Battle wounds

We spent the weekend with my family at our family reunion.  Along with all the fun we had we also had our share of injuries.  There was an enormous slide down the side of the mountain and it got the best of Cambelle.  She got almost to the end and leaned a little to far forward and and flipped.  Her face met the slide and she chipped her tooth.  I wasn't outside at the time but they told me that J.T. was right there and had every intention of carrying her up the stairs, there were over 50.  My heart melted a little to think that he loves his sister so much that he would rush to take care of her the best he could.  We visited the dentist today and all is well.  It is AMAZING what they can do now. 

BEFORE

AFTER

She is as good as new, and I am so grateful that she is okay and it was just a tooth.  I love this little girl.

Our bike adventure

This summer we have been looking for all different ways to keep moving to fill in our miles chart.  We decided we would follow a bike path near our house that leads to a nature park.  We packed a lunch, filled our back packs and set off.  The kids were fantastic, they did not complain at all.  J.T. and Cambelle were a little ahead of Sara and I and we had a chance to visit. 

Troy met us at the park for lunch, Yay!!!

In all  we rode 16 miles.  The kids loved marking 48 miles all at one time. According to Cambelle it was "the best day ever" and I have to agree.

Could it be any more beautiful?

We spent a few days in Oregon at he end of June and it was BEAUTIFUL.  I don't know how many times I looked and Troy and said, "could this be any prettier?"  We spent time hiking, at the beach and exploring the town.  I have more snap shots of the kids and us, but these were some of my favorite scenery shots.  I would love to go back some day and explore all the lighthouses on the coast.  It seems the more places we get to experience the more I want to see.  I feel very blessed to be able to share these opportunities with my kids.  I hope there are many more adventures to come.

July 4th - part 3

The day always ends at the fireworks with sandwiches and lots of treats.  The kids take games and play while we wait. 

Seriously, could he be any nicer to this cute little girl? 

  

HAPPY 4TH of JULY!!!

July 4th - part 2

My kids favorite part of the day is always the barbque that we have at Crystal and Norm's house.  It's true, more than the parade and more than the fireworks.  I think it speaks to how much fun they have with cousins and the ever classic water fight.

Personally I am a huge fan of the food,  you can't really beat a grilled hamburger, fantastic beans, and a fresh fruit salad.  The company always makes it better.

Then the real fun begins, the slingshot get pulled out and the "big boys" head to the fence.  Target practice begins.  The line forms pretty quickly and I have to say those little ones are pretty good shots.

Man, these guys are so fast, I don't know if anyone was ever caught but there was a whole lot of effort going on by both parties.

Troy was hit in the leg, don't you love the design it left.  

There are no limits to who gets involved.

   

 

There will always be some sort of wrestling contest when by brother and my nephews are involved.  Gone are the days of little boys, these guys are tough.  I love spending time with my family, especially on the 4th.  

  

4th of July - part 1

Well we had an incredibly FULL 4th of July this year.  We started it out in Idaho Falls with the 5k and then headed home to catch the parade.  There have not been very many years that I have missed this parade.  And although it may not be as full of floats as it was when I was a kid, and the drill teams and cheerleaders ride instead of march and dance, and the high school bands wear jeans and t-shirts instead of uniforms with big feathers in their hats, I still kind of love this small town tradition.  I love hearing the sirens, standing for the flag and seeing everyone with their hats off and hands on their hearts.  

This picture melts my heart a little.  Cambelle loves this guy, he captured her heart when he started dating TayLyn and she claims her place by his side when ever they come to visit.  

Waiting for the parade to start.

This year they chose two teachers from the area to be the grand marshals for the parade and one of them happened to be an extrordinary teacher from our very own school district.  She was Sara's 6th grade teacher and she totally deserved this honor.

Every year a local gas station puts together their own "drill team".  Always a fan favorite.

It was such a warm day that when this favorite came by people were running to get a little wet.

Happy 4th of July!!!