Silverwood

This past weekend we did Silverwood with my parents and youngest brother Kyle.

We were 5 adults, 1 teenager, 1 pre-teenager, a 5 year old who thinks she's a teenager and two small dogs.

Clint and I flew into Spokane with Hunter and thought we could rough it for a few nights in a tent.  We ended up in my parents motorhome on night two when we found out our old tent leaks during a thunder, lightning and rain storm.  Thank goodness my parents have a humongous motorhome that was able to fit all of us snugly inside of it.  Night three was dry but the kids had bailed on us and decided they were done with tent camping taking up residence in the motor home at the beginning of the night.    

In true form Lillie made a few Canadian friends who spent some time in our campsite visiting and petting Hunter in the mornings.
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JK, Molly, Uncle Kyle and Papa did rides that even I wouldn't do.  A few of them, they did over and over again.  My little daredevils have now officially passed me up in the extreme rides category.

We had one puker who refused to be slowed down by the upchuck of lunch and who against my wishes conquered the upside down, spinning ride by the end of the weekend. 

Clint most certainly won dad of the year award by riding Dumbo with Lillie (who insisted he ride with her, but in his own flying dumbo) at least three times. 

We stayed cool by floating the lazy river, and spending lots of time in the two different wave pools.  

We stood in countless long lines just to fly down water slides in a matter of seconds only to get right back in the same long line to do it all over again.  

We enjoyed (and watched Molly who was the only one out of all of us to consume in it's entirety) the biggest ice cream cones we had ever seen, two days in a row.  

By Sunday evening we had covered every inch of ground on both the theme and water side of the park at least three times over.  We headed home exhausted with achy feet but happy, happy, happy!  

JK and Kyle are in the very last row on this roller coaster and 3 cars up is Molly whom you can't see sitting next to my dad who is just like a big kid with his hands in the air. :)

Clint's other love...

Last year I found out that Clint had fallen in love.

I was not at all happy about this new relationship he was wanting to pursue and was beyond irritated when I found out about her.

We discussed him bringing this new beauty home to live with us, but I just didn't get it.  I decided the best thing to do was to agree to this new addition, assuming that my negative attitude would be enough to make him change his mind.  He didn't.  I cried the first night she sat in our driveway and might have made Clint sleep on the couch for a night.  I think it took me a good week before I could actually walk out our front door without getting a little teary eyed every time I saw her.  It was not love or even like at first sight for me.

The kids though... The kids loved Clint's teal monstrosity almost as much as he did.  Each and everyone of them thought she was great.  My parents, his parents, most of our friends, they all thought it was just the coolest car.  Ugh!

Last weekend the Good Guys show came to the fairground and Clint was determined to get his beauty and me there.  He spent all day Friday vacuuming, cleaning and buffing her rims.  Even JK and Lillie were thrilled to help. 

They had the "Grocery Go Getter" shinning like she was new when they were finally done.  

Saturday Clint and JK got up at 3am to get their car in line for a prime spot.  Lillie and I met them at the show a little later in the day after a trip to the farmers market and I was honestly shocked at what I saw.  I couldn't believe how many people stopped to take pictures of and with the car and excitedly talked to Clint about his all original beauty.  I honestly just don't get it and was dumbfounded for most of the day.  

I'm just not a car person.  If I was though, we found the cars I like.  They're mostly red with round bodies and run about $100,000.00.  Of course they do!  So, unless we win the lotto (which would mean we'd have to buy a ticket) I guess I better learn to at least pretend to like Clint's car, because honestly my sweet husband has this dream image of the two of us cruising around together in his "other" love. 

Again... Ugh! 

Camping trip to Belfair State Park

This past weekend we made a last minute decision to join some friends for a little camping trip to Belfair State Park.  While it wasn't my favorite camping spot in the world, it was nice and there was water for the kids to get wet in.  If we got down to it when the tide was in.  If we missed high tide we had to make our way through the mud.

Lots and lots of mud.  That Molly thoroughly enjoyed.

We learned from our first outing to the water to make sure to plan our second day around the tide.  (I refused to spend time trying to save another set of clothes from the mud!)  This time all the kids got to enjoy themselves by swimming and searching the waters for little sea creatures.

