Boys Trip 09!

Looking at the beach from our room!
A huge Shark! It was an entrance to a store.
Adam was very facinated by it....... The Last morning Adam and Dad took one last
walk to the beach so uncle Brian could sleep!

Well Boys trip 09 was a great time! Adam, Uncle Brian and Dad went to Ocean Shores for 2 days and we had a blast! The first day we got there around 6:30. After checking in, dinner and some groceries we made a late run to the beach, Adam couldn't wait. So we walked down and tried to see who could get the closest to the waves without getting wet. Adam would have won but he got wet! After going to bed late we thought we would get to sleep in but it was an early morning. After breakfast we went to the beach, flew kites, built sand castles, played soccer and baseball. Uncle Brian, (not use to getting up that early) was ready for a nap so around 1:00 we drove back to the hotel (you can drive on the beach at Ocean Shores). After naps we went swimming for a while and then made another trip back to the beach for another round of activities. Adam again went to bed late, around midnight. The next morning was a quick swim and checkout. We all wanted to stay for a few days extra but life was waiting for us. Yes Mom, Adam did miss you, he asked where his mommy was about every hour or two! Even when on the beach!

Stretching

Towards the end of my pregnancy with Adam, every once in awhile I would experience "restless legs" at night. As I get farther along in this pregnancy the "restless legs" have come back with a vengence! It seems like every night I toss and turn and try to get my legs to just calm down so I can go to sleep. I read on the internet that stretching before going to bed can really help, so I decided to give it a try - and it's really made a big difference.
Every night when I get down on the floor to stretch, Adam joins me! It's been so funny, Scott decided to take some pictures.

Adam has been so much fun as we get ready for the baby to be born. He loves "listening" to baby Jackson, he puts toys on my tummy so the baby can play, he rubs my belly and talks to his baby brother, and is always giving my belly lots of kisses. He's also been a big help as we get everything ready. He's helped me fold clothes and blankets, he helped Scott set up the crib and install a ceiling fan, and he had a great time taking a trip to Build-A-Bear and picking out a teddy bear for the baby. He named the bear BJ - which stands for Baby Jackson. I think he's starting to get anxious for the big day. Most every day he asks me if baby Jackson has grown big enough to come out yet. As of today - August 22nd - we are exactly one month from my due date! The time sure has flown by, and I'm sure the next month will as well. We are all very excited to welcome this new little spirit into our home!!

More Cousin Fun

Adam had so much fun the first two weeks of August. Here are a few of the other things we did while Nate and his family were here.
We went to a concert at the Mill Creek Library. We saw Nancy Stewart, who is a great local kids artisit! This is a fun picture of Noah, Adam and Aiden dancing.
Dinner at Grandma and Grandpa's house. Adam slept over with everyone at least one time.

One day, they all took a trip to the temple. Adam loves going to the temple.

Another of my favorite pictures of the three older kids together. Not sure what they're laughing at, but it must have been funny!

We also went to a Mariner's game. Noah, who is Nate's oldest, loves the Mariners - and especially Ichiro. I guess that rubbed off on Adam, he's been talking about Ichiro - all the time!!Here are a few pictures from the game.

It sure is fun to have cousins. We were very sad to see them leave to go back to Evanston. Adam's keeps asking when he can see his cousins again. I guess we just need to work on getting them to move closer!! Thanks for all the great memories!!

Fireman Daris

My brother Daris was recently hired onto the Fire Department with the City of Auburn. He's been working towards this goal for several years and it's been very exciting for him! We took a trip down to Auburn to visit Daris at the fire station.

The kids loved the firetruck. It was really hard to get a picture with all of them actually looking at the camera. I just can't believe we didn't get one with Uncle Daris.

Everyone had fun trying on the gear.

And, of course - driving the fire truck!

They even got a ride in and out of the ambulance on a guerny. Hopefully this is something that will never have to happen for real!!

We're so proud of Uncle Daris. Everytime we see a fire truck now, Adam says "just like Uncle Daris' truck"!! It's very cute!

Jetty Island

Jetty Island is this great man-made island up in Everett. Adam and I went last year with our great neighbors on a super sunny day, and had a great time. It is pure sand - not at all like the normal beaches up here in Washington. The entire island is about 2 miles long and a quarter of a mile wide. And the best part it that the sand goes on forever. I was able to reserve tickets for the ferry for one of the days that Nate and his family were here. It ended up being a cloudy day, but we had a great time!! Here are the kids riding on the top of the ferry.
Since it wasn't an ideal day, we really had our choice of places to set up for the day. We found a great place with a picnic table and beach access.

See what I mean about the sand going on forever! When the tide is in and it's actually sunny out, the water is so shallow that it's nice a warm. We had a lot of fun swimming in it last year, but no one braved it this year!!

I was so glad that Scott was able to join us on our beach trip. I love this picture of Scott and Nate playing catch, with Adam and Noah playing their own version of catch!

Here are the three of us together sitting in the sand.

Jetty Island is so much fun, and I'm glad we were able to go again this summer. It was even better than last year, even if the sun didn't join us this time!!

The best birthday present Ever

My dad's one wish for his birthday was for a fabulous fishing trip with his boys. So, he booked a trip up to the Campbell River in Canada. My brothers Hyrum and Nathan went, as well as Scott. Unfortunately, Daris couldn't get work off.
As you can see from the picture below, this was really a "rough-in it" trip! This was their accomodations! Complete with a pool, hot tub and spa. Next time, the girls get to go too!!
They actually came home with fish - they were huge! Here is Hyrum with one of his catch.

And here is a picture of the four mighty fishermen!

Happy 60th Birthday, Grandpa!!

August 1st was my dad's 60th birthday. My mom and I talked for a long time about what we should do for his birthday, and finally just decided to do an open house. Some good family friends offered the use of their home, and we set to planning.
It turned out to be a nice evening. The best part was dad's reaction. We were standing there as he walked up the stairs and the first words out of his mouth were "Oh, crap!!". It was hilarious!!
The evening was pretty fun. It was great to visit with old friends from our ward in Kirkland. Nate and his family had arrived the day before, so Adam had fun running around with his cousins. Scott took care of the food - luckily his brother Brian was able to come and do most of the grilling so Scott didn't have to be on his feet the whole time as he was still recovering from his surgery. The food was delicious! I love this picture of the kids munching on meat skewers. I was surprised they finally took a break from chasing each other around to actually have something to eat!!
I am so greatful for my dad and the example he has been for me! I'm glad that Adam has had the opportunity to get to know his Grandpa! Happy Birthday Grandpa!!