First camping trip of the season!

We took our first camping trip the first week in June. We went with our small group to Melamoose State Park in Oregon. We had a great time with all the kids and couples. The Columbia River was cold but the kids didn't seem to mind.

Pre-K graduation

I'm not sure that when Shannon and I finished pre-kindergarten it was acknowledged. However for Carter's end to pre-k, it was a big and fun event. His graduation included caps and gowns and his class sang songs for the parents. He received a diploma and new bible.

Carter with Teacher Shelly

The last day of school was at the playground of dreams. Carter has so much fun playing with his friends.

My Old Kentucky Home

After Colorado we decided to travel on to Kentucky to see my mom and other family and friends. My mom gave me a great surprise since it was my birthday. She invited all of my dad's family for a surprise birthday lunch on the Ohio River. It was sooo good to see my two cousins who just graduated from Xavier University, my cousin Joe who just received his Masters from Univ. of Kentucky, my grandma, the newest to our family, Dalton, and all others aunts, uncles, cousins, and 2nd cousins. This was the first time that they met Logan as well. Both boys had a blast running around with their family

Family in Lexington

We spent a great afternoon having lunch with my mom's side of the family. Two of my 2nd cousins, aunt, and uncle traveled to meet us and catch up on lost time. It was a real blessing to see my aunt Ann who just recently turned 91....go Ann! She looked great and it meant to world to me for her to see Carter again, meet Logan for the first time, and see Shannon pregnant with our daughter.

Shaker village at Pleasant Hill, KY

As I get older, I get more interested in the history of where I grew up; Kentucky. On the past few trips back to Kentucky, we have taken time to visit and learn more about the area. On this trip we traveled to Lexington and took a day trip to a Shaker Village in Pleasant Hill, KY. This is the largest Shaker community on 3,000 acres. There are several historic buildings, farmground, animals, historic fences, and in general, beautiful landscaping. They still make handmade brooms and wooden boxes that are sold on site. There is a restaurant that serves historic and traditional food along with a hotel that you can spend the night in a 1800's building.

Kentucky Horse Park

We spent an afternoon at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY. The horse park has the history of horse racing in Kentucky and several exhibits from actual "champion horses" that are retired, to different breeds, historic barns, and horse rides, and horse shows.

Colorado

In late May, Shannon's cousin Kayla graduated from high school in Colorado. We decided to take a vacation to see her graduate and spend a few extra days exploring Colorado.

Colorado is a great place with lots of outdoor recreation. Cindy and Kayla had lots planned for us. We traveled to Colorado Springs to see Garden of the Gods and go to the zoo. We also into the Rockies and took a steam engine train ride. Kayla took us to "Jump Street" which is an indoor trampoline game center. We had a great time and were appreciative of all the hospitality extended by the Ewings.

Congrats on graduation Kayla, can't wait to visit you in Bozeman in the Fall.