Family Pictures

Our family pictures are typically chaotic, comprised of setting up a tripod and a lot of running.  While Shannon and/or I attempt to look calm, cool and collected vs. irritated, hot and scattered, the camera shutter clicks.  It's wild.  And I'm a hot mess...not in the sultry, messy, pretty way that the term is usually used, but literally hot, physically and mentally.  And we aren't super excited about being around each other afterwards.

This year we spent the best money ever and had someone take our pictures.  Eric commented afterward, "That was the most fun we've ever had taking family pictures!"
And he was correct!

Here's some of the snaps.  Thank you, Connolly Photography, for a fantastic evening!

Backpacking Trip

Uncle Gabe planned a backpacking trip on which we were invited.  As usual, everything revolved around Shannon's work schedule and the decision was a bit more last minute than I like, but it all worked out.  Kath, Eric, Josh, Annika, Dom and Daddy were able to hike in between rain storms to meet the cousins.  They spent the weekend fishing, sitting around the campfire, telling stories, jumping in the lake and apparently watching some chubby guy try to climb up the same tree they were jumping from to go for a swim.  I shouldn't bring it up, but the kids were laughing so hard while they were telling the story that I knew that detail needed to be included.  While we typically wouldn't laugh, it sounds like this guy may have had a bit too much to drink and was making a bit of a fool of himself....so they laughed it up!  Dear me.  

Independence Day ~

Uncle Matt's annual Independence Day celebration is always eagerly anticipated by the kiddos.  The questions abound in the weeks prior....Is Uncle Matt having games?  What games will we be playing?  Do you think he'll have prizes?  Will he be taking us skiing?  Do you think we can paddleboard?  Will I be able to learn how to water ski this year?....and the most important question of all....WHAT DO YOU THINK UNCLE MATT WILL MAKE FOR LUNCH?

We typically float the Jefferson River which borders Matt's property, arriving just in time to eat a big lunch that he and Auntie Carolyn have prepared.  Then, there's games and water skiing.  We arrive home barely able to stay up to go to a neighbor's for fireworks and maybe just a wee bit sun burned.

Despite the day being crazy and wild, we still remember WHY we are celebrating.  First, we remember the sacrifices that our forefathers made for great nation.  But we also remember Theresa on her birthday with our time of simple family togetherness.

Thank you, Uncle Matt, for planning this every year!      

Painting our patriotic t-shirts ~  

Bridge jumping ~ Shannon has all our children quite comfortable in the water,

who, in turn, encourage their cousins!

A few of the little boys had the first turn in the giant tube....I mean couch.

Sand castle building contest ~

Uncle Matt imparting some tidbit of wisdom ~ 

Totally pooped, waiting for fireworks to begin ~

      

A New "Pet"

I awoke to the sound of footsteps outside our bedroom window this morning.  I glanced outside quickly, then snuggled back down into the blankets.  Shortly thereafter Shannon flew into the bedroom, "There's a bear in the garage!"

We leave our garage door cracked for our kitty to get in and out at night.  A little bear squeezed underneath the door and tasted everything edible.

He wasn't super excited about leaving, so we'll have to keep an eye out til they snuggle into their dens for the winter.  That's life living in the forest!