 Nice legs, babe!  I don't how I missed that fashion statement when I snapped this picture.

Because so many of our friends have kids JK's age (yes all of these kids but one are in his class and two of them are actually a few months older then him), he had lots of buddies to hang out with. 

We didn't want Molly to feel left out so we let her bring her friend Jasmine along, too.   

She's such a good big sis though and made sure not to let Lillie feel left out.  I heart these girls!

It was such a great weekend and really made me remember how much I love camping.  (Real camping that's not in my parents side yard, that is.)  We're hoping to start doing a lot more of it, which leaves us wondering if it might be time to upgrade to a newer motor home, or maybe even a trailer.  My vote is a trailer.  Our current little home on wheels needs some work done to it, so we're going to have to price it out and then decide if it's worth pouring the money into or just upgrading.  While I love the memories we've created in our little motor home and the fact that we don't have a payment on it.  I'm really hoping to find something a little newer and a little more modern.  

5th Annual 4th of July Camping Trip

We celebrated another 4th of July with a long camping weekend with some of our favorite peeps!  While our guest list has changed a bit over the years, we still have a few of our besties who have attended each and every 4th with us over the past 5 years, rain or shine.  When Clint and I were putting our guest list together we decided that we honestly have some of the best friends with the best kiddos in the entire world!  

We celebrated the day of the 4th with some fun kid fireworks and then Clint did his big show on the 5th.  This year I decided to video tape it so that he could actually see his show and therefore didn't get any pictures.  As always his show was spectacular and earned a lot of oohs and awes throughout it.

Because of the large amounts of time we spent in the water over this beautiful weekend I didn't get as many pictures as I would have liked to.  But by Sunday I think our pink cheeks and permanent smiles showed just how much fun we'd all had.  In fact none of us wanted to pack up and head back to reality. 

     

While normally we make this just a 3 day trip we decided to take advantage of the 85 degree plus weather that was being forecasted and extend our trip to cover the actual 4th (which fell on a Thursday) and make it a 4 day trip.  Our extended weekend included lots of friends, a spectacular firework show, great food, smores' (and one of our new favorites fire roasted banana boats), lots of dogs, an entire day floating the lake, some fishing, lots of sun and of course sunscreen.  Tons of laughter, and one small accident that left Clint and I in the emergency room until 4am on Monday morning with a burned hand and a bit of a burned ego.  Aside from the er visit, there is nothing I would have changed about the weekend.

A few of the boys telling us just how big the fish that got away was. 

Catching up...

The last month has felt like the longest one ever!  Where to begin...

Let's go back to where I left off.

Easter Sunday...

After Good Friday we celebrated Easter Sunday on what I'm pretty sure was the most beautiful and warmest Easter ever in Washington state.  We spent the morning celebrating the resurrection of our Lord and Savior.  While our afternoon was spent enjoying family (outdoors), a few egg hunts, lots of candy, and some of the younger kiddos running around in swimming suits.  Yes!  It was warm enough for the kiddos to do an egg hunt in their wet swim suits after spending some time in the hot tub.  I thought I had pictures, but I can't seem to find them.  Ugh!  I wonder if I accidentally deleted them in my post-op medicated haze.  This one of the kids colored eggs will have do I guess.  :/

Spring Break...

The week following Easter weekend was Spring Break for the kids.  I was pretty emotional over the thought of going in for major surgery the following week, so it was great to have some quality time with all of our kids at home.  It was a low key weekend because of the pain I was in, but I think everyone had fun.  We did a few picnics at the park, two trips to the movie theater, bowling, and a lot of lounging.

Hunter found his comfort spot. :)

If Molly knows a picture is being taken, this is the face I'm capturing. :)  Goofy girl!

Bowling with cousin Jacob and again with Molly's goofy face.

Enjoying the warm weather a book and a hula hoop all at the same time.  She's got talent!

Surgery...

