He sure looks handsome!
Here they all are at the beginning trail head.
It was supposed to rain that night but the kids said they would rather go then sit home and wish they were hiking. Look at Nate's big grin even though he is packin' that enormous old pack I grew up with.
Full of energy!
Love this contraption that Mark Cox invented--the Trail Buddy. He made it out of a jogger stroller. I think several of the boys benefited at some point from this unique invention.
After two miles of hiking in the boys made it to Sheep Lake.
It was a chilly night so the warm cup of oatmeal hit the spot in Tyler's tummy.
Looks like Alex enjoyed his too!
The next day was spent going on little hikes around the lake.
Nate and Chase have been buddies since infancy.
Apparently Nate took quite a spill on this steep incline.
Tyler was all smiles.
Alex will certainly be carrying on the "I'm Awesome" pose from his daddy and uncles.
What lucky boys to have such a cool daddy!
Nate apparently not only rode this stump but also quite a few emotions throughout the camping trip. He had a good time but took quite a few falls.
The boys all loved a little mini-sledding on this snow patch they found.
Wow--what a site!
Nothing like rock throwing off of a cliff.
Burr...I hear the lake was FREEZING!
The boys had a great time! This is a tradition that I'm sure will carry on forever.
Coop was very proud of his boat.
Nate preparing to catch his boat.
In addition to Alex and Tyler's cucumber boat they also worked on making a mini motor for Tyler's cub scout sailing regatta boat. They were even more excited to find out their their invention worked!
The favorite part of the competition is trying to catch your boat before it crosses our draw bridge from our house.
The kids are already coming up with new ideas for making a faster boat for next year.
Here's Birch doing a lead climb to get the route all set up for the rest of us. 
The day really ended up being for the kids--I only went up once. This was a really tough climb for me. I have to admit that twice I had to have Ryan, my belayer, give me a cheater boost. It was very invigorating!
Alex could not be stopped! He has decided that he could climb every day of his life. 
Okay, this girl was amazing. I had to admit that I thought she would peter out and not really enjoy climbing--boy, did she prove me wrong. Alysee was amazing! 
By the end of the day Alex was belaying the kids. 
Tyler was a natural too! 
Look at Tyler go! 
Alex and Tyler went climbing two years ago and really enjoyed it then. On this climb Alex even lead climbed a route. Here he is clipping into the top of the route. 
Way to go Alex! 
Coop...this kid is a nut! He really wasn't very interested in even trying. Coop is actually pretty cautious in trying new things. With a little encouragement from Daddy Coop gave it a try. 
...and didn't really enjoy it. 
He was much happier climbing around in this cave the kids found. 
Nate was INCREDIBLE!! At first he was a little nervous and apprehensive about trying, again very much in following his personality but then...WHAM...he was off. 
So serious and determined in perfection! Nate literally sprinted up this route. 
Nate was a natural too! 
What did the girls do all day? Stuff their little cheeks with Doritos, roasted hot dogs, animal crackers, dirt, and a little more dirt and rocks. We stayed from 11 am until 4 pm and Chloe hardly made a squawk. She fell asleep almost immediately when we put her in the car to head home.
Looks like we might just have found a family activity that we all enjoy. It really is a wonderful sport that demands team work, positive reinforcement, and time together. I might even be buying into myself.
Alex started JUNIOR HIGH this year; I can't believe it! There was a little rearranging at all the schools this year so all the seventh graders were bumped up to Junior High. Alex was excited and a tad nervous. So far he has loved all his teachers and hanging out with his friends. Alex was already nominated "Panther of the Month" for being such a courteous classmate.
Tyler, Alysee, and Nate 
Tyler was off to fourth grade this year. He is on the cross walk patrol and feeling mighty honored about that. It's going to be a tough year with almost daily homework but he as been doing awesome so far. 
Alysee entered third grade this year. She has an awesome teacher that is full of bubbly joy, just like Alysee. Alysee's favorite thing about going back to school is definitely her gigantic social life. 
Nate has the best first grade teacher ever! We love her and are so glad to get her one more time before she retires next year. We already got a letter from Nate's teacher sharing that, "Your Nate is a delight! He is so serious! He is eager to learn and always listening…and thinking! Thank you for sharing him with me."
Coop started Pre-school the week after the kids started school. Coop asked me at least 3 million times this summer if it was almost time for him to go to school. He is going to a friends small in-home preschool and relishing every moment.
Chloe would have loved to have gone to any of the kids schools. She cried each time I would pack her back up and head home for nap time.
I'm not really grouchy in this picture...just pondering.