I need to brag on my super cute daughter... 

She is OBSESSED with filming her life. She has her own YouTube channel. 

She used her iPod to film most of our recent family vacation. Here is her take on our morning trip to Desert View Watchtower. 

My family has recently taken up gardening. My youngest sister has been planting and growing things for several months now. My mom got into it when she found these adorable planters at the store.

I know earlier I said that I opted out of camps for the summer. And I meant it. The only one Stu has full control over is the sleep-away Bible camp. It's the one he attended for most of his childhood summers. It's the one he has been a counselor at a few times. Anyway, it's important to him. 

When we were newbies in our relationship, many people tried to get me to go to CFBC with Stu. Because, you know, "it's so special to him." I held firm to my mantra: I only camp at Ft Wilderness (Disney).

Two years ago, Stu went as a counselor. And since Rea was 6, she could go as a pre-camper. My mother-in-law went to help out with Rea. 

Back then, Rea pretty much got to decide what she wanted to do... And for her, that was the zip line over and over and over. She could rest in her cabin when she needed a break. Basically, she created her itinerary. This year, it didn't quite work out that way. 

Rea and Stu left for their trip. They were both so excited. They left after we got back from the gun range. Buddy and I were sad to see them go, but we were equally as psyched for our special "Mommy-Boy Week."

Rea and Stu had a great time getting there. And for a while, it worked. But Rea needs lots of sleep. Actually, Rea and Stu need lots of sleep. They both get super grumpy when they are hungry.  I think the term "HANGRY" was coined because of them. I was wondering how the combo of hot, hungry and exhausted was going to work. 

While they were up in Central Florida, Buddy and I were having an absolute blast at home. We laughed all the time. We played with Jackie and Meghan. Buddy taught me to play the Jurassic Park Lego game on Xbox. We worked a little, went on dates. And most impressively... I was able to get Buddy to put himself to bed at night! No more having to sit in the room with him. YAY! I am a rock star Mom! 

Sometimes (often, really) we have to remind ourselves that Rea is really only 8 years old. She has always been wise beyond her years. We have always been able to speak to her as if she were older. I think sometimes we forget she is really only a little girl. 

She was so exhausted from the late nights at camp. It was taking a toll on her. She wanted to leave. So she and Stu came home on Tuesday night. 

We were so happy to have them home! For as much as they fight, the monsters love each other so much more. I adore these snuggle bugs. 

I have officially begun the countdown to school... 3 weeks. Woo Hoo! I love them, but I will happily drop them off at school.