The Monday after spring break Clint and I headed to the hospital so that I could have a disc replaced in my neck.  I was really anxious at the idea of having surgery performed on my spine and did quite a bit of tearing up on the drive to the hospital and during surgery prep.  If Clint and my mom hadn't been there the entire time, I'm pretty sure I would have somehow wimped out just minutes from being rolled into the O.R.  Thankfully they were there and didn't allow that to happen, because truthfully I was out of options as no other medical, chiropractor, or physical therapy care had given me any relief with the pain, numbness or loss of motion in my arm.  The reason for this needed surgery was a disc that an MRI had showed was herniated putting pressure on the nerve roots that ran down my left arm.  The affect from the herniated disc was an excruciating pain that I had somehow managed to live with for nearly a year.  Over the past two months though, the pain and symptoms had gotten considerably worse.  The surgeon told Clint after the surgery that the disc was not herniated as originally thought, but ruptured in three different spots.  He was shocked that I was able to function at all based on the damage.  He also told Clint that had I waited another month or two to get the disc removed I probably would have had permanent nerve damage and continued muscle weakness.  Yikes.  

The surgery was a huge success and I woke up with absolutely no arm pain.  I did however have really bad reactions to the anesthesia and medications resulting in some crazy hallucinations and a lot of vomiting.  (Vomiting and dry heaving for three days straight is never fun, but it's even less so after having surgery that affects your throat.)  We initially assumed I was having such a hard time with the medication because I was unable to get anything down my swollen throat that couldn't be sucked through a straw.  It was day three of constant vomiting and drifting in and out of sleep that Clint had my mom get ahold of the surgeons office to see if there was another medication we could try.  I'm pretty sure that move alone saved my life.  Once I was off the oxycodone things started to turn for the better very quickly.  Aside from the nasty drain tube hanging from my neck and the fact that I slept most of the first week away recovery was finally happening.  I was so thankful that Clint was able to take the entire week of work off after the surgery to take care of me.  He did an amazing job and is the reason I believe I've had such a great outcome.  He kept track of all my medications, kept an eye on the incision to make sure no sign of infection was settling in, helped me with some less then glamorous things I never could have imagined needing help with, and somehow managed to be by side the minute he heard me start to get sick regardless of where he was or what he was doing in the house.  I wasn't the easiest patient, but he stayed calm and sensitive and didn't complain once.  The only thing he didn't have to worry about was dinners.  It was such a blessing to all of us to have so many family and friends bring meals and help with getting the kids rides to and from school and sports so that he didn't have to leave me alone.  I'm pretty sure we have the best family and friends ever!

After the first week following my surgery Clint had to go back to work.  Even though I was feeling much better at this point I was still very limited in what I was physically allowed to do.  My mom didn't offer but insisted that she spend the second week with us taking care of the kids and meals and taking turns with my dad to get me to and from a few follow up appointments at the doctors office.  My parents are such a huge blessing.  I can't even begin to imagine life without them.  By Friday (11 days post-op) the doctor did some x-rays to make sure everything was settled where it should be and gave me the go ahead to really start moving around again.  I still have some limitations until my 6 month checkup, but I'm getting there and feeling amazing!  Clint is continually shocked at how fast my recovery has been for such a major surgery and still tends to hover over me and puts his foot down to a few things I think I'm ready to do.

Lillie was thrilled to help during recovery with important things, like brushing my hair and painting my nails. :)

Clint's Birthday...

Saturday the 20th we celebrated Clint's 34th birthday with a trip to the Spring fair.  I was a little nervous at having my first real outing being such a big one, but it was great.  The weather was good and we all had so much fun just getting out of the house and being a normal family again.  After living in pain for so long, I forgot how enjoyable life actually was truly living in the moment and not wishing the whole time I could get back home to lay on a bag of ice.  I was a little bummed that I couldn't do any rides, but surprisingly Molly took my place doing a ton of big rides that she actually really enjoyed!   

Clint is strong, hardworking and loving.  He makes me laugh and proud to be his wife everyday.  He gives sincere complements and has made me feel beautiful even over the past year when I've felt the most insecure.  He loves completely and unconditionally.  As a father he is fun and often times a little crazy.  He has no problem being silly, which on occasion has embarrassed Jk and Molly. :)  His girls have him wrapped around their fingers and he's one of JK's biggest and loudest fans.  Where I struggle with being the disciplinarian in the family, he's found a way to take on that role while still showing love, understanding and more patience then I ever could have imagined he could.  He has a servants heart and will stop to lend a hand to anybody he see's in need of help.  Making the decision to allow God to lead his life, has made Clint exactly the man, husband and father I'd always dreamed of.  I'm so blessed to be his wife and love getting to celebrate him on a day that's just his.  

