Summer 2009

We had a fantastic, full summer. We drove up to Idaho for my brother Forest's mission homecoming. The kids did great for the long drive, thank goodness for DVD players! The family all dressed in our best missionary outfits for the airport arrival of Forest. It was so fun to see him, and have everyone together. I love hanging with my family!

Yes, we were quite the scene at the bustling Idaho Falls airport.

My mom did the forced matchy-match photo.

Stormie teaching Caden all her best faces.

Soleil and Forest walking the river belt. I love having everyone home!

Since Scott can only handle a few days with my family at a time (just kidding, Mom!), he flew up to Alaska to meet up with his brother, dad, and uncle for a week of fishing, beard-growing, and male bonding. They caught some serious fish, including a 5"4' halibut. Yes, that is as tall as me. (so is that a big fish, or a small person?) I now have 125 lbs of salmon and halibut in my freezer - so if you've got a fish hankering, come and get some!

Uncle Doug, Scott, Ross, and Barry

Holy fish, Batman!

The kids and I also spent the 4th of July week in Utah hanging with my dad and family at our good friends' home. It was a relaxing, though hot, week. Thanks, Gary and Sue, for letting us take over your house!

David and Soleil

Caden on the 4th of July
After yet another week back in Idaho, Forest and I drove back to SD. We played at the beach and did a little post-mission shopping before he went home.
At the beginning of August, we flew out to N. Carolina to Scott's uncle's lake house. Despite the 5 hour plane ride, this is one of my favorites of our annual trips. Eat, swim, eat, nap and read, eat, take a boat ride, eat, watch a movie, eat and go to bed. See the pattern? Scott's aunt and mom are great cooks, and I am a great cleaner, so together we are unstoppable!

Scott and Caden enjoying a pre-dinner boat ride. Guess who feel asleep?


Scott getting some air wakeboarding.


Soleil imitating the older cousins and attempting her first toe touch.

Uncle Ross and Brinley on the pontoon boat.


Cheese!

Caden did two summer camps, his first ones ever. He and his cousin Drew first did a sports camp and then the next week did a bible camp at his old preschool. Gotta love the songs!

Hope your summer was as good as ours!!