Seattle/ Lake Chelan trip Aug 10th-19th

Seattle in the Summer is such a wonderful time.  It is the time I miss living there as TX is so stinking hot.  I miss how green everything is  and all the amazing fruit.  But most of all I miss all the amazing people we love there.  So it's always so nice to go back on Vacation.  This year we flew in and then drove strait to Lake Chelan because the Newly weds Mark and Sara were there and we wanted to make sure we got to spend sometime with them.  The boys love uncle Mark and it's great to get to know Sara better.  She's a sweetheart. 

Boating over to dinner. 

The boys LOVE to drive the boat with  Grandpa

I love that Gavin snuggled with me because he didn't like the wind in his face.

Sadly as we were boating back home we saw smoke.  The house was completely destroyed in this fire.  Super super sad.

Uncle Mark and Aunt Sara rented these paddle boards.  They were a HUGE hit.  I LOVE them.

Trevor got up the 1st try.

I'm not sure how Mark and Sara could ride one together.  I tried with Ryan and fell every time.

Josh had to dig a hot tub. 

Josh was the paddle board pro.  He rode that thing so much.





Even Grandma tried.  She did GREAT.

Ryan likes things more action packed and wake boarded.  He is still really good at it.

Trevor's favorite thing to do is Jump off the dock into the FREEZING cold water

Proof I could stand up on it as well.

It was so peaceful to go on the paddle boats.  I think it's my new favorite thing to do!!!

Josh giving Uncle Mark a ride.

Smore time.  Gavins favorite.

Josh tried to Wake board.  I was proud he gave it his best effort he just couldn't stay up for very long. 

It's always nice to have a boat with a warm air hose after a freezing wake board run.

Trevors turn.  He was so scared we would leave him in the lake and drive off for some reason that he had a huge panic attack. Poor kid got my fear of life.

Gavin is just as happy as can be on the boat.

It got a little warm so they all jumped in to cool off.

All 3 of the boys begged for Sea doo rides any chance they got.  Josh conned anyone and EVERYONE that he could find to take him on one.  They LOVE LOVE LOVE the Sea doos.

The last two days we stayed at Redmond and went to Seattle. We promised Gavin we would take him to the aquarium to see the Jelly fish.  His is obsessed with Jelly fish.  He sleeps with a stuffed one, had books about them and draws them all the time.  He loves the Jellys.  Why I'm not so sure but man he's obsessed!!!!  

Just as we got in the diver was feeding the fish.  It was fun to watch.

And then he saw it.  The huge jelly fish tunnel.  We couldn't get him to leave. 



Dancing on the jellys



He's talking to them saying "I love you jelly fish."  Really we couldn't get him to leave he would of been happy staying here all day long.  He was in Jelly Fish Heaven.

Luckily the jelly fish were by the fish the older kids could touch.  And believe me they touched and tormented every animal that was in that tank.

Scouting out the next thing to dare each other to touch.

Gavin also loved the sea otters. 

But nothing like those jelly fish. 

After the aquarium we went to STEAMERS my all time favorite fish and chip place on the pier.  7 Loud boys with us. 

Ryan sister had to go back so we kept the two older boys and explored more of Seattle with them.  Tyler had to show us the mummified people.  When Trevor saw it he almost threw up and had to leave the store.  That kid does have a tender heart it's just covered in a super hard shell.

Chasing after 5 boys with a Pier packed with all kinds of interesting people was EXHAUSTING to say the least.  Luckily Gavin stayed right with me and Ryan chased the big boys.

The boys love playing the wii at Grandmas.  Even though we have a Wii Josh sais it's not as fun as Grandmas. 

And Trevor loves to play pool. 

Megan Marie Clinger Ryans sister Crystals 4th little darling girl was born.  I was so glad we got to see her.  She was so sweet I had a hard time giving her back. 

We had such a great trip.   We never get to see everyone we would love to see.  One of these years we are just going to come down and have a big day of popping in and saying hi to all our dear friends we miss so much.    

A little trip to Galveston

Waiting for our food.  Gavin loves to wear my sun glasses.  Sadly these are the ones that melted when it was so hot.

The boys fav. place I-HOP.  Josh is like me and freezes in restaurants and always orders hot chocolate even when it's 105 outside funny boy.  I love Trevor's expression here he looks so mean.

The other kids kept going back for ice cream so only Gavin would pose for me at the Blue Bell factory.

