Sand and Sun

The beginning of August we were able to meet up with Christians's twin sister and her family up at the Lake. We didn't bring up our jet ski so Logan was bit concerned as to how he was going to occupy his time with two 6 year old and a 4 year old. We assured him it would be fun, but to be sure we brought up something similar to a jet ski, just a bit more work involved. He was not amused! We spent the day on the beach eating and playing in the water. The great part was that no one in my family got sunburned, considering we are a transparent people. Good times!

The best birthday gift!

Yes, it was that time of year again, when my birthday comes around. I do love birthdays. I actually don't mind getting older. I find as I get older, I don't get any wiser, I just enjoy the moments more. My whole family (parents, sisters and all) celebrated at the beginning of the month to celebrate all birthdays that are July. This year I was able to celebrate with my oldest nephew Bryan. He is a joy! He just turned 19 and is getting close to putting his papers in for his mission. He makes life fun and funny. Then on my birthday my husband and boys took me to one of my favorite restaurants for prime rib and the biggest chocolate cake I've ever seen. It was quite yummy. Afterwards we came home to open the presents. That's my kids favorite. The best part for me is to see the wrapping jobs and the faces of a job well done. I received a couple of shirts (both my favorite colors), and a game I could play with my family. I loved every moment of it. If you ask me the moments get better every year. A special thank you to my parents for sharing this day. It's my parents wedding anniversary. I love them both more then they'll ever know. I thank you both for giving me life and being my parents!

Found Them!

So as you can see, I found the missing pictures. My tricky husband had a "secret" stash of extra camping pictures. My favorite is the last one of Dalin feeding our deer from his hand. She was so gentle.

Camping

So the day after school let out, we picked up our rented trailer, because I'm the "princess" camper, and we headed off into the wild forest where there are potties and pavement, to go on the annual family campout. We normally have my sister Linda and her husband and family go with us, but my brother-in-law couldn't get off work. My other sister, Laura and her family would come once upon a time as well, but the kids seemed to outgrow it. So the "big" kids, aka my parents still come thank goodness! We have such a fun time together. My boys LOVE spending time with grandma and grandpa and could really care less that mom and dad are around. I'm definately okay with this arrangement. I have very fond memories of being with my grandparents and I wouldn't trade those moments for anything.

Back to camping. We love this campground. The deer come right into your camp. The photo below shows that. This particular deer came around every night. We got used to her and she apparently got used to us. I cannot locate the picture of the boys feeding her right out of their hands....I know what you're thinking "Gross", but we did manage to bring hand soap to wash. The boys love to climb on this huge rock, and Christian brought his air soft gun to targer shoot. No, not at the deer! We brought targets from home! We also jet ski. This year the water was like glass. No waves and not alot of other boats either. Sorry, can't find that picture either. We eat and eat and eat some more. The boys love to ride their bikes and scooters. We play card games and nap. This is a tradition I hope can last a while longer. I'm not the biggest fan of camping, but we've been doing this camping trip for alomost 14 years now. Summer wouldn't be the same without it. In fact, we've already made reservations for next year! If I find the other pictures, I will post those as well. These are the only 2 I could find.

Life IS rewarding!

This past June was big in ceremonies and awards. Our wonderful nephew/cousin graduated with honors from high school. Reed is the type of person you want your sons to emulate. He's super, uber smart, very atheletic, well liked and just an all around wonderful person. He's not afraid to stand up for what is right and true and his friends really respected that. We have another nephew/cousin that also graduated with honors, but I have no pictures of him. But trust me, Bryan is the epitomy of "good person" as well. My boys will have nothing to fear as long as there are people like Reed and Bryan to lead them and be an example.

Also Dalin scored 100% on his first ever spell a thon in school. He had to spell by writing 25 high frequency kindergarten words. He was so excited and ALL about the medal. Logan also scored 100% in his class by spelling 100 high frequency 4th grade words. What more could 2 parents ask for! Logan also recieved his 3rd Pricipals Honor Roll, which means straight A's, and also Accelerated Reader. He's reading at an almost 9th grade reading level. Logan's punishment, to him, would be to prevent him from reading each night.

Since it was June, this meant the end of the school year. Both boys graduated to the next grade in school. Logan is now in 5th grade. His last year of elementary school. I can't begin to talk about middle school! Dalin is now entering 1st grade. Can't begin to talk about that either, so apparently the post is finished.

I know it seems like I'm bragging about all the accomplishments of my family. Oh, wait...I am! I am so proud of my kids and my nephews. By this time next year my nephews will be honorably serving their missions...even more to be proud of. My life is rewarding!!!!

Disneyland

So I'm a bit behind in posting. Our trip to Disneyland took place in May and it's now July. I have many pictures of many happenings since then but I'm trying to do it in order. Next up after Disney is our nephew graduating high school, family camping, fourth of July, and others.

We caught an early evening flight. What a beautiful sunset. The flight to LA always seems to take soooo long. The anticipation is killer! I'm not sure who is more impatient me or the boys!