Happy Birthday, Daddy!

Daddy had a birthday on Friday. Yay!! We made some yummy cupcakes and the kids were all so excited to watch daddy blow out the candles. Here he is getting ready.

And then he completes the job!

While the candle part was fun, everyone was just REALLY excited about having a cupcake, which they got to decorate. Here they are showing off their work.

Natalie had fun making a frosting mustache with hers.

And my favorite shot of the day is Will ooohhing and aaahhing while watching Daddy open up his presents. So cute!

Happy Birthday, Daddy! We love you!

Picnic Time

We had a great picnic at the local winery last weekend. The weather has been amazing so far this summer so it was quite a nice day to just relax outside. Here is Will saying "I'm ready to go!"

In the interim, the girls got waylaid by some boxes that were sitting by the back door ready for the recycle bin. It's amazing how much fun boxes can provide!

Once we got to the winery we had a yummy lunch.

And then posed for some pictures in front of these great doors, like we have in the past. Unfortunately, we could not get a "real" smile out of Will this time.

But the girls were actually cooperative and let us take some cute pictures.

Then we pretended to be monkeys in the big tree.

All in all, another fun day!

Family Reunion

We had a great time at a family reunion on Mommy's side of the family that took place in beautiful Idaho. Here are some pictures of the beautiful scenery.

While we were sad that everyone could not make it, we enjoyed spending time with those who did. Here is a shot of the whole gang.

Shelly served as master of ceremonies one night and planned a Hawaiian luau. The food was yummy! After dinner, we played a fun game of "pass the coconut" and shared some information about ourselves to update everyone.

Here is Andrew taking his turn.

Aunt Bev.

Bill and Megan before the festivities started.

The cousins gathered in a circle for the game. Mikayla, Megan, Natalie, Amanda and Molly.

Grandpa Bruce.

Aunt Joyce, Tammy and Cheri.

Megan, Natalie and Amanda have fun playing after the festivities.

Mikayla.

Grandma Jean.

Grandma Jean and MaryJane.

Natalie and Mikayla play afterwards.

Former neighbors, Nate and Crystal.

Uncle Neal and Cheri.

Uncle Roger.

Shelly and camera man Mike.

Shelly, Matthew and Uncle Neal.

Tammy, Molly and Aunt Joyce.

After the luau festivities, we celebrated every one's birthdays. Here is Uncle Roger sporting his party hat.

Roger and MaryJane with their party hats.

Grandma and Grandpa.

Amanda.

Natalie.

One of Will's favorite activities during vacation was driving the BIG car we rented.

And driving the lawn tractor.

He also had fun playing with a beach ball.

The direct descendants of Grandma T. played a round of croquet in her honor.

The next night, the youngest generation had a fun water balloon fight. Here is Will getting ready.

And the bigger kids doing the same.

Of course, Will had to get another driving session in while the balloon fight was in session.

Although the quality of this photo is terrible, I just love it so had to post it. Molly with Natalie, Amanda and Will.

Daddy and Will.


After the family reunion, we spent a couple of lovely days in Sun Valley. It was amazingly beautiful. Mommy and Daddy are looking forward to when the kids are a little bit older so we can go back and bike, hike and enjoy the great outdoors.

Grandma joined us on this trip. Here she is talking to a silly Will.

The kids all had fun painting with water colors.

Amanda.

Will.

Natalie.

The kids did a good job navigating the airports. Here they are all lined up having a snack in Salt Lake City on the way home.

Fun times!