july in photos

Cutie little girl in a long night shirt.

Brian took the kids up to the land while I went on a Matthews girls trip (no pics of either of these things!).  While riding on the Bear Wrestler, Layla stuck her arm out and it got caught between a tree and the bar of the vehicle.  It got banged and bruised pretty bad and she of course screamed.  Brian was sure it was broken and took her down to the hospital in Fairview.  After examining it, they seemed confident that it was badly bruised and swollen, but not broken.  They didn't even do x-rays.  It looked so gnarly for a few days, right before we were supposed to go to Oregon, and so I worried that it was actually broken.  But she started using it and the swelling went down and all was well.

One of my favorite features of our home is the back deck.  I love it.  Especially watcihng summer storms out on the back porch.  We had an epic summer thunderstorm one night- the sky was lighting up every few seconds in every direction- it was truly spectacular.  Even though the kids were already in bed, we woke them up to experience this amazing wonder.  It was pretty awesome to sit back there, all snuggled in a blanket in the pitch black night and then see the sky light up like fireworks every few seconds.  I'm glad they got to experience it.

Good daddy doing what he does best- brush out those tangles.

These are the kids treat bags for our road trip to Oregon.  I pack them full of snacks and treats and each kid is in charge of their own stuff.  They can choose when to eat it and what to eat.  This works so well- I am no longer turning around every five seconds to give someone something to eat.  They are in charge of their food and rationing it for the trip.  it's interesting to see how some will eat super slow and it will last well into the drive home, and some eat it up a lot quicker.  And of course squeezy cheese and honey roasted peanuts for my driver.

 We had been planning this vacation for years, and we almost backed out this summer- due to lodging being SO expensive.  But I'm so glad we didn't.  It was so worth it.  Memories made on vacation really are priceless.  I have looked back on this trip many times since and I'm so grateful it happened.  Here are just a very few of some photos we took while there.

I made a photo book about this trip and included all the pictures and stuff we did, but I forgot to include a few things.  First, we had made a travel cd to listen to for this trip.  Bohemian Rhapsody was on it.  Somehow in Newport, this became our official Oregon Trip 2015 anthem.  We blasted it loud every morning upon getting in the car and starting our day.  We'd all sing along and play air instruments.  It was one of those spontaneous things that is so meaningful and fun and I will never forget it!.  My kids know that song pretty well now, and we all get excited when it comes on.

Father and son flying Phoenix, the kite, in Seaside.  Love these boys.

Another thing to remember is how I gave the kids these slinky-type tubes for the long car ride.  They made a crazy sound when you open them up and when you put them back together.  It's hard to explain, but I forgot to add that to my book, and I forgot to add how extremely annoying they were and how much my kids loved them.

Our hike to Drift Creek Falls (ah, I think!) and walking across this cool suspension bridge.

Over looking the gorgeous ocean north of Newport.

Me in my element- hunting for sea creatures.  Caught a bunch of crabs and even a jellyfish!  So happy to do this along side my kids who love it just as much.

Attacked by Edward Scissorhands.

A favorite was caricatures at the Portland market.

In front of our old house- #102!  

For my birthday, Krista gave me a new paring knife.  It is cute and orange and SUPER sharp!  I was cutting a mango upon it's first use and sliced my finger.  Luckily Brian was there to survey the damage so I didn't have to look, but it was scary and really not that bad of a cut at all.

This pictures says a lot.  First, it says how often we got to the Altra outlet.  I mean, I don't know why Layla and I keep accompanying Brian, but somehow we do.  Second, this reminds me how sweet this girl usually is on the  many errands that we take her on.  Being the only one home during the school day can be fun, and also boring when you have to run errands.  I buy her lots of treats.  It's true.  And third, look how long and pretty her hair is?!

In this picture of Ellery floating in the PG Pond, I see my sister Jana.  Which I never have really seen before.  We spent SO much time here this summer- it was amazing and I feel so lucky to have it right by my house.  We found the best time to go was around 5pm- the crowds died down almost completely and it was prime!

Jana and my friend Monica came to town with her two kids, Aida and Jack.  We took them to the pond and they played in the sand and caught fish for hours.

Oh, how did they catch fish, you wonder?  Well, McKay rigged up his own fishing pole with a piece of bamboo and some old fishing line he found.  I assume there had to be a hook on there too.  This is when the fishing obsession really took root, I think.

Close up cuties.

Look how blonde her hair gets in the summer.  Love my little Ellie girl.  Also, I miss those sunglasses, I lost them.

I do not remember the occasion in which we brought shave ice for dessert to my parent's house, but I will tell you what happened after we ate.  A snowball fight in July, of course!  It was so fun for these kids, and some adults, to try to torture each other with snow in the middle of the summer.

McKay got to experience what it would be like to have older brothers.  I know he liked it.

Grocery shopping with Anna.  Also, those are the best shoes.

Our neighbors, Ollie's relatives, had puppies and we got to go visit them one day.  They were super cute and my girls loved playing with them and holding them.  I have learned that maybe McKay isn't an animal toucher...meaning he loves animals and loves learning about them, but he's not super keen on interacting with them too much.  He liked seeing the puppies, but lost interest way before my girls.  That's okay- I can relate.

I helped throw a bridal shower for Kara.  I made the sign and did the decorations, plus some desserts.  It turned out cute and was a fun night.  I am so excited for her to get married- Silas is so great and they are a perfect match.

 

I had been debating whether or not to cut my hair for a long time.  I finally made the decision and did it. . .and then two days later found out I was pregnant.  Not something I would have done had I known.  Oh well, it's been a fun change, even though  I miss my messy bun.

to remember

I want to remember how Layla cannot keep her hands off of any baby that she comes in contact with lately.  Seems like we've seen a surge of babies around us, and she strokes their faces, noses, eyes and probably drives the mother's crazy (in fact, I'm sure she does).

