First Family Trip

The boys were very excited for "vacation" and as we were leaving they traded off saying:

"Wait Mama!  With Auntie Rhonda?"

Me: "No"

Boys: "Gigi and Popi?"

Me: "No"

Boys: "Cousins?"

That's when I realized this was the first time we went somewhere.... just us.  And it was wonderful.  

We went to Sunriver for just a few days. The swimming pool was the big hit.  But we enjoyed bike rides, walks, and just being a family.

Carter

Annamarie walked from person to person staring them down until they looked.  Then she gave them a huge grin, chuckle and wave... and walked onto the next.  Definitely made her mark at the pool.

She was seriuosly hysterical.  She sat on the edge of the pool and just relaxed.

Then in the water she would just float on her back... quite the life.

Her big smile while floating.

The boys spent hours going up and down the slide.  Above:  Carter

Tyler

Anna even went down the slide a couple times!

In just a couple visits they really began swimming well.

We saw deer on our walks... the boys loved watching them.



Daddy, Carter, and Annamarie



COUSINS!

Brinn, Carter, Luke, Tyler, Annamarie

Everyday the boys talk about their cousins. And they were BEYOND excited for "Cousin Luke" and "Cousin Brinn" to come visit. Amazing the memory of little ones. When they become fond of someone it just sticks. They hadn't seen Luke in a year but had never forgotten he's not just one of their best playmates- but one of their favorite people.

 And Their Off!!

Took no time at all to get the fun all started.  The first night Brian and Karen got here we had dinner at Gigi and Popi's with Nana.  



Two of my favorite men... Popi & Brian

Brian is definitely "That Uncle" and I mean that with love :)  He is rough and tough but so much fun.  Just getting in with the boys and having a wild time.  They adored him through all the torture and fun.



BEFORE





AFTER



Tyler and Carter going down the slip-n-slide together.



  

Everyone loves Gigi's desserts.

 The next day we went on a wonderful hike and up to Mike & Kylie's in White Salmon.  Fun fun fun.

Tyler's #3 Carter #10

 

ALL the cousins: Tyler, Carter, Camden holding Anna, Holden, Luke, Brinn, Lani

Tyler enjoying his cookie

Our adorable godson Holden.  So sweet.

Brinn and Anna bonding over chalk

The NEXT day it was "Popi's Boat" - I know, what a weekend!! 

The 5 boys

Just a mess!

 A week and more fun later, it was time to say goodbye- but not after one last hurrah!  And a water balloon contest.

  

My partner Luke. Love him.

sweetest.

I thought Brinn was for sure getting that cookie snagged.

 

Loving Popi.  Truly funny.



We already miss you!

Everyday Life of Summer

Fountains, parks, bikes, walks, fairs- we have tried to hit as much as possible.



Hillsboro Fountains





Tyler




Carter at Big Truck Day



Tyler's first attempt at writing his first name (below Ronnie).  I was impressed.

Walk for Hospice in memory of Grandpa and Grandma.  We miss them so.

Family pic at the Beaverton Fountains: Tyler in green/Carter blue

Best Buddies

Tyler



Annamarie talking to the ducks.  funny girl.




The Mack Attack



Carter was SO exctied to be surrounded.

Too Much... so FIRST UP Party Time!

Okay- I have waited way too long to post a blog.  Now I am overwhelmed with what to even show... So, I am going to post a few here-a few there over the next couple days.  Enjoy!

First up- we had a "Minute to Win It Party" . . . so much fun.  

Lisa "Noodling Around"

 

Lisie and Ben go head to head stacking dice on sticks in "A Bit Dicey" for a place in the finals

 

 

Travis and Me in the semis losing to Erik and Lisie at "Yank Me"

 

Andy & Jenise try to knock the orange with their bananas into a hula hoop in "How's it Hangin"

The Big Winners: Trevor and Lisa



"Minute to Win it" Champions!