Last Days of Summer 2015

We had such a fantastic and hot summer last year. We enjoyed hours of sunshine while in the water. The kids enjoyed one another's company and enjoyed all the days we had friends over to swim. I just loved spending time with them. They are such great kids and do such a great job at loving each other and their mother. Could Lyla be any crazier or more fun? Could Miya be any more beautiful than in that second picture? Is there a nicer brother or better son than Cannon? So many blessing in this life I can't even imagine it getting any better than this.

Miya's 1st year of Girl's Camp

The last picture is when I dropped her off at camp. She didn't want me to go and was pretty nervous about this new adventure, but she had an amazing time. She really loved getting to know all the other 1st year girls in the Stake. I think it helped a little that she knew some of them from before our Ward split years ago and others from the dance thing. The other pictures are from Bishop's night on the last night of camp. We brought donuts and Phil talked to the girls for a few minutes before we went to watch the last show the girls had. The week was super warm in the 90's so Miya was happy that they got to swim in the lake during free time. This year camp is the last week of June and first couple of days in July so Miya will miss it because we will be in Driggs. She will get to go to Trek the next week though. I love this girl so much and she does a really great job at overcoming her nervousness and enjoying the experiences. We missed her the whole week she was gone.

Stages of Sleep

Sylvia was riding with me into town from Steph's house this last summer and she had been talking and then it slowly got quiet and I looked back to find her like this. She is such a spunky little girl. I love her.

Company Retreat 2015

We went to Phil's company retreat at Mark's parents house out on Hood Canal and had a great time. The day was warm and the sun was out. We played corn bag toss, eat a ton of food and the kids went out on the paddle boards and swimming. Before the party started we dug for some geoducks and were surprised by how far down you had to dig to get it up. Phil and Mark were pretty dirty once we wrapped up that activity. It was a fun day and great to spend the day with Phil and I really enjoy all the people he works with.

Young Women Buns

Tenli taught all the young women to do buns at the Mutual activity. It was the inspiration for the buns on both girls in our family pictures this year. Lyla loved being invited to the activity and having Miya pay special attention to her and do her hair. It was a really fun activity.

Mariner's Game

 The kids and I took the train up from Tacoma to meet Phil at Uwajimaya to get some dinner before heading to the Mariner's game.

Mark gave Phil some tickets to the game so we were on the sixth row just up from 1st base so we had a pretty great view and were able to enjoy a win. The kids had a great time and as you can tell from the lady next to Cannon we kept people pretty entertained with our cheering.

Phil's 40th Birthday

So for Phil's 40th birthday we decided to spend the day at Silverwood since we were heading to Idaho for our summer vacation. We took this picture in the hotel room as we arrived for the night before so we could send a picture to the Newville's before Alexis had surgery. We loved Silverwood and had a great day. The kids are all so fun to have on vacation and we loved all the big family water slide rides. Plus the lines were still super short since it was the start of the summer season.
I love this man so much and he always makes this so fun. Can't believe he is 40 because that means I am getting close. With this new baby coming soon everyone keeps telling me that it will keep us young, but I am not sure Phil needs any help with that.

Hiking around Targhee 2015

On our last day in Driggs this last summer we headed up to Targhee with Rob and Lance and Nicki and Ryan to hike around. We first rode the lift up and then back down just for the views. I thought I was afraid going up the lift, but going down was way worse. It was a beautiful day though spent with some of my most favorite people. I love this place where I grew up and love being able to go back for a few weeks every summer. It will be different this year with a new little baby. All the kids are already getting excited about our trip in June and Lyla asked just yesterday if she could start packing.

Painting the House

So last summer we were determined to get the house painted. We worked really hard on it when we had the time. Most of the time was spent taking down and putting up the scaffolding. It wiggled a lot when you stood on it and made me pretty nervous, but was such a huge help in getting things mostly done. We still have trim around the windows and doors to do and the top little section of each peak to do with a ladder because we couldn't reach with the scaffolding. I really like how it is turning out so far. I was worried each time Phil was up putting the scaffolding together because I thought for sure he was going to either get smashed with the pieces or he would fall off. He was amazing and I stood around watching. It was not a two person job when one is afraid of heights and not super strong!

Piano Video from Spring 2015

Cannon Video

Family

Found some pictures of taking the kids out for hamburgers after our Rainier to Ruston run. I love hanging out with these people. It is crazy to me to think that we will be adding another little one in just a few weeks. There is hardly any room left for her and the kids are so excited to meet her and hold her. The top three names I have on my list right now are Nona, Opal and Hazel...the kids aren't super sure about any of them, but I keep reminding them they will get to name their own babies.