Alaska Man Trip

Back in the spring, the boys in the family decided to plan a "man" trip. They decided to go to Alaska for just over a week.  Months of planning, shopping for fishing gear, going practice fishing and preparing all lead to what seems like a great trip!

The 6 Fisherman- Jarad, Dad, David (bro), Kevin (bro), Uncle Del and Cary (good friend of Dad's).

 After a long, red-eye flight to Anchorage- they slept in the airport for a little while and then went to get the RV that they'd call home for the next week.

 The RV got the once over then they were on the road!

 Some were sleepier than others....David (brother) racked-out.

 Dad was the designated RV driver for the trip.

 Kevin wasted no time getting out in the water to fish.

 Cary's big catch.

 The prized catch- silver salmon. Jarad brought one home and it was delicious!

 Jarad with his silver salmon (such a good lookin' fisherman!).

 Drive and fish...then drive to another spot and fish some more!

 One day they chartered a boat to take them WAY up the river.  They fished all day as they moved down river and then the boat came back to pick them up.

 Kevin in Hope, Alaska.

 Jarad took some beautiful pictures while there. This one of Hope, Alaska.

At the end of their trip- they stopped by the Anchorage Temple to visit.

They all had a great time and plan to do another "man" trip. 

A Day at the Lake

This summer, my brother bought a jet-ski and had invited us to play at the lake many times but we weren't able to ever go until the end of the summer. We did go one Saturday and had a blast! Hanging out at the "beach," riding/driving the jet ski, riding the tube and enjoying the sun!

 

Jarad just chillin'

Cute sis-in-law, Lori- enjoying her last few weeks of pregnancy.

Jarad and I enjoyed going on the jet ski- I drove and Jarad clung on for dear life...apparently I am a little wild in my driving of the jet ski.

I even braved letting Kev (my bro) pull me on the tube.  Behind the jet ski, tubing is quite a bit more rough than behind a boat.

Kevin and his new pride and joy.

Thanks for a fun day at the lake!

We Like Movies

We really like going to the movies every once in a while. We were nerds and took pictures of ourselves in the theatre!

When we go to the movies, Jarad always hopes that no one sits in front of us because...

he loves to put his feet up!

And I love to have popcorn (big quilty pleasure!) and peanut butter M&M's.
New theaters are the best because the armrests lift up so we can cuddle and hold hands while enjoying a show. :)

Lazy Pool Days

This is where I spent my summer- POOLSIDE! Many times I went my myself and read a good book and enjoyed basking in the sun.  Also- lots of pals came to enjoy the pool too!

Amber (pre-baby Amelia) and Lindsey and Penelope

Megan and Lori

I T.h.O.r.O.u.G.h.L.y enjoyed living in a place where there is a pool and am already waiting for next summer when I could do it again!

California- Annual Tradition

As per our annual tradition, I was able to go to California for about a week. I love my annual trip and getting to spend so much time with my brother, sis-in-law and niece and nephews. This time around was extra fun because they just had another sweet, baby boy.

My flight was uneventful, caught the shuttle from LA to B-town, and finally arrived....ready to play!

The weather was VERY warm so we spent some time in the pool to cool off.

They also have fruit trees and so we enjoyed some delicious peaches during our pool time.

Jordan got a little chilly so came to sit with me and wanted to take silly pictures together.

Audrey was a fish and swam and swam.

Introducing the newest nephew- Tanner- loved all the snuggle time with this precious one!

One day, I took the big kids to the movies. We saw Rio- which was very cute!

Kids are all strapped in and ready to roll...which we did in style in the minivan. ha!

After the movie, the kids wanted to dress up and play.

Introducing....Batgirl! Who loves popcorn. :)

And coming to the rescue....Robin!

Over the weekend, Jarad and Mom & Dad (Nana & Papa to the kids) came to visit as well and be there for little Tanner's baby blessing.

Tanner & I- he's so small and adorable!

Melanie & Audrey- reading a new princess book from Nana & Papa.

Jarad getting in some Tanner-time and Audrey joining in too.

Audrey loves to take pictures- and I just love her!

Mom & Dad stayed at a hotel that had a sweet pool. And since it was SO hot, we all hit the pool!

Pepert (Mel's Dad- who also came in for the blessing) and Audrey

David, Jordan and Jarad- coolin' down

Mom and Melanie hung out with Tanner on the patio.

Jar & I- definitely enjoyed cooling down in the HOTness.

Since it was also 4th of July weekend, we had to do some fireworks. We actually ended up doing them multiple nights- soooo many sparklers!

Mom & Audrey drawing shapes.

Jordan was a little nervous at first but got right into it.

OF COURSE.....I had to do some sparklers!

Tanner's special day was wonderful! David gave him a tender blessing and Tanner looked like a perfect little man!

Audrey had requested curly hair like Aunt Mimi (me) so I curled her hair for church. It was a bit difficult because her hair is so short, but it turned out very cute.

Nana, Papa & the grandkids

Jarad & I after church

The kidlets- Audrey, Jordan & Tanner

**INSERT** PIC OF WHOLE GANG TO COME

Papa & Tanner- so sleepy!

Jarad lovin' on Tanner- such a happy baby!

Another night (or two!) of sparklers and fireworks....4th of July weekend- never enough fireworks!

Jordan sat with me for the fireworks show- he didn't like how loud they were but loved how they looked!

Audrey was a social butterfly with all the kids around and loved posing for the camera.

David (with a few of the neighborhood men) put on a great show. I learned that if you set the fireworks on a ladder- it is easier to see everything. Great job bro!

Mel, Audrey & Tanner in the rocker watching the pyrotechnics!

I had a fabulous time in California- loved just spending time with family, cooking, playing, swimming, and loving on my three favorite little people!!

My Audrey girl-

Cutest Jordan man-

And the newest addition- little Tanner! I could kiss him all day!

Thanks to David & Melanie for a great trip!