I love eating dinner outside listening to the ocean. 

Gavin waited so patiently in line for a hr.  He wouldn't jump until the last two seconds.  But for those two seconds he loved it.

The harness was a little painful for our poor Josh who was super chafed from all the walking we did on the beach.

Trevor loves to do flips.  He's such a stunt devil.

I've been going CRAZY we have had so much going on and Ryan was out of town for 9 days so when he came back I begged him to take a little time off and we could check out the beach here in TX. I needed some time with the kids and no video games.  We loved going to the the Ocean so much in Seattle and here you can actually play in the water and not freeze to death.  So we loaded up the kids and went to Galveston.  We 1st stopped to the Blue bell ice cream factory.  We've been there before but the line was so long we never went on the tour.  The tour was a experience not to exciting I wanted to see more it was way to limiting.  But we got the best ice cream after so we were happy.   We picked going to Galveston because
 Gavin is OBSESSED with jelly fish and everyone told us we would see some there.    When we got there we checked in and our Hotel  and dashed over to the water to see how the beach was. Just as we started walking we saw a guy bouncing up and down and everyone gathering around him.  He had been stung by a jelly fish and the jelly fish had washed up on the shore.  Gavin started to cry and was so sad to see a dead jelly fish.  I saw a few kids with sticks and knowing boys we hurried and dashed him away and sure enough they poked the jelly fish.   Poor Gavin was heart broken.  So we went on a quest to find some live ones.  The concierge at check in said there was a free ferry and you can see tons of jelly fish along the water as you go to the other side of the island so we got in the car and dashed over there.  Well it has been raining and so ZERO jelly fish.  But we did see alot of cool dolphins and got attacked by sea gulls the kids next to us were feeding bread.   Later that night we we went out to eat and then headed back to our hotel.  I had planned on spending the whole day at the beach the next day but right when we got there Josh got knocked over by a wave and drank 1/2 the ocean resulting in him HATING the beach.  The sand was super sticky it's the weirdest sand I've ever been in and it's still all over our car and house taunting me.  We made him stick it out for a while as we built sand castles and Ryan was such a great sport and let him bury him.  We decided to swim at the hotel pool and get the sand off before we cleaned up to go to dinner.  As we were swimming a huge storm came.  It was just raining and we didnt' see any lightening.  Gavin didn't like swimming in the rain and kept saying it wasn't safe (smart  kid) so I got out to take him to the room.  Josh had just said to the lady next to him. "My Mom never lets us do stuff like this."  and next thing you know we saw a flash of light in fact it was so bright and blinding that's all we saw it was followed by the loudest sound I've ever heard.  I've never seen a pool clear out faster.  The sweet lady next to Josh actually THREW him out of the pool.  So he really didn't know what happened to him.  In fact when he opened his eyes he asked if he was dead.  The good news is the lightening struck right next to the pool and not the actual pool.  All the people in the pool said they felt intense heat and everyone complained their finger tips hurt.  It was the craziest thing ever.  But now my kids (and husband) will never get in a pool again in the rain!!!   Sadly it rained the rest of the day so we found a theater and went to see the new smurf movie that just came out. (a little disappointing why they had to make gargamel do such disgusting things is beyond me.)  The next day we were going to go to the aquarium before we headed home to finally show Gavin some jelly fish but everyone told us the jelly fish display was weak.  So we talked them into going to the mall and going bunjee jumping instead.  He's such a happy go lucky little guy and all 3 boys were happy to do that instead.   I love spending time with my little family.  I wish our trip was a little more relaxing and fun but we did get some fun adventures in there, see a place we have never been and learn a few lessons.

July

I Love Love Love the month of July.  So many great things happen in July.
First we get to celebrate our freedom, and I love everything this represents and all the family traditions we have.  I love the BBQ's, the homemade ice cream, the fireworks and best of all the family time together.  Remembering those who have fought so hard to make the good old USA a amazing place to live.

Then Ryan and I get to Celebrate our unity.  I feel so fortunate to have meet such an amazing man.  He stands for everything that is good and right and treats me like gold.  Even though our wedding day sucked, and we usually don't get to celebrate in amazing ways.  I cherish our day to day life.     This year we didn't get to celebrate at all with all of our craziness this summer.  So next year with it being our 15th wedding anniversary I hope we can take a day or two just to be together and give each other that little spoiling that we desperately need.  Oh how I love our alone time.

