July 4th

We spent the 4th of July with friends from our ward. We enjoyed the most delicious pot luck BBQ early on in the evening and then had popcorn and treats during the fireworks. It was one of those nights where you say to yourself we are building great memories for our family.

Trevor did miss his favorite pyro partner Carson this year.

Our family Sparkler picture (Amelia didn't want to have anything to do with the fire).

Pre-show play

Wanting to be included

Russell eating the most tasty popcorn ever made

Carol and Connie watching the show (Amelia is the bundle on Carols lap)

The boy pack

Russell kept this position most of the night, when he wasn't running around like a crazy kid

Boy bonding

A little snuggle

A family Celebration

We took the kids to Outback last night for a family dinner celebration. Trevor received a promotion at work. We are so proud of him. It would have been easier to have left the kids home with a sitter, but we wanted the kids to know this was a special occasion so we all went out. The kids did pretty well.

Trevor and TJ playing tic-tac-toe

Russell really liked the bread

TJ took a spill on our driveway earlier this week (hence the red cut on his head).

Another Graduation

We had a mini reunion in Olympia for Carson's graduation. Chelsea came up from Utah with her two boys, and Beth, and Wes came to visit with new baby Oliver. It's always a little crazy at Grandma's when there are six grand kids running around under the age of five. However, we all enjoyed spending time together and celebrating Carson's graduation. One of the best things about moving to Vancouver is building a stronger relationship with my two youngest siblings. Carson and Jena were very young when I left for BYU. Over the past seven years of living in Vancouver, I've been able to get to know them all grown up. I'm so thankful my kids know and love their Uncle Carson and Aunt Jena. Here are a few pictures of the five days we spent in Olympia.

Carson with the family on Graduation Night

The oldest and youngest Russell kids:)

A baby shower for Beth at the Olive Garden

Chelsea and Nash at the Beach House Playground

A sleeping picture of Grandpa (there is one of those at every get together).

Russell feeding the baby goats at Cider Mills Farm

TJ and Cousin Benson at the farm

Amelia with new baby Oliver

Yummy Fritters

Amelia couldn't get enough of Oliver

Preschool Graduation

The boys graduated from my Little Miracles Preschool this month. Our graduation ceremony and picnic went well. The kids did an excellent job showcasing their musical talents for their parents, and the sun showed its face at the park.

TJ is moving on to Kindergarten in the fall and Russell will have another year with me. I'm excited to have some of my younger kids next year. This will be the first time I've taught preschool back to back.

I could not have pulled off such a wonderful year without the help of my dear friend Carol. I'm so thankful she gives her time and love to the preschool kids. I don't know what I would do without her.

Little Miracles Preschool Class of 2011

TJ with his diploma

Russell with his

I just wanted to show the face of a future Little Miracle graduate

Amelia thinks she's part of the class

Fathers Day at the Beach House

Our family had the pleasure of spending Father's Day weekend at my parent's Beach House. The kids were so excited to actually get to spend two nights there. This was Trevor's first trip to Pacific Beach to see the Seabrook House. We enjoyed having the whole weekend to focus on family.

The boys did a Father's Day fun run by the beach. We just happened to come to the beach at the time of the race, so my boys ran it in their boots (how Northwest).

Amelia playing horseshoes

In front of the Beach House. It is still waiting for exterior paint.

Getting ready for their first night

I tell Amelia to smile for the camera and this is what she does.

Russell and Amelia exploring.

Getting ready to race (check out the running attire).
Playing Tiddly Winks

A quick video of the start of the race.

The Healthy Challenge

I gave the boys a 3 week healthy challenge since I was going to be doing a Healthy Challenge with my friends and family. They were so excited they told everyone they talked to about it. Each day they had to exercise at least 30 minutes, watch less than 2 hours of screen time and eat 3 to 5 fruits or vegetables.

At the end of their challenge I took them to the Lego store at Washington Square Mall. They got to choose a Lego toy. I took a few pictures of the kids at the mall play area. When we got home I put all four Lego sets together (actually TJ did most of his own). It's a little addicting once you get started.

Trevor was in Bend with my Dad, Christian and Spencer over this weekend. I thought I would include a picture from their trip.

The curls are gone, summer is here (although you wouldn't know it with the awful weather we're having).

Amelia signing boat in the boat

The golfers in Bend

Museum of Flight

Earlier this month the kids and I drove to Seattle to spend the day with Uncle Tyler. We spent the afternoon exploring the Seattle Museum of Flight together. The boys really loved the space section. My favorite part was the World War I area. We were thankful for our time with Tyler and look forward to another visit this summer.

The start of our adventures

The boys watching the planes come in (that's Uncle Tyler on the left).

Amelia testing the hot air balloon

Moon Buggy

Uncle Tyler showing Amelia the space capsule

The boys after 5 hours at the Museum