July

Even though we weren't really doing any traveling this year, we managed to keep super busy and the weeks just flew by.  

One of the big things that took a lot of time was the hiking merit badge that Taylor and Kendall (and Kalen as one of the scout leaders) worked on.  They had to do a series of hikes from 5 to 10 to 20 miles.  Working up to that 20 miler was excruciating for all of them--especially in the heat and humidity.

This was a before picture from the day they did about a 14 mile hike beginning in Albion.

And the after where they wound up at Ketchum Park in Marshall.

Kaya lost her first two teeth within just days of each other.  She was so excited. It was a bit heartbreaking for me.  

We took a trip to Binder Park Zoo on one of the days and splurged on the carousel.

It was fun seeing the tortoise in his new much larger home.

The kids got a kick out of the llama who would stick his nose in the air anytime someone tried to talk to him.

I know we did lots of other things and had lots of things happen, but without photo prompts, I am drawing a blank.  I know there were lots of appointments and check-ups and dental visits to get everyone caught up and those always take up lots of time. Kalen and I celebrated our 19th anniversary!  And somehow I had another birthday. And there was a lot of preparation for the Potter Family Reunion which we hosted this year and will come in a later post.  Just busy.  But happy to spend time together in the not quite so scheduled summertime.