I want to remember how Ellery and Layla were sitting behind us in church- invited to hold the new baby in that row-  and how somehow the topic of freckles came up and as my girls each pointed to every freckle or mole they have, Ellery whispered to the new mother, "And I have one here on my leg, and it has a hair coming out of it."

I love how this morning, perhaps in a moment of nostalgia- McKay had the idea for all the kids to pretend they were my dogs, just like when they were little.  I named them all and McKay worked hard to put a fort-cage together for them to live in.  Ellery did tricks, Layla licked me and McKay crawled around on his hands and knees.  It made me smile, but also sad, to think how pretty soon he will be way too old and cool to do something like that.

I want to remember how McKay is trying out for some club soccer teams this week, and today it's all he wanted to talk about.  I know this boy, and I know that a hundred questions can only mean one thing:  he's nervous.  I think he's gonna do great, but I must admit, I'm nervous too.  This is a big step for us and our schedule.

I want to always remember how affectionate my little Layla is.  Almost too much so, but feeling those sweet little lips on mine, or all over my face, really, is just about one of the best feelings out there.  She loves to show her love through kisses and I don't mind, although I do have to draw the line at princess kisses.  You should only do those with a prince.  Another thing I always want to remember about her is how she shows affection by rubbing her hand on your neck.  She gently moves her hand up and down my neck, often with a compliment on how soft my skin is.  If she does this to you, you know you are loved by that girl.

I want to always remember McKay practicing for the 3rd grade talent show with his friends.  I never thought McKay had much rhythm...but he surprised me and was the leader of the choreography!

I want to remember how Ellery looks as she walks into my room, rubbing the sleep from her eyes, and hops in bed to snuggle right next to me.  She takes a long time to wake up in the morning, and is usually the last one up, so it's a treat when I get to snuggle her in bed like I did this morning.  She's been my best sleeper and snuggler all her life!

april in photos

A pretty good idea of how to eat raspberries.

Easter Egg Hunt 2015

Ellery giving Layla a foot rub.

One morning Layla and I said goodbye to Brian as he went on a run.  A few minutes later he walked back through the door with blood running down his leg.  He had tripped and fallen off the curb.  Layla was very concerned and helped him bandage himself up and off he went again.

A common way to spend our afternoons is taking the bike down to the church as this girl rides around and around.  She flies down the hill (usually with a helmet on) and screams "Whoooooooooo!'  the whole way down.  She is fearless and it scares me.

Ellery holding our neighbor's new baby, Reagan.  She couldn't get enough.

Grovecrest 5K

McKay ran with Granddad this year and they did awesome.  He pushed himself and of course Granddad was there to motivate him to push even harder.  

Ellery ran with Brian and she did great too!  We were so proud of them for working so hard.  They had trained with Brian the weeks leading up to the race and it was great to see them accomplish a goal.

The running crew, plus their number one fan.

Brian's truck is the preferred mode of transportation these days, especially if they can all jump in the back like this.  Look at my son's hair.

Layla and her cousins at the Dinosaur Museum.  We bought a pass to Thanksgiving Point and I think it will be nice for us to have somewhere fun to go during the day- especially next school year.

We celebrated Grandma and Granddad's 30th wedding anniversary.  We are sure happy those two got married and started such a wonderful family.  

We hiked up to the hot pots for family home evening one night.  It was awesome- all the kids did great.  Layla was especially impressive as she led the way and hiked at an incredible pace for a four year old.  We loved the hot pots and thankfully didn't see any questionable characters while we were up there.  We did have to sit in the water with some dogs, which was kinda gross.  Some of the pots were so hot that we nearly got burned.  

I got to go on a field trip with the first grade to the Bean Museum.  We had a good little group and they had fun roaming the museum.  I love being able to do this with my kids, at least once in awhile.  It's so fun to see them in their school environment.  We had lunch at a park afterwards.

mon-thurs

It's the end of May and school is nearly out.  I am counting down the days until summer because life is so crazy right now and I cannot wait for it to slow down, get a little lazy around here, and do many things around our house and yard that have had to be neglected.  Do what we want to do, instead of what we have to do.  It sounds nice.  But with that in mind, I've decided I want to record our happenings in a typical week this year.  Since McKay is trying out for a club soccer team and we are trying to figure out some more serious for Elle with gymnastics (she's so ready for more!) so I have a feeling that this schedule will look like a cake walk compared to next year.

MONDAY:  Laundry day, McKay Piano @ 5pm, FHE

TUESDAY: Layla Dance @ 4pm, Ellery Dance @ 5pm

WEDNESDAY:  McKay Scouts @ 4pm, McKay Soccer Practice @ 5pm, Ellery Gym @ 5:15 pm, Ellery Soccer Practice @ 6:30pm 

THURSDAY:  Layla Swim @ 11:30- Free Afternoon!  This is the day the kids can schedule play dates with non-neighborhood friends.

The weekend is filled with a couple soccer games each, and whatever else we have going on.  

spring break staycation 2015

Since Brian only gets Spring Break off every few years, we have to just find things to do around here most of the time.  

Discovery Park with the Sundbergs

Layla and Jude

Ellery and Nash

McKay took a spin on this little thing for awhile.  Soon after we left, and McKay didn't feel so well in the car.  In fact, he requested a bag to throw up in, and he delivered.  Poor guy.  He kind of felt sick the rest of the day and has sworn off that little spinner for good.

We went to Swig to get a treat before going down to BYU with Jenn and Darrell and their kids.  These guys loved the swings.

The crew at the museum.  We even walked over the bridge to another art exhibit on campus.  

Thanksgiving Point with the Fuehrer crew.  I love how even these older boys came.