Randomness...

In a quest to get back in shape and just to get my body moving again Lillie and I have been walking quite consistently after she gets home from school.  The other day as we rounded the corner in our neighborhood she suddenly stopped put her hand over her heart and started reciting the pledge of allegiance.  She continued to do this at every house we past that had a flag displayed in front of it.  It consistently amazes me at the random things this girl does in the middle of a normal moment that makes my heart swell.

34...

Yesterday I turned 34.  Clint teased me that at the rate I'm going I'll be half robot by the time I'm 50.  As much as I laughed it off, that statement scared me just a little.  My track record isn't very good.  In my teens I tore my left acl resulting in knee surgery that required a graft and a few screws.  In my early 20's I had to have some scar tissue removed from my right knee due to a meniscus tear.  My late 20's I had a hysterectomy, and then my early 30's a disc replaced in my neck.  What the heck!  I've always drank my milk, taken my vitamins and really until the hysterectomy was always super active and fit at a healthy weight.  So, 34 is the year of healthy choices.  I know I've declared this before, but this past year has just confirmed how important it is that I really get on it.  I have a lot of life left to live and this body needs to be able to keep up.

The day was relatively quiet and relaxing.  After church I was showered with cards, gifts, lunch and lots of love.  Then after a little movie/nap time we met my grandparents, parents and sister's family for dinner at my favorite Japanese steak house.  I really am blessed.  I have a husband who is perfect for me and can still give me butterflies and the funnest, sweetest kiddos in the world.

And no birthday pictures of me.  Not until the swelling in the neck and chin area have gone down some.  This look is not one I want to remember or document.

Good Friday

Tonight we worshiped Jesus with all of our hearts.

We sat with heavy hearts as we were reminded of the horrific death He suffered so that our sins would be forgiven.

We were each given a small cup that represented our sins and splashed it against a wall.  

No amount of sin could dull the brightness of the cross.  

We saw the love of Jesus painted in that picture.  

Because it's true, only the blood of Jesus can wash away our sins.  His blood that was spilled on the cross and saves all who believe. 

No good works, money, or perfect life can give us eternal life.  Only Jesus can do that.  

And he did! 

The heaviness in our hearts didn't last long because we know the truth.  We know what came next.

Death could not hold Him and the grave did not keep Him from rising.

He's alive!

Tonight we got to pray with Lillie as she partook in her first communion and raise our hands and voices high as we praised and thanked Him.

Tonight our family is feeling so extremely blessed to know and be able to share the love of  our sweet Jesus! 

Welcoming in 2013 with a BANG!

Last night I had envisioned a quiet little night at home playing games and sipping on sparkling cider while some New Years countdown show played in the background.

Instead our New Years went like this...

6 adults.

7 kids; 5 boys, 2 girls and 1 little Hunter dog.

A whole ton of fireworks.

  

Good company and a fire pit to keep warm around.

Saying goodbye to 2012 and hello to 2013...

Sparklers, pop its and a much anticipated show at midnight.

A delayed countdown.

A quick kiss.

Then ONE bad firework that blew out of it's tube...

A hit to my stomach that resulted in me using a 4 letter word (something I honestly never do!) and leaving me black and blue with Clint arguing with me that we should make a trip to the er.  I refused.

A shattered back window to our neighbors car.

A small garage fire that would have burnt the whole house down had it gone unnoticed for another 2 minutes.

A friend running the kids across the street while the men ran into the garage to put out the flames and I ran into the house to save the dog.  Dumb I know!

And a husband who couldn't sleep and woke me up nearly every hour to make sure I was okay.

IT WAS A NEW YEARS CELEBRATION WE WILL NEVER FORGET!

