The Phillips' came to visit for a week this summer and we crammed in as much fun as we possibly could everyday. Austin took Phil and Nate fishing and they caught a lot of salmon that we cooked up for dinner one night. We rented jet skis for a day and played on the lake. We went out to Mt. Rainier to camp for a couple of days. It was a little chilly, but we still had fun hiking to Grove of the Patriarchs, jumping off rocks into this super cold river, eating around the campfire, card games and exploring.

Friends Swimming

I love Miya's friends. They are so sweet and nice and they have a really great time together. Cannon is also really great when kids come over at canoe rides and pulling them around on the tubes. I love summer, swimming, water, sunshine and we had so much of it this summer it was so great. I picked Miya up the other day from school and as soon as she got in the car she said, "I love my friends...they are so great." mostly to herself, but it was sweet to hear. They are making middle school so fun for her and that is a great blessing to me as her mom. They all respect her standards and ask me questions about things and why Miya can't do certain things (mostly sleep-overs). Miya asked her friends years ago to not take the Lord's name in vain around her and they have all been so good about it. Miya is a really great example to others and tries really hard to live the standards and teach others about them. I am so proud to be her mom and so very thankful for her sweet friends.

Combs' Family Reunion 2015

The Combs' family reunion was in Leavenworth this summer and we had a great time. Katrina and Ethan were in charge this year so we had amazing food! We spent a day (morning) freezing at the lake due to the high winds, but we ate a great lunch and then headed to the river for some warmer water fun. The kids enjoyed playing with cousins and we had a great time walking back and forth from the small cabin to the main cabin after the bear and cougar safety talk by Aaron. We jumped off the rock into the river and I had told Cannon if he would do it I would do it. He jumped right off and it took me until the last minute there to finally do it. The older kids did a picture scavenger hunt in downtown Leavenworth and had a super great time. I wish I would have taken some pictures of the groups together. It is so amazing to have to much family and to enjoy time together with everyone.

Family Pictures 2015

Every year I think Jamie Pace can't get any better and then she does. I absolutely love these pictures. I love the color and I love the way we all look. Jamie is a magician somehow making me look 10 year younger. I love this sweet last picture with our feet for so many reasons: 1) seeing Lyla's face 2) Cannon's horrible shoes because I wouldn't buy new ones until school started. 3) Miya's turned feet ;) 4) all of our tan skin because this summer was so beautiful and hot and we enjoyed swimming in the sun. What a fantastic family I have and was an amazing friend I have in Jamie. So fun to get a picture with Nana and Boppa and remember this amazing time they are living so close. My kids are having the time of their lives with it. Lyla just watches out the window and asks a million times what Nana is doing or if we see them leave they need to know where they are going. They are two fantastic people and it is a blessing to be able to have this time with them. We took these pictures at Tumwater Falls in Olympia.

My Peeps

 

Man I love these peeps. We had a great time at dinner eating good food and enjoying great conversation. I can't imagine anyone having a better family. My sisters are my best friends and they all married amazing men. My brothers-in-law are so funny, kind and good men. We have such a great time together and only wish we could get together more often. Plus I have the world's best parents. While we were in Driggs this summer Grandma Rammell was really hurting with back pain and they were trying to figure out how to best manage the pain. Mom went out most days and helped get her settled and stayed while she was in the hospital. She is such a great example of compassion and charity. My dad was also a very humble teacher on the golf course ; )
Family is certainly a blessing to me and I am so happy to have all the family I do have. It is amazing to still have my grandparents alive and to watch as they love and take care of each other. We also got to spend a little time at the Rexburg Temple together.