ending the school year

Kyler and his friend Tristan during animal reports. Kyler chose the okapi.


The strawberry festival:


Arilyn and Kyler waiting for the parade that featured Lexi.

Yes...delicious!

Watching the parade

How large the old growth trees were

The top log is an old growth tree, the bottom is the logs of today--see the difference?

Lexi's dance studio

Lexi is the first one in blue.

After the parade, we went to the carnival.

A friend's baby, Tayla, who is about the same age as Ari.

Some friends from the Portland area came out, what a great day!

Garden blooms.

Lexi's dance recital. She was not supposed to be in this dance, had never even seen it rehearsed, but did amazing. Her dance teacher even called after to tell her how proud she is.

She was a bit nervous for the dance recital and the crowd watching, so I told her to focus on us, smile, remember her steps and know she's great. Afterwards, she ran to me hugging me saying "it worked!!"

The over the rainbow dance, the one she did practice for.

Kyler was proud of his little sister.

The school's annual egg drop. The kids design a lightweight contraption that keeps an egg from breaking when dropped from the utility ladder.

Kyler's survived!! Thanks to my postal experience, we know the magic of bubble wrap--ha ha. (only 3rd-5th grades participate in this event)

Watching the event

Lexi's class watching.

The mess....they threw a watermelon, gallon of milk and juice, just for fun.The kids loved it!

Afterwards, the kindergartners had a picnic event at the park.

Kyler won 3rd place for the egg drop!!

Ari with her peirced ears

The kids school annual field day activities

The last day of kindergarten and 3rd grade!!

Kyler snapped this of the girls and I (excuse my hair--wasn't ready yet)

Then he snapped this of himself--ha ha

Lexi took this one

Lexi's awesome teacher informed us last week she would be receiving an award. She received CITIZEN OF THE YEAR! Only 2 students in each class receive this award, it's a very high honor. Kyler received it last year and was told that you are only allowed to once. I am SO proud of my kiddos!!

What a busy past few weeks. And now summer break has started!! We plan on leaving to Utah on Saturday and staying for a week. Here's to a great trip!

Opal Creek

A random shot of Ari...she LOVES the elusive baby in the mirror. She found her in her snail mirror. I caught her chatting with her and kissing her, too cute!
We took a hike to Opal Creek. This place is INCREDIBLE!!

Beginning our 7 mile hike...

I'm not a fan of how this hoodie makes me look here.

Thanks to a fellow hiker for taking this. Unfortunately, little Ari is lost behind daddy.

This area was used for mining, a 2 year attempt at logging and I believe a mill. Some old equipment from the 30's can be spotted along the hike.

The little town. Totally self supporting; supplies it's own power by tapping into the creek and a few solar panels, has compost toilets and supplies it's own wood and water.

Jared + fish!

The hike was amazing! At the end of the hike, our legs ached, feet were sore, but wow...it was gorgeous in every aspect. I cannot wait to go back!

A new milestone: Arilyn has tooth #2!