Friday, July 8, 2011

Family Updates


Right now, I am sitting here trying to be 'productive', while Avery and Graysen are running around with Richard Simons looking pink headbands on pretending they are in a race. Poor Gray keeps calling it a hat, oh the joys of having a big sister. They are quite the dynamic duo!

We have finally gotten some sunshine here on the Central Coast. And we have been trying to enjoy every bit of it this week. The base just put in a new pool with a rockin' kiddie area, so we have taken advantage of that a few times this week on top of the Pismo Market and barbeques galore over the weekend. Did I mention I love summer??

Two weekends ago, I went to GODchicks in LA with some awesome girls! So that left Ben flying solo for a couple days. Their meals consisted of macaroni and cheese, McDonalds, and many PB&Js. So of course, the kids were in heaven! Here are a few pictures from the Flower Parade they went to while I was gone.



Graysen is full force in toddlerhood. He is a wild man, with his newest interest being the guitar, and of course he is still into golf when his golf club isn't being used as his pretend guitar. He talks, and talks, and talks, and yep, talks more. I think he is trying to keep up with Avery.


Avery has found a new favorite hobby, tree climbing. Now, I myself, was never much of an adventure seeking tree climber, in MT there are pokey pine trees with sap. Um, not so much. But my girl, she is very adventurous, fearless and will try just about anything.


Now this wasn't her finest attempt. That branch you see there, about 5 seconds later completely snapped, hit the ground and she replied with, "Dad, I was just trimming the tree."


Avery's Quote of the Week: "Water gives me Princess Powers!"

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Monday, June 27, 2011

Lake Powell 2011





God was so intentional when He created the Earth, and not only intentional but extravagantly beautiful. I have had the opportunity to travel to some amazing places, and I am always in awe of God's creativity. Now I do think God gave Montanans something extra special, so I may be a little partial and spoiled by God's beauty. But the rock sculptures and the exceptionally blue waters of Lake Powell were incredible!







This trip is high on the list of my favorite vacations. My mom, dad, both sisters and our most wonderful friends, Mike and Siama and their family all went. You'd think twelve people on one houseboat would be a recipe for disaster, but it was wonderful. We all really enjoyed spending time together without any distractions, and no schedules. There was lots of hiking, boating, swimming and sitting in the sun reading. Really, does it get any better than that?!


"Decorating" the campfire area.

Ave & Nana

The girls sunning their legs.

You can't tell by that face but Gray loved this game!

Man time.

Graysen & Auntie Miss
Graysen using his golf club for a guitar, yeah, he's that awesome!

Campfire time

Me & my sis!

Auntie Mandy & Gray

Ave's first tube ride (and a great pic of my bottom, thanks Ben)

Me & Ave

Heading to Rainbow Arch
It was beautiful!

Graysen missed out on the arch, he napped instead.

Ave

Getting up there was easy, getting down was another story!

Mom & Amanda

The boy's rockin' air guitar style

Gray's sweet jelly stash!

Graysen and Papa

Decorating for Miss's birthday party

Melissa's excellent surprised face!

Yep, we're that cool!

Lookin' good!

Back at the hotel, exhausted!

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Summer's Finally Here!

We are now well into summer and enjoying every bit of it! But before I begin to share all the fun adventures we have had, here are a few pictures of Ave's end of school performance.


Ave & one of her teachers, Mrs. Twitchell


Saturday, June 4, 2011

Santa Barbara and Caity!






Oh, my friend Caity, well we have been friends since Kindergarten days when we were inseparable. It amazes me we have been able to live so close and have been able to see each other here and there! And no matter how long it has been, we always start where we left off, catch up and laugh at old times. She is the description of a true friend.

Well, Cait is leaving for Europe for part of the summer, so we decided to meet up in Santa Barbara before she leaves LA. We first headed to the Botanic Gardens, which were beautiful. The kids enjoyed getting out and running around, despite the fact we walked out of the house without Graysen's shoes. Oh well, I guess that flies when your one and a half. After that we enjoyed a great dinner on State Street, and before heading home, we stopped and let the kids burn off some energy at a beautiful park right by the beach.



Okay, so this is a terrible picture, but just for the record...
Despite what they may say, the Botanic Gardens are not "stroller friendly".
But what a man, right?? Not to mention, Gray thought this was AWESOME.