Camping

I've never liked camping, even as a child. Bugs, dirt, sleeping on the ground, community bathrooms, how is that fun?! Our boys; however, love camping so when my sister suggested going to Big Fir Campground in Ridgefield I agreed. It was as perfect as camping can be; we were close to home, had cousins to play with, and no rain. Most of the pictures are of them eating, but that was the only time they were still! They ran a million races, played frisbee, croquet, and discovered stinging nettle.

"It doesn't get better than this!" He cracks me up!

Isaac helping Rebecca play Uno. He held all her "good cards".

Alvin and Rebecca eating watermelon.

Mmm s'mores!

Rebecca, Mariah, and Isaac warming up with hot chocolate.

A real smile from Ethan!

A Day at the Beach

Katie and I took our kids on a day trip to Lincoln City. The weather would've been perfect minus the gale force winds. Despite the cold the kids had fun playing in the sand.

They spent most of their time digging holes to China.

Isaac trying to stay warm.

On the way home we stopped at McMinnville Air Museum to see the cool airplanes and tanks. Ethan and Isaac liked reading the planes top speeds. They had an awesome playground with a space ship and helicopter.

Not the greates pic, but look at that huge tire!

Alvin at the top of the space ship.

Coldplay

Katie and I went to see her favorite band, Coldplay last night at the Amphitheater. Even though I was just along for the ride I had a great time. The people watching was hilarious entertainment, and the music was awesome! My favorite song was an acoustic version of Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean".

Waiting and waiting and waiting for the concert to start.

A picture as we were leaving. Yep that little dot of
color is the band. Don't be envious of our seats ;)

Alvin's 12!!

Katie and I took the kids on the zoo train to Washington Park where we had a picnic, and played on the huge playground.

Jacob, Ethan, Isaac, Alvin, Emily, Dallin

Alvin really wanted to roast hot dogs and have s'mores, but it was SO hot. He settled for Burger King for dinner, and Krispy Kreme for dessert.

Alvin with his bug eyes waiting to open presents.

Scrabble

Alvin and Ethan's new favorite game is Scrabble. I don't really like to play it with them, because it takes forever and it's a special game Januari and I play together. But since I'm the best mom ever, and it's good for their vocabulary I occasionally give in.

A recent game we played.

Our 4th Fun

We started our 4th with my parent's annual neighborhood parade. It was exciting because all the cousins were in the parade this year.

Alvin, Jack, Logan, Gustav, Isaac, Rebecca, Mariah, Ethan

We had a BBQ with our friends Katie and Toby. We had yummy food, and a super fun time playing Guitar Hero while we waited for it to get dark. We're lucky to have such great neighbors!

Dallin, Emily, Alvin, Isaac, Ethan and Jacob
waiting impatiently for fireworks.

Isaac jumping over the smoke bomb.

Alvin couldn't wait to use his sparklers that he bought.

Get Your Motor Runnin'

Conrad and I took the boys to P.I.R. to see my brother in law, Thomas drag race his Honda. I was doubtful that it would be any fun, but as usual I was wrong. It was awesome to see how fast the cars went, and spend time together!

Ethan, Mariah, Rebecca, Alvin and Isaac
going blind so I could get a picture.

Thomas at the starting line. He got up to 116 mph!

Alvin eating jelly beans. Yum!