Then  we get to celebrate the birth of my oldest child.  With all the struggles and trials it was to become a Mom, and all the struggles and trials it is to be a Mom.  I love this day almost as much as Trevor does.  Although we are like oil and water I cherish this child and all the daily things he teaches me.  He's such an amazing kid.   He's so quick to forgive and has a heart of gold.  While he struggles to make the best choices and likes to push boundaries, he is one of the most thoughtful loving kids I know.  I never really knew what love was until I had him and I feel so blessed to be his Mom. 

The morning of his birthday.  Oh his hair.  I wish we could just cut it all off.  If only he didn't have his own opinions huh.

I was so afraid his air soft gun wouldn't arrive and he would have nothing to open.  I so lucked out.  He likes to get together with a bunch of friends and shoot each other.  He was wearing his motorcycle helmet and borrowing his friends gun.  I don't understand this whole ordeal but I thought I better get him on board and gear him up.  Boy's are so weird.

Birthday lunch at Red robin.  We had a GREAT waiter who sung SUPER SUPER loud to him.  It was great.  I love embarrassing my kids.  Trevor was a great sport.

The best gift for him was his cell phone.  I was super hesitant on getting him this. I'm not ready.  But after alot of debate and TONS of rules with zero data plan.   I'm hoping it will be a good thing.  He was super stoked about it I sure hope it doesn't end up biting me. 

He hasn't changed much has he.  .

We are only having friend party's on there even birthdays so I asked Trevor how he wanted to celebrate with his family.  He picked going to Red Robin.  Pretty easy and absolutely perfect.  I can't believe he is 11.  I wish I could keep him 5 forever.  I'm not ready for these pre-teen years. 

A little bird house.

Trevor's is Purple.  Gavin's Red, and Josh multi color. 

This little table is THRASHED but it has been the best purchase ever.  We do all our crafts and activities on it and it's just the right size for the boys.  LOVE LOVE LOVE this table.

My parents came to watch the boys for me while Ryan and I went to his brothers wedding.  Is was so nice to not have to drag the kids to all the wedding activities.  They would of HATED it.  It wore me out. 
While they were here my Amazing dad always does a project with the boys.  This time they wanted bird houses.  But sadly they couldn't find any but ones that were pre-made so he promised the boys he would go home and make them ones that they could later make.  And they came at a perfect time, it's super hot outside and Ryan was gone for a week so it was nice to have something to keep us occupied..  We spent the whole day pounding these things out.  My Dad makes some pretty hardy stuff.  It was nice they all stuck with it.  (well I had to do Gavins) but he was right there with me every step of the way.    They turned out really cute.  We were going to put them in our big beautiful tree but sadly it died.  So we need to find a new place to put them. Thanks again Dad. 

I didn't take a picture of Trevor during pre construction.  He did his a little later then the other two.   It's hard to pull that kid away from his video games or friends.   The pre-teen age where parents are not that cool anymore kills me.

My red shoes

I love to wear the color red.  Why I'm not sure but it's always been my favorite.  Only problem is I feel like red makes you stand out so I don't wear it often.  I'm weird like that.  I went shoe shopping with Trevor and found these red heels that I really liked.  I was trying them on and I put them back, Trevor said "mom those are really cute shoes you should get them."  Now Trevor NEVER compliments me he thinks that's weird so I really had to take that to heart and so I got the shoes.   And they are my favorite pair.  Every time I wear them I get compliments and I loved them so much I got the same style in black.   Not only do I like them but so does my Gavin.   Ryan wasn't to happy about this but I think it's pretty cute!!!

4th of july fun

Grandma and Grandpa came up a day early for Josh's baptism and wanted to check out the Alamo in San Antonio.  We took them to a yummy Mexican restaurant (which seemed to be our theme this trip we ate Mexican 3 times so sorry guys)  and then to the Alamo.  It was a whopping 100 degree day and they haven't even had summer yet in Seattle so it was quite the change for them.  I was impressed at how long they lasted.
We then went to the river walk (no pictures here) and ditched it 1/2 way along the walk and ran back to get ice cream.  What would we do with out ice cream in the summer?  It was fun to take them down there.  San Antonio is HUGE and has so many thing to do we didn't even get to scratch the surface but that just makes it so we have to go back right?    Later that day Diane and Fernando came down.  We stayed up talking way to late and ate way to much but it was fun to have everyone with us.  Diane looks so darling pregnant we are so excited to meet her twins. Although it drives the rest of us crazy they are not finding out what they are having I'm super proud of her to stay strong and not find out until the end.  We loved having everyone at our house and feel so blessed that we have the space and ability to have everyone with us.  I was a bit (ok a lot) on the cranky side as I've haven't gotten any sleep it then last few weeks and staying up late didn't help but I'm so glad they came the 4th is so much funner when it's shared with people you love.

