snow trip {shaver lake}

The youth of the San Luis wards were planning a snow trip, so we went a day early to "scout things out" and have our own snow play day. Friday was perfect... warm, blue skies (at times), easy, no chains required, good friends, sledding, tubing, snow angels galore= good times.

Saturday was also fun, but it was snowing buckets. We had to put chains on a 1/4 mile from the entrance to the snow park, which the guys were not happy about, but it turned out to be a good thing because they were VERY MUCH needed on the way down the mountain. Finley was NOT a fan of falling snow- it got in her eyes. Also she was so well dressed that I don't think she could move very easily (and had a hard time getting to her "bb"). She played for a bit- tried to make a snow man and then spent the rest of the day in the car with the heat on full blast. Emerson was loving the whole experience until she took a tumble with Paul- he had her in the backpack, slipped on the way up a snow bank, and her face hit his head. She was done after that and joined Finley in the car. Avery was not deterred- she LOVED every minute of the white stuff. The bigger the hill, the more air she got, the harder the crash, the better! She was going strong until she stopped for lunch. Then, she realized she was cold and that was the end of the fun. I think that was the case for most everyone. We packed up camp and went home... back to our much warmer climate.

The snow is fun to visit, but I have to say I do love my 75 degree February days!

Independence Day

We had a fun day here in San Luis for the 4th this year. We usually make the trek up to Oregon for the festivities, but we were just there for my sister's wedding the end of May. We have to give ourselves a few months in between big long road trips, so we stayed home this time. Next year we are back there for sure. It is Independence Day done up right (in my opinion).

We went to a BBQ with friends for lunch (to which I brought my camera, but did not end up taking it out of the car). Later in the evening, after nice long naps all around, we went to a pool party at the home of a family down the street from us. It was fun to get to know some of our neighbors and for the kids to play- there are actually quite a few around the same ages as our girls (no pictures to show for that outing either).

We came home and did sparklers (plus a few loud crackers that scared Finley into Papa's arms) and called it a night!

It was a fun, low-key day with family (my mom and Larry joined us for the weekend), friends, and neighbors.

tiny tiger graduation: take 2

We had to rush back from Oregon to attend Avery's Tiny Tiger graduation on June 4th. Normally it wouldn't have been an issue, but because Mrs. Waterbury is retiring after 29 years, it was her last graduation and we wanted to be there. Paul was in Mrs. Waterbury's first class of Tiny Tigers and Avery was in her last class. The end of an era. She is truly wonderful. I am grateful Avery had the opportunity to have her, but I am so sad that my other children won't. The program will continue, but I am afraid it just won't be the same without Mrs. Waterbury. I am glad we made it back for the ceremony- Avery had fun with it. She looks so much older and grown up than she did last year. Tiny Tigers has been great for her!

2 generations of Tiny Tigers with Mrs. Waterbury

Charlie and Avery one year older.

We got a similar picture of them last year at graduation.

Finley got to go to Tiny Tigers for Fun Fridays this year- she showed us that she knows her way around the play area already.

Finley is all ready to go full time, but unfortunately there is a pretty extensive waiting list and she didn't make the cut. Maybe next time?! It would have been fun (and dreamy for me- 2 hours with just 1 child?!) to have them both going to Tiny Tigers together. Avery is all set to attend Tiny Tigers in the fall, but we might move her to the pre-k program out at Los Ranchos. I think she is ready for something a little more. We will just have to see?!

bailey-johnson wedding

We made the 12 hour drive (it actually took a bit longer with nursing stops and such) to Oregon for my sister's wedding on May 30th. Fortunately, Emerson is still in the sleeping most of the day, wake up to nurse, and then go back to sleep stage so really the drive was not bad at all.

We had so much fun visiting with family- enjoying pre and post-wedding festivities. My girls have the best aunties, uncles, and grandparents... all the way around. They were LOVING all the attention from everyone. We got to visit with our good friends too- Kaleb and Avery are just a few months apart, but Finley was the one glued to Kaleb's side. We took advantage of my dad's new fire pit (and endless Oregon summer evenings) and made smores.

The main event- Tiffany and Logan's (TT and Loggie Bear to my girls) wedding- turned out beautifully. The weather was amazing (which in Oregon is ALWAYS unpredicable). Tiffany was GORGEOUS and had the most adorable shoes! (<---click to see a few images from her amazing photographer)

The girls LOVED fullfilling their flowergirl duties, though there was some walking down the aisle issues... it turned into more of a RUN after the ring bearer took off. The ceremony was at my dad's house. It was the perfect setting for an outdoor wedding.

The party moved to a hotel in town, overlooking the river for the reception. The girls ended up falling asleep right after the ceremony, so they made a late entrance to the reception, but once they got there they hit the dance floor all ready to go. They REALLY love to dance. It was a fun time!

We had a great trip- it just went by too quickly. When it takes 2 days to drive up and 2 days to drive home, the actual visiting time is cut short. We are hoping to make another trip soon. There is really nothing better than Oregon summers.