Whidbey Island

Some friends in Seth's parent's ward go camping at Deception Pass every year and we all tagged along this weekend. We camped, threw rocks in the ocean and the boys got to ride in the canoes and check the crab pots. I watched from the shore and managed to keep my anxiety at bay. (Pun fully intended.)

They got a couple crabs on this trip and threw plenty back.

This was the perfect place for boys to play. Large open space and really big guns.

Summer Vacation

This year we decided to do another "Stay in Colorado" trip for our summer vacation.  We decided to spend a few days in Glenwood Springs.  We booked a hotel, but kept things pretty loose on the schedule.  On our drive up- we decided to stop and hit the Georgetown Railroad Loop. Last time we were there, was with y'all.  Aimee was just born, so we figure it was almost 13 years ago. 

The next morning we got up early and hiked up to Hanging Lake.  It is about a mile in length but very steep.  The kids did great and even Aly walked the entire way!  Some of the rock steps get very tall for her little legs.

Ty behind Spouting Rock.

To rest our tired muscles, we then headed to the historic Glenwood Hot Springs.  It took everyone a moment to get used to the salty taste of the water but then there was no stopping the kids.  I loved the warmth of the water- I hate cold swimming pools! 

The next morning we took the tram up to Glenwood Adventure Park.  We weren't sure what to expect, but we loved it!  The Alpine coaster was hit.  We rode it over and over throughout the day.  Aly loved the maze and had it memorized by the time we left.  I loved the two cave tours.  Our guides were great and they were very unique from other cave tours we taken in the past.  We were one of the first up when it opened and the last to leave when it closed.

-Brant

Ty's Eagle

Ty with Michael (he lived across the street from us in Lakewood.)

The big moment!!!

The Eagle's Nest.  Lots of great men in Ty's life.

The herd!

-Brant

Family Pictures 2015

*WARNING* Possible picture overload!

Family Get-Together

 

Erik, Jamie, and family arrived Saturday evening.  Seth, Lacey, and family drove over Saturday and stayed with Kevin and Lisa and then drove down Sunday for church.  Matt, Kimbre, and family drove down Saturday night from Richards cabin (after the fireworks) and then stayed at Richards here in Moscow.  Needless to say we took up three or four pews at church.

 After church the fun began.  How do you get 30 people into our house and still remain friends?

 You put a few in each room.

 We celebrated Hallee's 16th birthday with a few trick candles...

 ...all the fixin's (notice the home-made ice cream).

 Lots of good times and visiting.

 Even had a game or two of CLUE.

 Monday morning we went fishing at Spring Valley Reservoir.  There were only two or three others there so we had it all to ourselves plus a beautiful day. Lots of instructions on "How to."

 I enjoy my telephoto lens.  I can reach across the water and touch you.

 ....drove all the way from Colorado for this moment.

 Lots of cousins getting to know cousins.

 One of three fish caught.  Trent and Korbin caught the other two (I think).

 Remember, fishing is not about catching fish.  It's about "going fishing."

 

 

 I think we monopolized the docks.

Monday afternoon everyone went swimming at the Aquatics Center.  It was much needed since the temperature was way up in the 90's.

Tuesday morning after one of Grandma's infamous breakfasts we went out to Berglund's to shoot. 

 Due to the heat and stupidity of some people, most of Moscow Mountain is closed to any recreation.  Steve lets us shoot out behind his house.

 Shotguns,

 more shotguns,

 even more shotguns,

 some AR-15 target practice,

 more practice,

 a little hand gun training,

 Matt is truly a brave uncle,
                                      
 and a patient one.

 Wednesday morning we dug out the motorcycles and Erik gave lots of rides.

 Not sure how legal is was but they all had fun.

 Korbin was persistent and figured out that Grandpa had left the battery unhooked and so they were eventually able to get the yellow motorcycle started too.

 Lots of cute photo opp's.  I could put twenty or thirty more of my favorites on the blog but I had to stop somewhere.  I'll try to include a few on each post in the future.

We had lots of visitors, Aunt Brenda, Matt, Tiffany, and family, Eric, Tara, and family, Shawn, Annie, and family, Brandon, Michelle, and family, and Doug and Maurene Schroeder.

Thursday morning Erik, Jamie, and family loaded up and headed home. 

Mom and I loved having everyone here even though it was crowed.  Thanks to everyone for being patient, sleeping on the lawn, sleeping at Richards, and putting up with the chaos and close quarters (we especially appreciated the headphones on the piano).  Thursday was kind of quiet (and a little lonely).  Thanks for coming and we're glad everyone returned home safely.  Sorry we missed Brant and Travis and their families but we're see you this fall.