SUMMER Summary... part 2

Road Trip!

My brother Todd drove my van with me, Shari, Valerie, and Landon riding along! Sadly Gus didn't come. We drove with my parents, Jared & Lisa, and Brent.
We took a pit stop at Multnomah Falls where we met up with Brandon & Natalie and their family!
It was so beautiful!

Mom, Valerie, Shari, and Me

Todd, Jared, and Brent ran up the trail to the upper bridge my camera has a nice zoom!
Fun at the Falls

Dog pile Bridger, Sterling, and Rylee on Brandon!

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After the falls we drove to my cousin Angela & Byron's house to eat a yummy dinner and spend the night. The next morning Alex and Stephanie got married in the beautiful Portland temple!
The grounds were so green and beautiful!

Portland Temple
Alex & Stephanie Waltman

Jared, Preston, Todd, Darren, Judson, and Isaac holding Alex

Taking a rest in the shade

I thought this was funny

Ahhh cute...
Landon

Mia

Funny

Brandon & Natalie

My niece Brookelynn holding my grand niece Mia

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While waiting for the reception a group of us went to the Pacific Ocean!
Brent, Jared, Lisa, Todd, Shari, Valerie, and I headed to the ocean that was about 2hrs away!
We met up with Julie & Mike

The rock from the Goonies!

We had fun but it was cold and the water was freezing!
The view was awesome!

Me, Valerie, Julie, and Shari... we were missing Tiffany!

Just being silly girls.

It was a fun and crazy Road Trip!

SUMMER Summary... part 1

East Coast Drakes Visit...

Almost the whole Drake family
(we were missing Roger Garcia, Milbry's husband).

Grady reading with Uncle Zach!

We had some of the Walker/Bess family come by and visit...
Matt and Michael playing on the swings!
Four beautiful generations!

We had so much fun... Terra is so pretty!

We had to go to BSU and take pics at the Bronco and hit the Bookstore!

The future of BSU!

The kids had a blast with their cousins... never a dull moment!

Baking with Grandma Charlotte!

Ice Cream Cones at Fanci Freez with Grandpa Randy!

Thank you for sacrificing so much to come out for a visit. We know it costs a lot and the trip is hard but we love you and are so thankful we had a chance to see you!

Grady Funny

Carolee asks Grady this morning what movie he wanted to watch..."Grady, do you want to watch Despicable Me?" Grady - "Yeah...Despicable You."

Love that kid.

Drakes @ a Lake!!

Drakes at a lake!

The Whole Fam-Damily!

Grady Monster was so partied out he fell asleep atop my shoulders as we were walking around. If you look real close you may be able to see his drool stream as it runs down the side of my head.

Mom holding a fish Sam probably caught.

Fun in the sand

The kids loved going on rides. Carlie is trying to wipe some of the awesomeness off here face.

The kiddos has a great time but still needed their rest.

Don't get out of the water. It's too cold to get out.

The game of choice was spoons. My favorite moment was when Grandma had a bunch of cards piled up behind her and she was so intent at getting rid of those cards she missed that all the spoons had been long since gone.

Sam outfished us all. I caught the first one though.

I was more than likely imparting some sage wisdom to my children at this very moment.

The crew...

I had a good time fishin' this year. I caught 2 decent sized fish and one that my mom said not to throw back.

Dutch Oven cookin' of course. Made pork roast, taters w/ bacon & cheese, and peach & cherry cobbler.

I think he saw sasquatch.

Catching up... GRADY TURNS 2!

This year for Grady's birthday we went with some of the Drake family to Banbury Hot Springs outside Hagerman. We had a great time and spent all day there! Before we went we ran to Walmart and bought some floaties for our kids and they LOVED them! It was so nice because they could swim and play and not need to hold onto anyone. Grady and Sarah Jane are fearless which scares me somewhat, Carlie is very careful and is learning to go underwater!

Happy Birthday Grady!
Gus had fun with his snorkeling gear!
(If you think he looks dorky you should have seen me)

Sarah Jane was a pro and loved to jump off the side and go under water!

Grandma Charlotte, Uncle Sam, and Grandpa Randy were a lot of fun!

Sarah Jane getting on the log... she loved it!
Carlie loves swimming!
I LOVE THIS LITTLE BOY!
We stopped for lunch/dinner and had yummy hogi sandwiches...
...and Grandpa Randy brought Chips Ahoy cookies! After our meal we got back in the pool for a couple more hours then headed to Grandpa Randy's house for a cake and presents!
I think we all feel this way after swimming all day and then getting into a warm car...
Sooooooo tired. After a long nap it was time to bring on the presents! Grady was very particular about how he opened his presents... one strip of paper at a time!
He loved his army guys, his jeep, and his mitt/ball!
Grady was so excited that he got cupcakes and got sung to that...
he blew out the candles before we even finished singing to him!
This kid LOVES frosting... cake not so much but for sure the frosting!
Grady is such a wonderful blessing in our home and in our lives!
He brings so much laughter and love wherever he goes...
we love you buddy!