Putt-putt, go-carts and lego fun

We are tired of the pool.....what?  really?  So, we decided to mix it up a little this week and go putt-putt golfing. I'm still trying to decide which one gets the real golf lessons first.  Yikes!

Emily just chased hers everywhere over the green.  We couldn't count the strokes.....there were way too many of them blended together.

The best part was the "pirate ship" hole.  Emily actually lost the ball into the deep water on that one!

Funny faces while we were waiting for the go-carts. Right out of the gate there was a 3 way collision.....yes, all 3 of mine.  They had to cut the engines entirely.   

After that Emily was a lead foot.....nothing could slow her down.  Jacob ,on the other hand,  wouldn't go faster than he could walk.  Cautious is a great word to describe it.

We took another stab at Dollywood....one last time before summer is over.

Jacob went to a lego "class" that instructed them specifics about entering your own "masterpiece" at the fair this year.  They had a practice timed round, so they could get what it felt like to "compete" at the fair.  Timed activities are not our favorite....but, creating your own ideas are!  We'll see if he decides to do it.

*Emily had her first cello lesson = fantastic teacher Mr. Josh- he plays 14 instruments! 
*Girls got their middle school schedules and have absolutely none of their friends from last year in any of their classes! Ugh!
*Extra swim lessons scheduled this next week, just for kicks (since someone wants to try swim team next summer)
*Have to get Tara a physical this week cuz she wants to try out for the volleyball team the first week of school.
* Are already packing for our much anticipated trip to the beach, quick trip home for the 1/2 day of middle school orientation, and quick trip to Raleigh for Justin's wedding.  Then home just in time for the first day of school on the 12th! Whew! 

Up to our knees in summer....

Tara's 2nd year of girl's camp.  We got a "before" picture...but, weren't permitted to take an "after"

It was rainy and hot, but she had a great time.  There's nothing like spending a week without Mom's nagging, lil bro's pestering and with great friends.  There were no complaints -only "I wish girl's camp was more than once a year."

 

 

 

Our ward ....the theme was "Rock Solid" that went along with the Youth theme this year of "Stand in Holy Places".  Each year was assigned a gem...2nd years were Emeralds. 

The great thing about this picture is....you can't really tell the difference between the girls and the leaders!

We ran into a camp friend at the green bean drop!  Yay for stake activities.

 

 

 

 

 

This year's attempt at a brain freeze.......it works!

 

A summer favorite.....marshmallow shooter made from PVC pipes with friends.  Eat some, shoot some, it's perfect!

 

The stake participated in a green bean drop.  We bagged up piles of green beans.  Everyone helped! This reminded Tara:

"oh, yeah mom......I'm supposed to have 20 hours of service for NJHS this summer." Really Tara?  You could have said that 6 weeks ago!!!

 

Gene spent most of this week at scout camp.  11 stake , 100 yr. celebration encampment + camp Helaman for the 16, 17 yr.olds...... with visitors from SLC even!  It was much hotter.....laundry was amazing!  He didn't sleep between the heat and the cicadas.  Yay for time outdoors that helps you appreciate home all the more. 

 

 

 

The Borden Reunion

It seems difficult to get families together.  We plan the Borden Reunion for every 3 years.  We started months ago trying to find a day that fit into everyone's schedule.  Some came a few days before, some stayed a few days later.  But, we were all together for a few  hours.  
 On the 4th we had everyone meet at Laser Quest for a few games, (Bradley won)

                                  Bowling at Family Bowl.  Boys vs. Girls (ok, boys won!)

and then over to our house for grilled food, ice cream, roasted marshmallows and fireworks in the rain....

We met Justin's fiancé Amy-red shirt (they will be married next month Aug.10th in Raleigh, NC)

Jacob and Jaxson playing pacman.

Tara and Madison were quick to be buddies....

 Friday we headed out to Norris Lake and rented 2 pontoon boats and 2 jet skis + toys.  We were out on the water until 2pm.

We tied the boats together and had lunch and a swim.

while other brave souls went for a sweet, speedy ride

 We then changed, showered and gathered at the stake center for family photos (see previous blog entry)  We decided to take the photos ourselves instead of hiring a photographer. We had dinner and a serious round of volleyball.
                 

                                 Early the next morning, the guys went golfing

, a little later @8:30 the girls went to jazzercise (taught by Cherie, my sis-in-law)Bordens were most of the class.

            the kids and moms went to see Despicable Me 2 at the mall (while Dads were still golfing)

 We then met that evening for dinner, Minute to Win It games, movies, etc. 

Gene's team won....and look at that sweet prize.  (it's to be kept and handed to the next winner in 3 years)

That was the official end.  We rolled out of bed early for church and then had a few others over for dinner and more games Sunday afternoon......and suddenly, it's over.