With everything that didn't go right about the night, I'm counting our blessings and declaring that this is going to be a very lucky year for us.  Lillie who is almost always on my lap or right in front of me just happened to be standing to my side last night.  Had she not been, whatever hit me would have hit her right in the face and it would have been devastating.  I can handle a sore, slightly swelled black and blue belly.  I couldn't have handled what would have happened if my sweet girl had been hit.  I'm thankful that nobody else was hurt and that the fire in the garage was caught just as it had started to melt through the lid of a bucket of oil and was only a few inches from a full propane tank we had just pulled from the motor home.  Today as we clean all of the fire extinguisher dust up, I'm thankful that we had one available and ready to use when we needed it.  I am thankful that God was watching over us and turned a situation that could have been disastrous into a story that we will probably be laughing about by the time summer comes.

So while I was a little sad to say goodbye to what was an uneventful, relaxing year in 2012... I have no doubt that 2013 will be exactly the opposite.  With lots of new adventures and changes we're heading into this year, I'm praying that God will continue to guide our path and leave us looking back at the end of 2013 as a year that was truly a blast!   

Here are the last two photos that were take in 2012.  When we all still thought fireworks were cool!

Christmas 2012

Sometime after the kids opened their annual Christmas eve pajamas, and were (finally) tucked snug in their beds while visions of sugarplums danced in their heads, Santa visited our house.  He ate all of the cookies the kids had carefully picked for him and then must have gone straight to work setting out gifts and setting the stage for what would be a magical morning at our house. 

I'm guessing Santa's visit took place sometime in the wee hours of the morning because we had a super excited little 5 year old who couldn't get her eyelids to close.  After what started out as cute excitement and then turned into about 100 trips up and down the hall to put her back in her bedroom, threats started to work there way out of my mouth.  Threats that Santa would not come if the entire house was not sleeping.  Threats that there would be one very unhappy brother and sister in the morning if Santa had to skip our house because Lillie wouldn't go to sleep.  And at about the two hour mark of going back and forth Hunter took it upon himself to stake out in front of Lillie's door.  It wasn't to long after that, that our sweet girl finally gave into sleep, until about 3am when Clint caught her trying to sneak into the living room to see if Santa had come.  Oh I love the age of our fun little girl and get just a little bit sad when I think about the fact that she's the last five year old we'll have in our little family. 

A few hours after Clint got Lillie back to bed I heard Molly stirring.  It was 7am when I stuck my head in her room and could tell that even though she said she might, she wasn't going back to bed.  We decided it was a good time to check to make sure that Santa had come and then wake up the rest of the kids to see what awaited us.  I just love the joy, excitement and squeals that is Christmas morning at our house!

Hunter was the first one out of our bedroom and instantly found the bone waiting under the tree for him.  The kids seemed to have gotten most everything they had asked for and were so sweet and thankful as they opened their gifts.  Molly found a special letter waiting in the tree from Santa letting her know that he had arraigned for her to send her American girl doll, Holly to the hospital to get her hair fixed and her ears pierced.  The sparkle in her eyes was pure magic!  She was so excited that Santa had gotten her letter and given her the one thing she had asked for but kept secret from the rest of us.  The joy and excitement of her response to Santa's gift brought a tear to my eye.  I loved that even though she's growing up and didn't ask for any toys, Santa's gift brought with it the slightest glimpse of our mature girl as her little girl self for just a few minutes again. 

After all the gifts were open and most of their new treasured items were put away,Clint's parents came over and shared in a big breakfast with us and then some more gift giving.  After they left we lounged around with full bellies watching the Christmas story.  Our all time favorite Christmas movie and the only thing that makes it's way to our t.v. set on Christmas day. 

After spending a good part of the afternoon relaxing we loaded into the car (all still in our pajamas) and headed to my parents house for what felt like Christmas morning all over again.  We enjoyed a dinner feast with more food then any one family should consume and then spent the rest of the evening playing games and spending time together laughing and reminiscing.  I know I say it every year, but I honestly think this was the best and for sure the most relaxing Christmas ever!

{Liam (aka Dennis the menace) in the tree 2, Molly 10, Lillie 5, Landon 2, JK 13}

Catching up...

Wow!!  September, October and November have been busy around here!

Now that BOTH of JK's football teams and Molly's soccer team have played their last games for the season, we've finally got a little time to breath.  Lillie is still participating in both hip-hop and ballet, but both practices are on Mondays so we can handle that without feeling like we're running around like chickens with our heads cut off.

