First day of School

 the kids and their teachers

 Can't believe it.....5th and 2nd grade already!!!

 the annual sidewalk greeting

Summer is officially over.......and what a great one we had!! However, I must admit, I had two very excited kiddo's at this house for their first day of school. Kate is entering the 5th grade this year. Not only is she excited for this new adventure, but the big news -- her classroom has a guinea pig!!!! and we have been told that students can volunteer to take this creature home over holiday breaks....guess who is going to be putting her name on that list  (-; ???  this would lead to more humorous blog posts I am sure!  

Ben is heading into 2nd grade, and is so very excited to see more of his pals on a regular basis. He was already talking this morning of how he hoped that they were able to play football at recess, and he also mentioned that he really hoped that he did not have homework tonight!!  (-; 

Both kids have grown and changed so much over the past few months of me being home with them more. I cannot wait to see what God has in store for them both during this school year!!!  

Officially on a two wheeler!!!

 One very proud boy!!!

And he's off.......after practicing all summer (much to his dismay) we are proud to say that Ben has officially entered the bike riding world with much excitement!!! It has been so fun to see his progress, and helping him has been challenging, rewarding, entertaining, tearful (at times -- for him, not me(-;  )but all worth it in the end.  I can't wait for all of the Cairney family bike rides to begin adding miles each and every adventure. He has already ridden to the park numerous times and is loving the freedom that riding a bike brings. We are all so very proud of you Ben -- way to GO!!! 

Cairney golf weekend in Westphalia, IA

 A very intense game of "spoons"

 first and second cousins having fun swimming -- Ben, Kate, Hailey and Elly

 Cairney cousins

 the famous bball field that Doug and all of the Cairney uncles played dozens of games

Is this the perfect sign of an awesome day or what?

As soon as we picked Kate up from camp we headed west to Tony and Bonnie's house. They were hosting dinner that night for all of the Cairney's to officially kick off the start of the annual Cairney golf outing weekend. All of us look forward to this each year.  It is such a fun time getting caught up with all of the Cairney cousins, Uncles, and Aunts. For those people that choose to not golf, we had opportunities to swim, play cards, board games, lawn games, and enjoy time getting updated on all of the family happenings.  

Thanks Tony, Bonnie and kids for hosting such an amazing weekend -- A fun time was had by all!!!!!

Week at camp for Kate

Me and my bunk mate Alison!

my cabin mates from left:Hailey,Me,Alison,Jojo,Alexis, Chloe F,Chloe P, Sierra,and Darian (bottom)

This is our chapel at closing ceremony 

My counselors Eva(left) and Kari

 Well...I survived a week at camp!!! The fun week was filled  with swimming, carpet ball, yummy food, and learning about Jesus Christ!!! I was in Immanuel cabin, and the eldest of my cabin mates! I did alot of fun activities including BFC (big fun challenge),watching the Mime, All Camp Game, 2:15@2:15, Nuk'em, campfire, first word, and God time!!!!! My counselor Eva is from Taiwan, and another boy's counselor is from Mexico...so we have alot of cultures represented at Riverside! The theme of camp this summer is Alive,they tried their best to tell us that God is "Alive" and he is with us always!! Thanks to the people who sent me letters, I really enjoy getting them!! 

PS -- this was written by Kate  (-: