long time friends & the next generation

The kids and I went to camp today to play with Julie & the girls for the afternoon. Julie and I met at arts camp in Jr High and have been close friends ever since. I was the over-excited camper taking all of my classes a bit too seriously, and Julie was the goofy athlete getting kicked out of classes for laughing too much! We still go up to camp each year during arts camp to see old friends, but primarily to celebrate our friendship and play in the water! Today we were laughing at ourselves, as we frequently do, with our 5.5 kids (she is due in December with their third). I am so very grateful for Julie, for our long time friendship, and the ways that we now get to share in the joys & challenges of motherhood. She is truly one of the best moms I know & I learn something from her each time we are together.



I can't remember the last time we had a picture together, since it is always just us and the kids. Tonight we decided to let Olivia take a few (she's three), these were the best two. I think she did a great job! It was pretty comical trying to move with the camera to be sure we were in front of the lens when Liv would shoot...if you know Julie, you know there is always a lot of laughter!


Olivia Marie


Belle








I was able to take Kiddos 1-4 out on a boat ride while Julie stayed on the beach with Babies 5 & 6. We had a great time singing, jumping on the water trampoline, and venturing out to monkey island. Grace & Isaac love spending time with Liv & Belle.


We have never managed to get a picture with the whole gang before...pretty fun!


It seems odd to post pictures of camp without Krisi and her crew, but she was away backpacking this week with a group of campers. We've already been up twice this summer to visit and I'm sure we'll have a few more opportunities before summer is over. I feel so fortunate to work at such an incredible place and count it a joy each time I get to spend time there with the kids.

Gorgeous Priest Lake

My folks and I took the kids on their first camping adventure last week and we had a wonderful time in the woods together. The kids thoroughly enjoyed most everything about the trip and now tell me each morning that they want camping to be on the list of activities for the day.



We all loved simply playing together on the beach.



Grace is particularly fond of rocks. She often finds them on walks and sticks them in her pocket. Here she is sorting them through the water.


Isaac was pretty proud of himself for "climbing" this tree. It was near a stream of water feeding into the lake and he spent a lot of time here throwing water into the stream and climbing the tree. What a boy!



My sweet beach babe!



The kids weren't too sure about floating in the tube at first, but were all giggles when Dad and I dove in and swam around while they stayed afloat.



One of the major highlights were the "huckaberry hikes." There were huckleberries all around the campsite and various trails. Grace & Isaac tromped through the woods multiple times each day looking for the perfect purple berries. After a sour taste-test, they quickly learned to avoid the green berries!


I'm not sure what it is about this photo, but it somehow captures Grace in her sweet beauty and I love it!


Introduction to S'MORES! A definite hit.




This picture and the one that follows (two of my favorites) were taken on the one real hike we attempted. As you can imagine, with twin two year olds, it didn't last long, but we enjoyed a few scenic views and exploring a new trail.



Many thanks to Grammie and Poppa for a wonderful adventure - we're already looking forward to our next trip!

Showin' Off

Just a quick post to show off Eli's newest trick. So far he doesn't last too long unassisted, but he can now sit up on his own! His two bottom teeth are fully in and it appears as though he is working on two more on top as well. At his six month appointment this week, he received three vaccinations. Prior to the shots he was cooing and laughing with the nurse. She could not believe it when, after the shots, he cried for a second and then was smiling at her again before I could even get him dressed - I love this kid!

Soaked

Though today marked the first day of summer, this past week we have had multiple thunderstorms with lots of rain. In the world of children, this means one thing: puddle jumping!! Grace and Isaac stomp in plenty of puddles when we're out on walks, but this was only our second real adventure - boots and all. We had a grand time laughing, splashing, stomping, jumping, throwing rocks and waving at all of the dry folks driving by. There is sure something refreshing about summer rain and spontaneous play.


















And here is our little on-looker, characteristically smiling and laughing (covered in spit up) as he watched from the car port. If you look carefully, you can see his first tooth! He now has his two center, bottom teeth.

Signs of Summer

Skinned knees, bug bites (check out Isaac's cheek!), popsicles, and no clothes - all fabulous signs of summer. Lovin' it!







*I went a little post-happy tonight, there are two more posts below. :)