Cheesecake Factory

The Cheesecake Factory celebrated their 30th Anniversary with slices for $1.50. Noah and I had Key Lime, Annabel had Brownie Supreme, and Bea had Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookie Dough.

We had 4 adults and 12 kids. We figured if we went at 3:30 we could get in and we did without any waiting.

What a bargain! One of the highlights of our summer!

Joanna has even more pics.

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Letchworth

Annabel has felt very deprived because Noah and the scouts go camping so often. She thinks it is sexist and unfair and says she is done with Faith in God activities because they never do anything fun and adventurous. So while Noah was away at Scout camp this week, Darren took the girls to Letchworth (the grand canyon of the east or so they say)for the weekend.

I think they got an adventure to remember. They slept in the tent and took long hikes and went exploring.

I was so excited that Darren wanted to take a camera with him. I didn't go, by the way. My plan was to have a quiet weekend at home--that didn't happen. Anyway, I think he took some great pictures.

They decided it was the weekend of mushrooms and toadstools. These are just a sampling of the many fungi that they discovered. They are especially proud of the blue one they found.
Darren says he is done with tent camping and will stay in a cabin next time. Maybe I'll join them then...or not.

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The Returning Scouts

Noah has returned from his week of camp. Darren is convinced there is something different about him.
Noah has nothing but good things to say about camp. They had lots of rain, but you can't keep a good boy down with a little water.


More pics will be posted soon on Troop 483. Noah took a camera as well and as soon as they get developed, I will post them here.

Thanks to Kelly for sharing his great pictures with me.

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Scout Camp Departure

Noah has left for his first Scout Camp. He will be spending a week in the Adirondacks. We are all excited to see him off, each with a different reason. Check our Troup 483 for more pics.

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Friends in Pageant

This year we had several friends participate in the Hill Cumorah Pageant. The kids could hardly wait to get there and see our friends. Annabel and Bea are dieing to be in pageant next year, but Darren and I have told them that will never happen. When they turn 18 they can go on their own.
Bea asks almost every day, "When will Cameron be back?" Suzy's costume was so glamorous.
Blaine had only good things to say about his pageant experience.
The Christensens came from Utah to experience exciting Rochester weather. They actually had a great behind the scenes blog about pageant.

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Zoo Day

On Tuesday, we went to the zoo. It was great--each kid had a friend, as did I. I had no stroller, no bag, no food to carry, just my camera. I love having older kids. My life just might be perfect if they didn't fight so much.

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Big Dog Playgroup

Winnie and I went to our first big dog meetup. I was especially excited because Mark German, the Arizona dog whisperer, was coming to speak to the group.

Winnie wasn't quite as happy to be there.
Most of the dogs couldn't get enough of playtime.
Winnie was happy to hide behind my chair.

Watching the other dogs go racing past.

Not playing.


Definitely not interested in meeting this one.

She was happy to meet people, just not any dogs. It looks like we have a socially backwards dog.

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Walking to church and back again

Darren and Bea walk to church every Sunday, and today it was even in the rain. I offered to drive them home, but Bea insisted on walking with the umbrellas.

I don't walk because I am never ready on time.

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Dive Meet

Bea competed at a dive meet this weekend. She surprised us all by winning her age division for the 1 M board. She placed 4th in the 3M. She was the youngest competitor in the under 9 bracket. We are so proud of her. She was especially nervous about the 3M board. She had a new jump that she had learned only the night before. Look out Olympics 2016!

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You Are Cinderella!

Dignified and hard working. With a gentle and soft-spoken manner you have something many people don't. Patience. Even through the moments of heartbreak you're still able to hold onto all of your hopes and dreams. Bide your time; your dream will come true.

Which Disney Princess Are You?
Need I say more?

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smiling faces

These are our kids when they forget that they hate each other.

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Amanda's birthday

Our favorite 5 year old celebrated her birthday at our house this week. She asked for chinese noodles and a party at the Pulley's--she got both.

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New glasses

These are the new glasses that Noah pick out himself. I'm so proud my boy has a sense of style. It must be innate, because he wasn't aware it existed.

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Generosity of Good Friends

Our good friends surprised us with this great fire pit and a basket full of the makings of s'mores. As can be seen by the following pictures, we have already put it to good use.

No pics here, but we even lit it last night for book club after a little swimming by a few of us. Anna took pictures, so she may post some as well.

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Summer fun

Saturday was hot and a perfect day to spend in the pool with friends.

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Why I love the 4th.

We have the best group of friends, who have become our family here in Rochester. We spent the day swimming, eating, watching the fireworks and enjoying each other's company. What more could one ask for in a holiday?

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