Monday, July 8, 2013

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!!