Camping the Delaware Water Gap

Well, we finally went on our much awaited camping trip to the Delaware Water Gap. We went with some good friends, which made it even better. We all had fun and the kids slept pretty well. And, in case you haven't already heard, a bear came in to camp and stole our chocolate milk mix (Bryce saw it all). Then the bear came back while we were sleeping and left his prints on our van. We also had a visit from a skunk who kindly cleaned up all the crumbs in our camp. Plus fishing, swimming, exploring, hiking, camp programs... What more can you ask for in a camping trip? Oakley and his friend fishing--they look pretty experienced, don't they? Unfortunately, they didnt catch anything.

First night of s'mores. Yum!

We all made it to the top of Mt. Tammany--a little harder hike than we expected but it was fun. Oakley and his friend ran up like mountain goats--I could hardly keep up.

Kids on the hike.

They found lots of critters.

Lake Anna

I forgot to post this earlier, but the kids and I went down to Lake Anna to stay with some friends. We met up at Mount Vernon.

Here are all the kids on the couch.

Some of my best friends in the world---thanks for the fun time.

Summer Fun

Here are a few things from this summer. Oakley has been going to farm camp at Howell Living Farm and absolutely loving it. He found some salamanders under these rocks.

Tessa and one of her best friends, Chase. She dressed up like a princess and he dressed up like a pirate....isn't it a match made in heaven?

Tessa has been very in to taking pictures this summer and this is one she took of the family--I thought it was pretty good.

The kids went to Bible school again and loved it.

We went to the beach a few times and always have fun. We go in the evening so it is cooler and Bryce is there to help. We went with Marian (Bryce's sister) and her son, Alden. Both Alden and Hathaway fell asleep on the way home and had their legs over their seat...how cute.

Tessa loved playing at the beach with dad. (well she just loves everything about dad and this is one of them)

Time in Idaho

We had a terrific trip to ID, including all the things you expect from a trip to a small farm town and time with family. Lots of fishing and time with cousins.

We went to the nature center and saw fish and animals (although not as many animals as Oakley wanted, he was very disappointed that we didnt see an otter and bear in the wild).

Tessa got to see a horse--which she has been talking about forever.

We went on some hikes (to the sparrow holes below--that is what we always called them, now I know they are really swallow holes) and some exploring along the river (crayfish and lizards).

And what trip to Emmett would be complete without a trip to Roe-Anns, the local drive in.

Farewells and Reunions

My dear friend, Leigh, moved this month. A few friends had a small dinner party for her. I will really miss having her right down the street.

While I was out west, my parents watched the kids while I flew down to SLC. I got to spend the day with Jeanel, an amazing woman and friend from college who is battling cancer. We picked up right where we left off. I loved spending time with her and her family.

Wow, 20 years, really. We don't look that old, do we? But, yes, it was my 20th high school reunion and it was fun to see old friends.

Saturday was a family picnic in the park. Here I am with two great friend Blu and Jodie.

My friend Craig invited the kids and I up to his parents farm for the morning. Colby's family was there too--lots of fun.

I am so glad my guy friends from high school married such amazing women: Laura, Michaela and me

Saturday night we had a dinner. Here's me with Adam, Troy and Colby.

The class on Saturday night.

Tessa's preschool graduation

Tessa had a fun time in preschool this year, especially with her friend Chasey. She was excited about a silver balloon.

Statue of Liberty

Having lived in NJ for 7 years, I had not yet been to see the Statue of Liberty. My sister came into town to go with her boys. I left the girls home and Oakley and I had a nice day with cousins. Here we are leaving NJ.

Ellis Island was interesting to me and my sister, but the boys were quickly ready to "move on" and see the statue. Their favorite part of Ellis Island with the gift store.

Here we are in front of the original torch.

It's always nice when you fit just perfectly in the nostril of a statue.

Oakley climbing up the stairs to the top of the pedestal (crown tickets are sold out through the end of Aug).

End of a fun day