Carson's Farwell in Olympia

We spent the last week of July in Olympia for Carson's farewell. All the siblings came out for it. We spent time swimming, visiting, eating, and just hanging out.  We were able to go to the temple as a family which was the best part of being together. Sunday, I sang with my sisters in church and Carson gave a great farewell talk. Lots of happy tears over the weekend.

After church pictures with Carson and Grandma

 Being pregnant, I'm glad this was just a head shot

 Dad took all the sister and Grandma to Coach for purses. I felt pretty spoiled.

 Cousins having watermelon on the porch

 A boys morning at Cabela's with Uncle Carson, Uncle Wes and Uncle Christian. My boys loved it.

 Swimming at the Valley

 Drake, Christian and Savannah

 Wes, Oliver and Beth

 Oliver riding bikes outside

Berry Picking and the zoo

 Our blueberry  bushes have been out of control this summer. We've probably picked over a 100 cups so far and the berries keep coming. Trevor is really good about harvesting his "crop."

 An evening of picking

 TJ's designed some lego binoculars

 A summer trip to the zoo with friends.

 Waiting for the bird show to start.

Mini Russell Reunion

 Two Saturdays ago we got to spend the weekend with extended family. My parents and Carson came to Vancouver so Carson could go through the Portland Temple before his mission. Ali, my best friend and cousin growing up was visiting my aunt London in Portland with her parents and our cousin Jade.  We spent Saturday afternoon eating and visiting at a local park after picking up Heather and her kids from the airport. What a reunion.

 

 Costco Pizza, Pop, Chips, doughnuts, and Fruit:) What a picnic!

 TJ and Russell were so excited to spend time with their cousins Savannah and Drake.

 Ali showing the boys a beetle

 Grandpa and Drake sharing a doughnut

Getting every last drop of Root Beer

Time with Carson

 Carson came down to Vancouver for a short visit the week of the 4th. Trevor took the entire week off work since our Mexico trip was canceled the week before. We spent Tuesday at Oaks Park for toddler days with the kids. There were a few dizzy rides I think Trevor and Carson enjoyed.

 A little squishy

 A lot squishy

 We hit Carol's Diner for lunch afterwords

 Russell, TJ and Amelia did not finish their pancakes

4th of July

We enjoyed a fun filled July 4th. Carson came down for his last firework lighting for the next two years (he'll be in Florida on a mission). We started the morning with the ward breakfast at the church. Trevor and Carson then made their usual rounds to all the local firework stands. Then we spent the evening eating dinner and lighting off fireworks with friends. This year the boys really got into the show. Amelia liked the colored smoke bombs because they didn't make loud noises.

I took the kids to the Felida Park for their 4th of July bike parade. They had free food and games for everyone. I will go again next year.

Kids having a silly string fight before the fireworks

Russell borrowed Carols firework gear for the noise.

The boys favorite fireworks, the tanks.

Trevor sporting TJ's 3D fireworks glasses

Team Pyro

We went to a park in Battleground with a few other families for wading, a hot dog roast, games and smoores. The kids were in heaven. We need to do more of these kids of outings this summer.

 Water was a little too cold for swimming, but it didn't keep the kids from wading.

 We went home pretty messy

 Russell loved the roasting

 

I had to add this silly picture in there somewhere. The boys woke up early in the morning and were reading a snake book at the table while eating breakfast. I love catching them reading together.

Olympia

 We spent a few days in Olympia once Papa came home from the hospital. Aunt Beth and Aunt Jena were there to take care of him. We really enjoyed spending so much time with family. Each day Papa seemed to get a little better. By the time we went home he could walk to the park entrance and back.

The kids loved playing with Baby Oliver. They also enjoyed getting onto grandpa's hospital bed in the living room.