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.