Thanks Matt & Jeralyn!!

For Bryce's Birthday, Matt & Jeralyn gave him some flower bulbs. We planted them at the first of Spring...and by mid-summer, ta-da!! Beautiful Flowers.

I'm not even sure what they're called, but they are a marvelous addition to our yard! Thanks guys :)









Elina is either EXCITED for the new flowers, or annoyed that the bright black & blue vehicle behind her is ruining her picture!























Jenna can't wait to touch them! Yay

Washington or Bust!!

After months of counting down, our Washington/Alaska trip arrived at last.

"The whole Gang" - We actually took this photo on the last Sunday of our trip, and was the only one with everyone in it. I'm surprised at how well it turned out. After a long, fun-filled week, we were very tired, Leah was about to throw a small tantrum, and I'm turning Aaron sideways because he decided to "spew" dark red marion berries down his best Sunday shirt! Crazy, but typical moment of our trip.

While at Grandma & Grandpa Caines, we practically lived outside. We couldn't have asked for more perfect weather. Even on the hottest day, it was still nice and cool in the grassy, tree canopied yard :)

At any time of the day or night, Elina could be seen carrying a book around. She LOVES to read!!! One day, she entertained herself for 2 whole hours reading Grandma's book collection!

I was extremely nervous to take Aaron to the beach. A few miserable/screaming hours in the car, arriving at a typical cold/windy northwest beach, and trying to keep dirt out of his mouth was not my idea of a great time! Luckily, it was quite the opposite. I was able to distract Aaron in the car for a relatively calm drive, it was the most perfect, sunny day and the kids Loved to run back and forth through the shallow, warm water. Aaron hates the grass, and I had assumed sand would be the same. On the contrary, as soon as I put his feet in, I couldn't keep him in my arms. He squealed, laughed, splashed, crawled...and only ate one mouthful of dirt! What a beautiful beach experience!!


Aaron mastered going up the stairs, and even learned to be a little cautious instead of diving down them (after a few small falls, of course :)

(Elina is in the pink hat looking right at the sea lions) We are soo happy that Grandma took us to the zoo. Elina talked it about it for days afterwords. She is really into animals right now, and could have just sat and stared at each exhibit. It was quite the treat!

These are a few pictures from our daily walks down to see the horses and cows. We never did get to feed the horses, but we tasted a few blackberries, and wound down from the day none-the-less. There were soo many good pictures, but these are a few of my favorites!

Cousins, walking off into the sunset! What a classic shot!

Usually, by the time vacation is over, I am ready to get home and back to routine. This time was different though. I never wanted to leave Washington. Unfortunately, all good things come to an end. Sooo, here we are at the airport with luggage, car seats, fish, strollers, etc. I'm sure we were quite the sight!

Thanks everyone helping us have such a memorable vacation..for the rides to and from the airport, sleeping at houses, spoiling & loving us, the sushi, etc. etc. We love you all!