Summer Vacations

'tis the season of summer vacations. We headed west to Idaho for this familiar view--my parents from the back. Different than the East but still beautiful.

The kids had a blast in the pool and Tessa was jumping and swimming without floaties by the end. It was the most fun playing with the cousins.

We had a "Minute to Win It" competition for the Smith girls reunion.

From my parents with headed up to McCall for the George Smith reunion with all my aunts, uncles and cousins. It was fun to see everyone and the weather was great. We did some canoeing and hiking and lots of late night talking.

The last day in ID Bryce and my dad took some of the older boys canoeing done the Payetter River.

In between trips, we took an evening to go to the beach.

Last year we went camping with some friends and the boys decided to should do it every year. We went to the Delaware Water Gap to meet up with the Players again and had a great time (especially Joshua and Oakley). SO many beautiful waterfalls, fishing in the pond, great food, and a late night trail run for the girls.

Time to plan for next year!

Getting ready to go.

Friends come to Visit

Before I begin, I must confess that I stole most of these pictures from Liz (stole because I didn't even ask--hope it's OK Liz). Our friends moved away and we have missed them, but I think Oakley missed his friend most of all. They came to visit and it was like they had never left. It was a great time. Hope to see you again soon!
The boys hanging out.

Going to the beach.

A few parting shots.

I think they just might stay friends for a long time despite the miles of separation.

Soccer and Pinewood Derby

Oakley played spring soccer this year (because baseball is too boring). He has a great time on the the 6-7 y.o. team since he didn't turn 8 until the very end. It was kind of nice for him to be one of the more experienced players and he loved it. I think soccer might be here to stay.

This was Oakley's first year in the pinewood derby. He and Bryce worked on the car and Bryce was sure it would not be fast. But, guess what? Oak's car won the whole thing! Go Oakley! (who'd have thought....)

Happy Father's Day

We have one of the best dads around. The kids were so excited to decorate his office at church for Father's Day. We heard the decorations were a big hit for branch council. Here are the pictures for the card we left.

Start of Summer

We started off summer with an outing to see the Trenton Thunder. It is always a fun time. The girls were dancing to the music and the guys were into the game. Everyone ate french fries and lemonade. Everyone was happy until 9 when the girls went home and the guys stayed until the end.

Bryce and I actually had a real date, and it was a lot of fun. We spent the afternoon walking around the beautiful Longwood gardens (if you haven't been, you really should). Then we stayed to see the Indigo Girls in an outdoor concert. They were great and Bryce was a good sport, even though he only knew one of their songs.

June 4--Baptism and Birthday

What a special day! Oakley was baptized at 10am at the church. It was a very nice baptism with family helping with music and talks. Oakley said he felt good when he was confirmed. I can't believe he is so grown up.

Afterward all the family went back to the house for lunch and cake.

Amy Beth helped me with the rock hopper penguin cake (didn't it turn out cute?).
The kids all played on the slip and slide until they popped it. It was a fun afternoon.

Oakley got scriptures from G&G Smith and a carrying case for them and a journal from G&G Harrison.

I love this picture with all the adults pitching in to help and all the kids waiting for cake.

The Harrisons and the Stinsons--so fun to play with cousins.

Memorial Day

We continued our tradition and hiked BaldPate Mountain on Memorial Day. My sister Rochelle went with us and we had a lot of fun. It really is the perfect hike for kids--Tessa and Oakley did the whole things themselves and Hathaways did part of it.