Both JK's middle school and rec team had great seasons.  His middle school team took 2nd place, loosing only once.  And his rec team took 4th.  Out of 17 teams, we were all pretty happy with that.  He continues to grow stronger and learn more every season and still really truly loves the game.  While he got a little bit of a chance to try out a few positions other then quarter back this season, it's definitely been determined by his coaches that, that will be his position.  So it's off to a few camps during the off season to grow and learn just a little bit more.

(I wasn't very good about getting pictures of the kids in action this year.  I think this sad collage is proof of that.)

Molly's team also had a great season.  They played in a new league with a little more competition, but they still did great.  I am always so impressed with the way our sweet little, quiet (well quiet around people that aren't family) girl can come alive out on a soccer field.  She's quick, aggressive and smart.  She's got great ball control and seems to have a good sense as to where the ball is going to be.  She really has some star potential!

Lillie is love, love, loving kindergarten!  While we're still not completely certain that our decision to enroll her this year was the right one, she seems to be.  She's making lots of new friends and learning tons.  She adores her teacher and begs for me to let her ride the kindergarten bus home from school, which I ocassionally do.  She is sweet and sassy and growing up much faster then I'd like.  Oh and if this isn't the cutest kindergarten picture ever taken...  

I am so not a fan of school pictures and never buy them, so I didn't put much thought into the fact she was wearing the same outfit as she did on the first day of school when I sent her off to picture day.  Then what do you know, they send a proof sheet home with this adorable little shot on it.  As soon as Clint saw it, he insisted we buy a sheet.  I mean seriously when did school pictures get so fancy?!

Let's see... what else have we been up to?

Well, we celebrated Halloween with our annual trip to Spooners pumpkin patch.  The girls dressed up and had lots of fun trick or treating while Clint, JK and I followed along possibly snacking on some of their goodies.

Clint and JK had fun playing in our little family and friend annual turkey bowl while the girls and I visited and cheered the players on before enjoying a delicious Thanksgiving feast with family.

Molly and Lillie mailed their lists to Santa and talked dad into buying them a ginger bread house kit, which they happily made and snacked on.

Oh and this sweet boy of ours made the decision to be baptized.  I am so extremely proud of the path he is choosing to walk out and I know God has great things in store for him.  

Just seeing these photos and knowing that he chose this.  He chose to be baptized and to make the statement that he chooses God for his life, in front of his friends and family makes my heart happy.  I couldn't think of a better way to welcome in his teen years.  I am so extremely proud of him!

 

Where fairies come to play...

Last weekend as we combed the beach for seashells, I was inspired.  Inspired to build a little pixie house for Molly and Lillie's fairies.  (I'm sure I saw the idea on pinterest or somewhere, but since I can't remember where or if I saw a similar creation I'm happy with taking the credit as my own for now. :)  

After the kids did an excellent job searching for twigs yesterday, we had lots of fun letting our imaginations run wild as we dreamed up what our little fairy home would look like.  We didn't use nearly as many seashells as I had thought we would, but I still think our creation turned out super cute. I was so proud of the amount of work and creativity each of the kids put into this little house and garden and am now having fun dreaming up a whole little community we might be able to imagine and design together.  

And since our creation was inspired by our beach trip, I decided this might be a good time to share this little glimpse of our camping trip to Ocean Shores last weekend.  The weather wasn't fabulous, but it was dry.  There was lots of wind which made for perfect kite flying conditions and of course there was lots of taffy, ice cream and other goodies consumed.  From the looks of our bath tub after each of the kids and Hunter were showered and bathed I'm pretty sure we brought home at least half of the sand from the strip of beach we visited, which for me confirms the amount of fun that was had by us all.  

It was a perfect little getaway that made me just a little sad about the fact that school will be starting up in just a few weeks, bringing another summer break to an end much too quickly for us.     

First Half of Summer in Review...

I have been horrible about having my camera out this summer!  The lack of pictures I have are a sad proof of that.

Even though we've had a quiet summer, we have been having lots of fun.  At the end of May we kicked the Summer off with a trip to our family property just outside of Ephrata.  Unfortunately JK and Molly were at their other houses that weekend, so it was Just Lillie, Hunter, Clint and I.  Lillie made it a memorable weekend by catching her very first fish.

