Hold on Summer...we're not done yet!

The kids and I made it back from Arizona and brought my mom with us. When we got home, Jeff started two weeks of mandatory vacation. We slipped away for a night at the Scamania Lodge. It was so gorgeous there and it was nice to spend some time together.

We couldn't spend a sunny day at home, so we headed back to Rock Away beach near Tillamook. It was a great day to be at the beach. The sun was out...mostly out...and the kids had a blast playing in the water.

Stratton running away from the freezing water.

Learning to fly the kite.

Presley and Cas having fun together.

The sand head the Presley created.

Stratton giving us a front row pass to the gun show!

Cas hearts the beach!

We also went hiking at Eagle Fern Park. It was gorgeous and only

about 35 minutes from our front door.

We had a picnic, went hiking and played in the creek.

Stratton was very proud to show me where he had "marked his territory"

along the trail that we were hiking. Such a boy!

We're not ready for summer to end. It's been a fun one!

Summer 2009...so far

Fourth of July started out with a breakfast at the church.

Following the breakfast, we had a huge party in our cul-de-sac.

This is Cas and Kara chill-axing!

We finished the evening with a fireworks display of our own!

The aftermath!


The kids and I headed to Arizona for two weeks of sun and fun!

First off, the Smithson family reunion.

We went camping for four days and the kids loved it.

Ryson and Stratton showing off their "guns"!

Ryson and Stratton waiting for someone to take them

on a four-wheeler ride. They lived on the four-wheelers.

We spent time with Bannon...

...and with Kenadi.

Then, Aunt Cara had a tea party for the girlies.

It was a very formal affair.

The girls had a blast...thanks Aunt Cara! :)

The OCM played Rock Band for us...and they rocked!

My sister, Cayla, and I.

Tanner, Presley, Castin, Cascia and Stratton.


It's now a tradition that the last weekend we are in Arizona

we all head to Phoenix to spend the weekend at a resort.

It was a fun weekend together!

Stratton and Ryson hangin' on the bed playing DS.

BrookeLyn and Cascia in the pool.

BrookeLyn, Cas and Presley.

It's been a fun summer so far and it is going by way too fast. We still have things to be done, places to go and things to see. We'll add the pictures as they come!