Zeke

For the very first time ever...I passed Zeke on my bike.  Steve told me that Zeke had really slowed down...but I had to see if for myself.  It is true, and it makes me sad.  He is 9 1/2 years old.  The first time he let me pass him it was only for a minute or so.  But at the end of the ride tonight, about 3/4 done, he let me pass him again and stayed behind me for the rest of the ride.

Hough Happenings for June (and a little of July)

Lagoon - We started our summer activities at Lagoon at the beginning of June.  Unfortunately the weather wasn't great...but it was good enough to enjoy our time there.  So fun to have 4 adults and 4 kids - one on one.  Nikki & Tyson, Natalie & Colin, Steve & Jake, and me & Stevie Kate.  Jake's favorite part was the Music Express.  Stevie's favorite part was the Helicopter Ride.  Stevie rode almost everything when we went last year...but this year she had FEAR.  No roller coasters, swings, or "fast" rides for Stevie.  And my favorite part was riding Wicked with Steve.  Maybe one day we will leave all of the kids home and go for the thrill rides :-)

Camping - We tried camping again with 3 other families at Rockport (only 20 minutes from home) over Father's Day weekend.  Unfortunately we didn't check out the spot beforehand - it was a little dangerous with a little dropoff into deep water.  But we were all vigilant with watching the kids and everyone was safe.  It was only for one night and I wish we would have stayed longer.  Sitting around the campfire and telling stories and laughing makes up for all of the packing, setting up, and uncomfortable sleeping...all worth it.  I also love how much fun the kids have in nature - finding creatures, plants, etc.

Biking - Everyone has healed up...for the most part.  Jake and Steve went back to the site of Steve's accident :-) and took a picture of the drop and had fun too.  Steve has been nurturing his love for his new bike and riding quite a bit.  He is also racing a little bit in preparation for a big race over Labor Day weekend. 





Swimming - I love to spend time at the pool during the summer.  And that love drives me to work hard to get everyone prepared, sunscreened, dressed, fed, and kept safe from drowning.  It is quite a job and I am exhausted everyday.  But I still love it.  We just finished a 2-week lesson rotation and Jake and Stevie had fun and made progress.  Jake is so close to being self-sufficient.  His strokes and underwater swimming are great.  But he panics when he comes up for air and his legs sink.  This has kept his self confidence down so he is scared to try.  Hoping that more and more practice will fix it.  Stevie had developed FEAR in the water too and it took almost all 8 lessons in order for her to get more comfortable and start to keep her head under the water while she practices the strokes.  And then there is Kelly.  It was a chore to keep her out of the water during lessons.  She loves to jump in and isn't really concerned if she jumps too far from the edge or if she jumps without mom or dad there.  Steve got to come with us one time and she couldn't be pulled away from him.  Luckily she also likes to take breaks and lay on the lawn chairs too. 

GranDaddy and GranJackie - We had visitors last weekend and it was great for us all to spend time with GranDaddy and GranJackie.  The highlights of the trip included Steve beating his dad for the 1st time ever on the golf coarse, watching Steve, Jake, Steve Sr. and Jackie all ride the Alpine Coaster, and enjoying many great meals together. We also watched fireworks with them on the 3rd of July at a local park.



Other Stuff - Our new niece Halle Paige Hunter was born July 1st.  So happy she is here healthy and safe and congratulations to Shane & Carrie.  You are already great parents.

Jake wanted me to include a picture of the snake that he caught a few nights ago.  I am TERRIFIED of snakes so I was happy that we convinced him to let the snake go that night.  Stevie Kate was very proud that she held the snake and helped Jake take care of it.