Camping at Big Lake

Each year Lamar plans a camping/fishing trip to Big Lake for some one-on-one with the kids. He started taking Bryson when he was 2 1/2. This was their 4th year. Initially, we envisioned this becoming an awesome father/son experience as the years unfolded; a unique opportunity for them to be away alone together. Then we had two girls. Now what? Well.... why not? I guess they need time to bond with Daddy too! We had always thought I would have girl time with the girls and he would have boy time with the boys on this weekend each year...we'll see what the future holds. For now, Elizabeth was ecstatic to be included in the group for the first time! (Must be potty trained to go, and she missed it by a month last year!)

Horse shoes is a family fav. not just camping, but at occasional family gatherings, and trips to the mountains.

Their CRAZY pic~ Lamar always has to have one!

Bryson with some live action on his pole.

As soon as the fish comes out of the water Elizabeth darts!

Bryson's infamous quote "Echols' aren't quitters".

The First Day of School/Street Olympics

First Grade Already?

I think I blinked, and Kindergarten was over. School started on Aug. 6th. Bryson's first day of first grade. Also his first time having all-day school. Afterward , the girls and I picked him up for an ice cream at Dairy Queen to celebrate.

April's first taste of ice cream. She wasted no time grabbing the spoon out of my hand and immediately digging in!

Bryson took this pic, and did an amazing job of capturing April's joy in her new found love.

In honor of the Olympics, our amazing and talented neighbors, Mark and Alexis Merrill, created the Washington Court Family Olympics for our cul-de-sac. It was a huge success. They came up with four events, and had candy bar medals for the winners of each event. Gold (Peanut M&Ms), silver (York Peppermint Patty), and Bronze (Reeses Peanut Butter Cup). Inspiringly, they did all team events, with only 3 teams per event. That way everyone medaled! Genious! Their girls, Ava and Mia, made all the invitations. But Bryson was invited to help make this one for our family.

Mark & Alexis

The Balloon toss

Lamar and Bryson's team took gold in the water sponge relay, and Elizabeth's team took Bronze.

Water cup relay. Someone fills your cup up by squeezing water from a sponge into it. Then you have to run to the end and dump it into the milk jug. First team to fill it to the line wins. The first round was kids only.

Then it got exciting and we added in the adults with the kids. Only this time, each team poured from cup to cup (on top of your head mind you) down the line to the milk jug. It was so fun!

Flattering look don't you think?Possibly a new trend in fashion

Seriously, this was so much fun. My team got Bronze (which was my fav of the 3 candy bars so I didn't mind one bit.) Lamar was the Michael Phelps of the W. Street Olympics and swept the podium with all Golds!

How better to end the night than with a patriotic popsicle?