Both her daddy and papa were super proud of her prize catch! :)

At the end of June Clint and I flew to Las Vegas for a weekend to celebrate my youngest brothers 21st birthday.  Laying by the pool in the 105 degree heat was fabulous!!  It ended up being a very laid back weekend for a 21st birthday which was fine by me.  My highlight of the trip was going on the zip line over Fremont Street with both my brothers and dad.  I was really hoping Clint would go with me, but there was just no way I was getting my big, strong, brave husband up high to then jump off a podium and sore over a street on a rope.  There wasn't even a half of a second where he thought about maybe joining me.

We had thought about skipping our annual 4th of July party this year, but after several requests by friends we were talked out of canceling and ended up hosting our little party the weekend before the 4th.  We cut our guest list down by over half this year, but still had an amazing time with nearly 30 people.  I usually get tons of pictures from this weekend, but forgot my camera.  Oops.  As always Clint put on an amazing firework show and then got to do it all over again in our neighborhood on the 4th.  I love how my husband turns into a big kid when it comes to Holidays.

On July 15th Clint and I celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary.  We enjoyed dinner out, followed by a quiet night in.  Amidst the usual busyness that seems to be our life right now, it was a perfect evening!!

Before our anniversary/date night could begin, we dropped JK off at his very first summer camp.  He went with our church youth group and was gone for an entire week.  From the sounds of it he had an absolute blast and can't wait to go again next year.

While JK was away at camp Clint ended up getting stuck working a lot more then he had wanted, which meant Molly, Lillie and I had lots of girls days.  We saw the Disney movie Brave, made forts and candy necklaces, played in the sprinkler and pools, laid out in the sun reading, and snacked on frozen yogurt from Menchies (my new favorite place) a time or two.

JK came home from camp just in time to celebrate Molly turning 10 and Clint and I got to spend one whole week with all three of our kids under one roof.  Our very favorite times of the year are when all three of the kids are in our house at the same time.  Well, most of the time it's our favorite times...  I have to admit we did have one day where I thought I might go crazy from all the bickering and whining.  I finally decided before I lost the little bit of calm and cool I still had left it was time for everyone to spend some quiet time alone in their rooms. (Hunter was even sent to his kennel.)  After an hour of quiet time the monsters who I was sure had taken over each of my kids bodies had left and and the three sweet and silly kids I know and love had  returned. 

I'm hoping to be better about getting more pictures over the next couple of weeks as Summer comes to end.  For now though, I think that about wraps up whats been going on in our family.  Of course as always there have been plenty of days spent in the pool and outside which means that for a few short months our playroom floor actually stays clean.

The above are just a few more images of Summer that I must have thought were sweet enough to get the camera out for.  I'm not sure what those two silly girls were doing in the top right picture, but boy I sure do love their sweet faces!

Mother's Day 2012

One of my all time favorite things about Mother's day is the all around knowledge by my family that  Mom gets to sleep in.  Just going to bed knowing that fact seems to allow me a better nights sleep, which means I'm always well rested to celebrate this special little day with a few of the people I love most.  When Clint and the kids woke me up I was presented with a few sweet homemade cards the kids had worked so hard on.  Then it was time to rush like a madwoman to get ready for church in time.  For the record, sleeping in is so worth the rush that comes with feeling like I'm running a little late! 


After church we enjoyed a yummy brunch with my mom, dad, sister and her family at the local golf course.  And since the sun was shinning and our bellies were full we decided to dust off our clubs and spend a little time at the driving range and putting greens.  (We had thought maybe we could play the executive 9 teaming up with each of the kids; but with the sun shining so bright we decided that might be a little much for Lillie.)  My parents had decided to stay and practice their swings, too.  And by the end of our third bucket of balls my mom had decided that she just might want to take up the game of golf as well. 


After golf, we were able to relax a bit before Clint's parents came over and enjoyed a delicious assortment of Barbecued steaks, hamburgers, hot dogs, corn on the cob and watermelon.  The perfect dinner that doesn't include too much help from mom. :)  


It was a great day full of Clint and the kids spoiling, surprising, and pampering me all day long.  I am truly one lucky momma!