Before School Starts

This Summer has been hard.  But for the kids, we have tried to create some happy moments before school started.  

Like when Jeremy took Alex on a fishing trip on the mouth of the Columbia with Dell Burton.  They camped out by nights and fished by day.  Alex's face is priceless here :).  They are whales near their boats, fished to to limit, and enjoyed each other's company.  Uncle Josh and his son Peyton joined them too.  It was a good time for them all.

Cami was lucky to have some one on one time with Grandma and Grandpa Christian.  Movies, boating, pooling, fun food.  It was just what she needed. She was my extra adult this summer.  Being left in charge quite a bit while Jeremy and I went to be with Zack.  I'm glad she was able to have an out.  She deserved it.

We also had some more teaching moments.  I love how Jeremy is willing to take the time to teach.  And I LOVE how Alex is so teachable.  He is willing to learn and follow.  And working on cars is good guy bonding time :)

Jeremy also went to hike Mt. Adams with his young men.  But he did a practice run on our local hills here in Prosser.  He took the four older kids (and Tanner ;) and they did awesome!  I wasn't sure how Craig would do, but I guess he was full of energy and bounced up the steep 'mountain'.  :)

Audrey and I played together at home until it was time for her nap

We also went to the river a couple weeks before school.  It was hard to want to get out, but the kids needed it.  It was a pleasant and much needed outing.

The boys enjoyed their last summer evenings outside playing ball together.  I particularly loved watching them play outdoor beach ball volleyball.  Watching the Olympics this summer has inspired them to be even more active ;)

Miss Audrey... I'm in love with that smile.

I also got the kids signed up for summer bowling.  This was the first year I had heard about their summer offer for kids.  It was perfect!  Don't you love how they are in their swim gear while bowling ;)

Chores seemed to constantly pile as I tried to get everything ready for school.  Thankfully I had some pretty cute helpers :) 

Jeremy and I went to an adult party one night in the summer.  And I had forgotten the risk of mosquitoes when outside on summer nights.  Apparently they had quite a few a their place.  I got eaten alive and this wasn't even half of it.

Then the week before school, my brother in law Dan, invited our family to go to his parents cabin in Walla Walla.  It was the perfect last minute outing for these kids.  

Audrey, Lydia, and Kurtis

Alice and Audrey

They had a zip line set up there too.  That was a hit!

Going for a morning walk together

Then the Sunday before school we enjoyed some friends over.  While we were busy visiting, Cami and Audrey did a little makeover together.  I thought it was too cute :)  Sisters are so fun.

This Summer will never be forgotten.

Reminiscing and Fishing

Every day we all think of him.  We miss him so much.  I know Zack enjoyed fishing, but I think he went more for the people.  I was looking through pictures and saw these.  One of things Zack wanted to make sure to do, was go fishing with Jeremy and Ezra one last time. (Didn't have a pic with Ez in it, but he was there). It will be a memory that those boys will forever share.  

We all miss him so much.  Love you Zackary. 

Anderson Fam 2016 Reunion

IT was time.  Time to see extended family and reconnect.  This year we were only able to go up for one day.  We went up to Oregon to visit the families, hike trails and explore waterfalls.  The older kids had fun getting up close to the falls.

Cami and Alex

Jeremy and Matthew (Sherri's son-Jeremy's cousin) went to explore with the kiddos.

The scenery was gorgeous

Uncle Ray took this pic of Audrey and I watching the kids and in awe of the beautiful falls.

After our brunch visit with family, we headed out to sight see with Grandpa Steve.  This is a view point to see the expanse of the Columbia River.

Then we hit the ZOO!  The elephants were our favorite.  The baby entertained us as he called for his momma.

Carson and Craig

This pic just makes me laugh.  Craig is a runner and heart and it was hard to keep track of him at the zoo.  Luckily I had one of Tanner's leashes and when Craig wasn't staying put, Jeremy leashed him up ;) Surprisingly it worked!

I wish I got more pictures of families, but nonetheless it was so good to see some of them again.

My Parents

This is my absolute favorite picture of them

As a child, I hardly recognized my parents anniversary.  It wasn't until I was older that I understood the significance of the work, the happiness, the choice of commitment to the one you vowed the rest of your life to.  Life isn't always buttons and bows, and most of the time never goes the way we planned. There are mountains to climb and then peaceful plains to cross together.  There are blissful moments in time and also heavily rocked roads to get through.  I am grateful for these two love birds that dedicated their time, talents, love, patience, forgiveness, and desire to each other and their children.  I feel so blessed to call them mom and dad.  Happy Anniversary.