We had Spiderman (for the second time), an angel (who looks, but doesn't act, angelic) and a Pink Lady (who said at first that she wanted to wear a poodle skirt. When she saw an actual poodle skirt all pink and girly, opted for this compromise.)
My parents decided to visit for Rachel's 12th birthday. We had so much fun hanging out with them. My dad did all the fix-its in my house that I had been saving up for him. My mom did plenty of dishes and childcare while I ran around like a chicken with it's head chopped off, as usual. We went to the Ronald Reagan Library in Simi Valley. Impressive. He is the first POTUS that I remember listening to.
I can't believe that my little Rachel is finally out of Primary and has graduated into Young Womens. She is almost as tall as me, her feet are bigger than mine and she really is a beautiful, good girl. We love her so much. Even though she won't let me give her hugs, I am giving her one right now in my mind.
Jim and Shelley brought their bevy of beautiful babes to visit us in October. We joined them for 3 days at Disneyland. They decided to come in October because they had heard that it is much cooler and less crowded in October than the summer months. WRONG!!! It was 100 degrees in the shade and crowded as ever. Despite the heat we still had so much fun. The kids love being with their cousins.
On the first day of school Rachel decided that she is too "grown up" to take a first day of school picture. This is why she looks soooo happy that I made her do it anyway. Jackson started his first day of preschool. He really didn't want to go, but once he got there he LOVED it, just like we told him he would.
Jackson and his cousin Luke are so cute together. Jackson calls him "Lukie." We found these glasses at the Camarillo Outlets and couldn't resist buying them for the little guys. Jackson is such a poser.
Since we moved, we are about an hour away from the beach instead of 10 minutes. We don't get there as often as we used to, but the kids still love it. Last time we went, I helped Allie build a large sand castle. It was so fun, until I woke up the next day and felt like every muscle in my legs and back were screaming at me for bending them in ways they don't usually bend.
After our week in Las Vegas, we hit the road and went to SLC to visit my family. We spend two fun filled weeks with my family and friends. We were able to do a ton of fun activities including Lagoon Amusement Park and Lagoon a Beach Water Park. Fourth of July Festivities, a trip to McCall, Idaho to visit my Aunt Judy and Uncle Carl's cabin for a few days. We went out to dinner multiple times, shopping, had tons of great home-cooked food and lots of sleepovers at Jim and Shelley's house. I don't even know how many times I packed and unpacked our suitcases in the three weeks we were gone but it was worth it!
At "Flipping Out" with Skylar. Even Aunt Jamie and Aunt Jill jumped on the trampolines.
Jackson is fearless. He LOVED the enormous slides.
Jamie's friend Jenica invited the whole family for dinner, swimming and horesback riding. So much fun! What a brave friend!
Family Bowling Tournament. I think Rachel got the award for the most gutter balls. It was her first try bowling without the bumpers.
Aunt Jill and Tanner who is now taller than me.
Grandma and her "Mini-Me"
The guys, bowling. I remember each of these youne men when they were the same age as the baby Tanner has in his arms. Wow, I'm old.
Baby Greyson. The youngest member of the family, and also the most popular.
Cousins, Rachel and Beckah
Aunt Jamie and cousin Mackenzie, bowling
Grandpa, trying to wrangle all the kids to take their turns bowling.
Diet Coke at Circle K, a daily trip.
Outside Yougurtland, I don't even remember how many times we went there during the week, 3, 4, 5? My memory is a little fuzzy and it was HOT.
Jackson at In N Out
Allie and Kyle at Krispy Kreme, did I mention that we ate a lot?
Kyle and Jackson at Krispy Kreme. They were fascinated watching the doughnut conveyor belt.
Lance's parents hosted a Family Reunion this summer at the Southpoint Resort in Las Vegas. Each family had their own room and we spend the days hanging out and doing fun activities with everyone. We had fun swimming, horseback riding, going to the trampoline place, eating pancakes, ice cream and tons of yummy food, bowling, seeing Brave, and playing with cousins. We each had such a fun time. My kids are still talking about it. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa!
