Portland 2014

We went on our final trip to Portland for Phil's work the end of August before the kids started school. Phil changed jobs October 1st so he will not be traveling anymore for work. It ended up being perfect timing with Miya in Middle School and not able to miss as much school traveling with us. It was a great trip with excellent weather. We stayed downtown on the water and enjoyed hanging out with each other.

We spent a few hours trying to jump on this ball in the water. It was harder than it looked, but Miya stayed on the ball for a few seconds and we were all pretty excited.

Combs' Family Reunion 2014

 We had teams for the older kids treasure hunt and Phil, Tamara and I got to be the team leaders. It was a little like the Amazing Race where they had to do a challenge at each spot to get the next clue. The kids loved it and it was one of the only things to pull them away from the boat and the water.

 It was a wonderful few days and our neighbors were happy it only  lasted that long. We had our own little tent city set-up and enjoyed the beautiful weather and learning to ski and wakeboard with most of the older kids.

Baby Andrew

Smash and Michael came to town to go camping with his family and decided to bless baby Andrew while they were here. Phil and I were able to attend and it was so great to see all of Michael's sweet family. He has the sweetest, most kind parents and siblings and we had some great food. The blessing was sweet and touching how much Michael loves Ashlee and wants all their kids to know that and feel that love. I love Smashy too and was so happy to be able to spend a few hours with them.

Trip to the Temple

Just one of those beautiful summer date nights at the Seattle Temple. Brother Robinson was walking out with us and offered to take a picture. Being the perfectionist that he is he continued to take pictures until the last one when he thought he finally got it right. I love this sacred place and going there with this wonderful man is the best. (This might be as many pictures as we had taken on our wedding day 17 years ago.)

Family Love

Stephanie's idea of stepping it up a notch in the table tennis tournament. If you got out she got to pick how much water she poured down your pants. She came up with the idea after she was already out. It is always fun hanging out at Pete and Sarah's house.

Family

Kids are such a blessing. I just got home from a trip to Florida with Phil and was so excited to get the kids out of bed this morning so we could talk before they went off to school. This Plan is so amazing; that we get to be part of creating families and have these sweet people to raise and learn from. Miya turns 12 this year and will be out of primary. Where does the time go? How can she already be in junior high and how can my littlest one be getting baptized in January? What a great happiness they are and such an awesome responsibility.