.



• Mighty took swimming lessons.



• Mighty can put his face in and swim under water.



• Carter learned to love swimming and is quite good at it.



• Hollis wants to swim with no adult help.



• Hollis jumps in with no warning...keeping us all on our toes!


• All of the boys learned to jump off of dad's shoulders into the water.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Welcome Cooper Wilhelmi

The same day we returned from the Hyatt, we welcomed Cooper into our lives. He was an 8 week old Goldendoodle. Since this time, he has stolen our hearts in a big way. He is still a puppy and can cause lots of problems around the house, but he is so cute that he can get away with just about anything.

Hyatt Lost Pines

One of our vacations this summer was to the Hyatt Lost Pines in Bastrop. Because it was kind of close to home, we weren't sure if it would really seem like a vacation. Boy were we wrong! It was relaxing and fun in so many ways. The guys had a blast. Gran made a comment after we had been there for only about an hour that she hadn't seen Mighty smile so much since he was a baby.

The water park kept us busy for hours on end. We played on the playscape, played soccer one afternoon, and had lots of family time. K even got to ride horses with his dad. He was excited but apprehensive at first. Then his face turned to pure joy. His horse was named Wee Wee. He still giggles anytime he talks about Wee Wee. Boys and their potty jokes...you've gotta love it!

Happy Father's Day

We honored J this year with a new cast iron griddle for the grill (kind of sounds like a tongue twister) and these yummy grilling cupcakes. What more could a dad ask for?

CLH Tree Ceremony

On June 18, Mer and Pop were honored for their many years of dedication and loyalty to Camp Longhorn. They were allowed to choose a tree on the camp grounds to serve as symbol of their long-standing relationship with CLH. Mer chose a tree close to the Green Bean where her children used to play. It was the perfect tree, as you will see, because it has two major branches (one for Mer and one for Pop).

We were all invited to attend the "tree ceremony." It was a fantastic day and a wonderful weekend with family - something we don't get to enjoy often enough.







Mer and Pop - Tree Huggers

The Wilhelmi Family with our CLH Family

Mer and Pop with Nan and Bobby

This was a picture perfect moment. Pop was sharing a wealth of knowledge with the boys who adore him most in this world.

J and Bobby

Carter Boy...what an awesome smile. This might be my favorite Carter picture ever.