So Sad.............

Dave's sister past away unexpectedly from cancer while we were in Utah on vacation. I am glad that we were able to be there even if it was under such sad circumstances. I am extremely grateful for the plan of salvation and the knowledge that I have of why we are here on this earth and what is to come. Seeing the big picture makes times like these bearable.

The kids welcomed Katherine to heaven with balloons.

All of the brothers except Scott.

All of the nieces and nephews except for the Texans.

Oldest to youngest.

Katherine you will be missed.

Roughing it

This is the first time in what seems like forever that we have been camping. When we lived in Utah we did a lot of cabin camping (if you can call that camping). Over Memorial weekend we headed out for a camping adventure. First we stopped by the Adventure Center here on post and got us a little pop up trailer which was fabulous and we were the first ones to use it which was made it even better (I love new things have I ever mentioned that?). We headed up to Anacortes by the San Juan Islands which is up at the top of Washington across the water from Victoria, British Columbia.

The camp ground had a lots of cute little bunnies hopping around and we were right next to the play ground, the kids loved it. Why do we not camp more often? Hopefully this will become a monthly family outing. I love spending uninterrupted time as a family, no other distractions, no work, nothing but family bonding and making memories.

The next couple posts include some of our fun adventures on our camping trip.

Deception Pass - finally braved my way across

We visited the lovely Deception Pass while on our camping adventure. Our family has been here once before when I was pregnant with Kinley ,but this is such a cool place we could visit it every year. In fact I found out this is the most visited park in all of Washington. For those of you that don't know this bridge connects Whidbey Island (where my sister Sara use to live) to the rest of Washington. Whidbey Island is only accessible by ferry from the bottom of this island or this bridge at the top. When we visited my sister on Whidbey Island several years ago she took us to this amazing bridge. She and Dave walked the whole bridge all 1000 ft. of it or so. I however only made it about half way across and decided that was more than enough for me. I was glad I was able to redeem myself this trip and walk to the bridge twice. I am not usually a person terrified of heights but this bridge is a couple hundred feet high with cars zooming past you quite fast and rushing water below you. The kids seem to have no problems with the bridge so I put on a brave care free face for them. The pictures don't do it justice but you get the point.

This is where we were headed to have a picnic and play on the beautiful beach below.

After some boys saw Taylin scale this wall they headed up to prove they could climb just as well as a 5 year old.

Dave always helps the kids build a fine sand castle built for a king.

San Juan Islands

One of the many reason we choose to camp in Anacortes was to see the San Juan Islands. We took a Ferry from Anacortes to the Friday Harbor on the San Juan Island. I have always wanted to go to Friday Harbor and see all of the islands up there. My kids love riding the ferry and going whale watching (who am I kidding I love riding the ferry and going whale watching). It was a chilly windy day but oh so beautiful and sunny.

By the time we got our car off the ferry and parked Kinley was sound asleep. Does this happen to anyone else? I swear every time we go somewhere really cool she falls asleep right before it is is time to get out of the car. I guess staying up late every night while camping finally caught up to her.

Dave spent a good hour sitting here people watching, with Kinley conked in his arms. The kids and I explored the little shops and had some delicious ice cream waiting for Kinley to wake up.

We got to watch these cool planes take off and land, it was really fun watch and that is saying something coming from someone who has dozens of planes and helicopters fly over her house every day.

Jaxon's Baptism

Jaxon was baptized and confirmed by Dave May 14, 2011. It was a really good experience for the whole family. I think having to wait an extra month made Jaxon even that much more excited for his special day.