4th of July

My mom made a strawberry pop flag cake for every 4th of July for almost as long as I can remember. In her absence, the kids and I continue. This year they decorated it with the help of a friend and none from me (well besides the baking). We love keeping her memory alive.

 

 Our gladiola bloom

 Sparklers

 Setting up a battle with tanks, monkey cars and a teapot

 Ari was a little nervous, but hugging mama made it all better.

 Happy 4th! Wearing the shirts and bows we made.

 Kyler and his friend, Jo.

 After a busy morning/afternoon of outside fun, bike rides and ice cream, Ari took a quick nap.

 Watching fireworks with great friends.

Visitors!

The summer is always full of visitors for us.

 

Pat and Vaughn came for a short trip, but we enjoyed every moment!

Pat, Ari and I

 

 My family from New Mexico came to visit!

 Grandpa bought the kids a pool to enjoy

 Cousins

 myself, dad and aunt Ruth

 My dad and I can't be serious for long.

Camping

 

Coastal camping trip:

 The weather was unbelievably warm, especially for the Oregon coast.

 After a day on the beach, she was one tuckered out toddler.

 Making his first camp fire.

 Jared skim boarding

 Kyler's turn

 Ari's turn

 Lexi's turn

 Ari copies everything Lexi does. I had no clue Ari could do the splits.

 But she can!!