More from our visit to Amy's

Amy and I had some fun adventures during our week together with the kids. We took the ferry across to an island for lunch and ice cream. The wind made for some funny pictures.

We also spent an afternoon at a little beach on Lake Washington. My kids thought the water was too cold (way too accustomed to warm pool water), but they loved the sand! And we were able to play in sand then BRUSH it off because we were not covered in sweat. It was great.

I had a fun time taking the older kids to a berry picking farm that had lots of fun rides. I took them on a little "roller coaster." I think they are cured of that ride until their early teens. Scared to death!

Here are just some other cute pics from our week. Thanks for a great time, Amy!

Our summer visit to Amy's

It was about time we got these two silly cousins together for another visit! My family headed to Amy's (outside Seattle) for the area's best week of weather! We were more than happy to trade in our exhausting summer heat for drizzle and cool temps, but we were THRILLED to get perfectly sunny mid 70 degree days!

As long as our strong hubbies were with us, we took a little hike up a small mountain and enjoyed a picnic lunch while sitting on a fallen tree. The kids just loved it. The toddlers were pretty exhausted from their hike and took great naps later that afternoon.

We also had a really nice dinner out with Amy and Jeremy to celebrate Amy's birthday.

Happy Birthday sis!

A Pony Ride Story

Lydia made some new friends in Corpus. She was invited to the ranch for some outdoor fun. Not only did she catch her first fish, but she also overcame a little fear about riding the pony. These pictures are sweet!

4th of July in Steamboat Springs

Oh wow, this post is about the 4th of July! How behind am I?

We took a fantastic vacation in July to Steamboat Springs, Colorado, with my friend and neighbor, Kelly, and her husband and son. First, we spend a few days in a condo, explored Steamboat, biked, hiked, watched a parade, etc etc.

Then Dan went back to Houston to work, and Kelly and I stayed with our kids at her mom's beautiful log home in the mountains about 25 minutes outside Steamboat.

I spent 10 days of quality time with my little ones. We rode the gondola over and over and enjoyed the beauty from the top.

We also had an afternoon tradition of ice cream and a trip to the library.

And we watched hot air balloons inflate and take off!

The two weeks in Colorado made me want to move!

Happiness is...

Family Pictures

I picked a really hot, humid evening to have pictures taken of my cuties. Henry was NOT in the mood (of course). I think the only shots of him smiling are actually just a good angle of him starting to cry. Oh dear. We went to a neighbor's courtyard for a few pictures. They have a fountain, and it's all Henry wanted.

Looking good at 30!

Am I the only one paying attention?

You can see more of Rachel Honeyman's shots of us here.

The Brian DeSutter Family Visit

Brian, Lauren, Emily, and Ryan stayed with us for a few days of fun in June. Lydia ADORES her cousin Emily. I ADORED having an older girl entertain my kiddos!!!

We spent a fun afternoon with Jen Fernandez and the second cousins. What a silly group!