8.

Today my sweet Morgan turns 8.  She is getting so big so fast.  The thing that stands out to me that I love about her is her contented joy.  She has always, always been so happy and so easy to please.  She is fun-loving, sweet, generous, and loves to be with people.  She is often in her own little world, singing, whistling, or trying to rap.  She is my most physical child.  She loves to climb, jump, run, and gives the sweetest hugs.  She also has a beautiful singing voice.  I love her smile.
Two of my recent favorite funnies from her:
"Mom, sometimes when I sing I feel like a rock star."
While chowing down on a supper from Arby's she said, "I know fast food is really bad for you, but it tastes soooo good."
Happy 8th, Morgan.  WE LOVE YOU!!

Well loved

My brother and co. came in this weekend.  We were there when my dad arrived home from work and it was so cute to see all the kids running up to greet him.  I missed the real photo op, which was about 3 seconds before this was taken.  They were all giving my dad a big hug.

In true Dan Thomas fashion, he had everyone helping husk corn.

Miranda had b-day gifts for the girls, seeing that their b-day are all coming up here.  Claudia was pretty pumped about her real machine!!

Sick

I really knew my little guy wasn't feeling well when this was his reaction to a plate of homemade french fries.

Dressed up

Produce

My garden was a total failure this year and I'm at the point where really don't care.  Where we live I am literally surrounded by fresh produce, it's quite amazing!!  The amish across the street pull out their produce cart and they sell it dirt cheap.  They also bring things to my door step.  So far this year I have received strawberries, corn, string beans, and just today a huge bag of cucumbers.  Oh, how I love summer!

More Camping

One of my kids favorite part of camping is that we are about 100 feet from the camp store and that is about the only time of year they are free to buy candy as they please.  After our boat ride everyone got an ice cream treat.

This is a serious bite

Claudia and her good friend, Jeanessa.  Can you tell she is a bit cold in this pic?

Little Miss Morgan attempted a front flip off the dive.  She pulled it off on the first attempt!  What was cute to me was that she smiled the whole was through the flip.

Not bad form for an old guy, dad.

Cute little Ellie

The affection between Greta and Ellie was mutual

Let's just say we didn't win any fire safety awards this weekend.

We awoke Sunday morning to a very heavy rain.  I was very grateful that we were in a cabin.  My parents were not quite to fortunate and they invaded our cabin around 7, the only time this whole year that my kids have slept that late.  We had breakfast on the porch in the pouring rain.  It was still fun.

Claudia wanted to be inside, eating by the glow of the lantern

Camping

This past weekend our family took our annual trek up to Camp Swatara.  I have been going there since I was a kid.  I learned this year that my mom's Sunday School class has been going this same weekend for 26 years.  I was probably there for most of them.  We still go with a few of the families that I grew up going to church with.  It is fun to see my kids enjoying the same things and making the same memories that I have as a kid.  My mom and I headed up a day early with just us and the kids.  It was a good decision.  The campground was quiet and empty and very peaceful.
Kind sissy Claudia bought Aaron a boat at the camp store.

My girls made a friend, here they are playing whisper down the lane

Perfect roasting posture

Making a mess

Wiped after a long afternoon of swimming

Someone woke up after knowing she was getting her picture taken

I love how Greta insists on holding hands during prayer

Boat ride