Ocean Shores

On the western side of Washington state is a beautiful beach called Ocean Shores. It can be be pretty windy but it is still a fun place to visit! So since two of my brothers were in town, we decided to head out there, and what else would you do with a 3 month old but camp there for 3 days!!!

Jada and uncle Talmage

No camping trip would be complete without s'mores...

Canada Part Deux (tribute to the French Canadians)

After a couple days in Raymond, we stopped off in Cardston and had lunch at the temple. My parents and grandparents were married here and it is a unique temple that is very special to me. After lunch, we headed to another childhood favorite, Waterton Park. Located in Glacier National Park it is a beautiful place with tons of wildlife and lots of things to try.

The kids with Grandpa DD

Shawn and the girls at the top of Bear's Hump

Trying to drive a Surri with Cameron Falls in the background

What a wonderful week of memories! I feel so lucky to give my children the chance to experience some of the same things that I grew up with.

Canada Trip

On the 11th, we packed up the car and headed to Raymond to visit Grandma Lil. Even though we were unable to make it up for the First, we really enjoyed spending some time with Grandma and the kids got to spend some one on one time with her.

I always air my dirty laundry in RaymondIn the one bedroom house that my father grew up in, there is a diswasher and a clothes dryer, YOU! What I really enjoy about Grandma Lil's is sitting out on the grass and taking in the fresh prairie air and the laid back, small town feel that is Raymond. This year it was even more enjoyable with the purchase of this: Aunt Linda, you are now Shawn's favorite aunt! Why didn't someone think of this sooner!! We could enjoy the homegrown corn, potatoes, squash and green beans without swatting at the mosquitoes! It was WONDERFUL!

Dive into Summer

I had Jada and Kailey take swimming lessons this year. It has been a couple years since Kailey was taking them at Lifetime in Michigan. (Oh the memories!!! Thank you April for helping me get there everyday). Kailey is very talented in the water and Jada made some huge improvements...like putting her head in the water. I just enjoyed hanging out by the pool and having some adult conversations with the other parents. I love summer!!!

Jada's Birthday party (take 2)

Jada had her "Little Mermaid" party at Grandma DD's house and had all the girls show up in their proper mermaid attire (swimsuits). We BBQ'd hotdogs, threw water balloons, slip n'slided, blew bubbles and played some other water games. It was a beautiful day and the girls had tons of fun! Here are a couple shots of the occasion.

Note to self: Bubbles destroy lawn

3 months old

What a sweet little boy that has come to our family! I am grateful for my children and really enjoy seeing them in their different stages, but I love holding my baby (if he could just stay in this stage for a little longer...)!!!

Oh say can you see?

Although I was born in Canada, I have to say, I am proud to be an American. There is something special about this land that touches my heart and brings tears to my eyes everytime I sing the "Star Spangled Banner" or see the flag flowing in the wind. And this year we celebrated all day, starting with a huge pancake breakfast and ending with fireworks at the city center! Here are a couple pics from the day!

Kailey and Kelsey Nay

Jada and Lizzie Nay (Two peas in a pod!)