Summer wrap-up

A few extra things from our summer...hard to believe it's nearing the end. 

And even harder to believe that our sweet Kathryn will be starting kindergarten in less than a week. 

Man, the time is flying by far too quickly.

1. Another sink bath for my darling boy. I love this picture, despite the blurriness.

2. Family reunion at my parents cabin. Just a quick picture with all the grand kids. Can you spot Max? He sure looks happy to be in there, right?! The traditional fish pond and treasure hunt were a hit.

3. Maxwell was not too keen on his first trip to the dentist.

4. Just a little friendly competition between the primary children and the bishopric during the ward party for Pioneer Day.

5. This sleeping arrangement didn't last too long.

6. Samuel's birthday dinner at our favorite Mexican restaurant.

7. I cleaned the temple one evening while Michael was home with sick kids. This was such a beautiful sight to see as I was leaving. 

8. Kathryn, Max and Sam played daycare one afternoon while I was freezing peaches. It was so cute to see all the work Kathryn put into planning the whole thing.

9. A tea party I was invited to attend.

10. My niece stayed with us for a few weeks while she did an internship for school. It was so fun having her, but we wished she could have stayed longer. She always made time for the kids between work and homework and she was such a great help to me. Before we left, we took her on a tour of the "big" city.

11. Their favorite corner to play in during the summer.

12. Trying on daddy and mommy's shoes.

13. We finally used the rafting trip we bought at the scout auction earlier this year. We had a blast!

14. Camping in the tee-pee one night. 

Samuel's 1st Birthday

It was a good birthday for our little Sammy-D.

He loved his presents. He loved his cake. And his siblings loved helping him along the way.

Unlike the older two, he went right for the cake after we sang happy birthday to him.

Must have something to do with the fact that he's had A LOT of sweets already. Ice cream is his favorite.

We love this sweet boy and the joy he brings into our lives. For the grandparents who couldn't be there:

 

Bear Lake: Part 2

While in Bear Lake we of course had to take a giant group picture.

It's not everyday we can all get together for something like that with such beautiful surroundings.

(from Shel)

(from Shel)

The house we stayed in had a wonderful yard overlooking the lake.

We ate many of our meals out on the giant deck and the kids played for hours outside.

It really was the perfect set-up.

The kids biked all over the huge driveway.

These boys, however, were constantly fighting over this big wheel. 

They shared...sometimes:)

If you want to know what Michael looked like as a nine year old, look at the picture below.

Cute cousin E was always playing with and loving on Samuel. 

As were all the other cousins.  He's irresistible I tell you!

We used the fire pit one evening and made s'mores. 

 There were a lot of basketball games.

This family can be pretty competitive. Especially the grown men.

I even got in on a game of PIG and beat Michael. That made me slightly proud.

Nap time for these two little boys.

There was a five mile paved bike path that we used a few times.

The scenery was so beautiful and the company was equally wonderful.

We only wish we had more access to bike baths like this where we live.

After one of our bike rides, we stopped for a dessert.

Another food run one evening. 

This was the night we discovered the famous raspberry shakes. 

We got a few of those while we where there...

We went on a tour of the Minnetonka Cave one afternoon.

It was absolutely amazing and the kids did awesome. It was quite a cold, steep hike.

    

(from Shel)

  

(from Shel)

After the caves, we drove to Bloomington Lake. It is a glacier lake off the beaten path.
What a fun and beautiful place! It was a short hike for such an amazing place.

There was a giant rope swing, which a lot of the older kids didn't hesitate using right away.

And then Michael led the way for the adult men.

 The younger kids had fun playing in the water too.

 

(from Shel)

The hike out was absolutely beautiful.

We couldn't resist picking some wildflowers for a bouquet.

What a beautiful way to end such a wonderful vacation.