At the Alamo

There is never a dull moment in our house.  And as we were talking Grandma and Fernando saw a creature go running across the floor.  Thinking it was one of our GIANT MAN SIZED SPIDERS we went for a hunt.  Not being able to find it I didn't sleep well and kept guard all the next day.  I opened up my cupboard and found a bunch of dropping from some kind of creature and just as we discovered the dropping the mouse ran past Diane and Fernando.  So we sat up a trap.  A really inhumane trap (so sorry poor little guy) and we found this the next morning.  Can I just say YUCK!!!!!  Well it helped me discover where all the stinking creatures are coming in from the gas line that has a huge hole in the cupboard. And  I got to wash 7000 pieces of Tupperware the next day and throw away a ton of food in my pantry.  Who knows how long Mr. mouse was there he did a ton of damage to our food storage.  But I was so glad to know that when creatures appear I'm not the only one who jumps on counters and lets out a little squeal.

Waiting for the fireworks.  They were amazing.  With the burn ban no one was even doing a firework show.  All of Austin and the surrounding area's canceled them.  Thank goodness for Georgetown it was just a short drive and we had a great seat.  I think we just may have to go there from now on it was great!!!

The kids loved their glow sticks.  Perfect entertainment while waiting for the show.

Trevor thought he was to old for his glow stick. 

Josh put on a huge show and attracted so many other kids.  He was sweet and gave away his glow stick to the kid that didn't have any. 

Josh's baptism

Joshua got baptised July 2nd.  He was so excited to be a member of the church of Jesus Christ of latter day saints.  He's such a sweet boy and wants to do what is right.  I'm super proud to call him my Son.  What a sweet and special day this was for us.   Ryan's parents came from Seattle to join us.  They got a huge shock in the weather difference.  July in TX is no fun.  And Ryan's sister Diane who is 6 months pregnant with TWINS and her husband Fernando also came to support Josh on this day.  We were so grateful that they live so close and could come.  We always enjoy being with them. 








Josh loved getting his new scriptures and a few other fun things.



Gavin REFUSED to smile or look at the camera for that matter.

Daddy and Josh all dressed in whites. 

So proud of my little guy.  He such a sweet little guy and so handsome all dressed up in his suit.

Thanks Grandma and Grandpa for joining us on this special day.


Where was the picture of Diane and Fernando with Josh?  We are so grateful you guys could come too.   It was so fun to have all of you stay with us.

End of June craziness.

Wow I'm so glad it's finally July June was a insane month for us. With camps, a birthday, fathers day, surgery and getting ready for a baptism I'm exhausted!!!



Josh's friend  Bbirthday party at Rockin river

It was a crowded hot day at Rockin river.  The kids all seemed to have a great time they were so wiggly I couldn't get them all in a picture.

I asked Josh the day of his party (Saturday) if he wanted to open his present from us that day or wait until his actual birthday which was Monday. He said to me "Mom I'm a kid what do you think I want to do?"  So we opened them after the party.  He was super stoked to get a x-box live account.

The day after Josh's party was fathers day.  I was able to get Ryan a few things in there and make him a chocolate waffle for breakfast and a amazing dinner that night.   He always has a helper when opening presents.

I forgot to tell the Kids what they got there Dad or include them in what they wanted to get Ryan.  So they were just as surprised as he was.  It was pretty funny.

In between all our craziness Ryan had to go to Dallas on a business trip.  He was staying at the 4 season which has a really  fun pool with a beach.  So the boys and I tagged along.  We swam all day long and then stopped at my favorite cupcake place Sprinkles. 

The cinnamon sugar was super yummy and so was the coconut.  Sadly the red velvet was a tad dry and the black and white well wasn't anything to write home about but it's fun to try all different ones any time we go.

While Trevor was at basketball camp Josh requested on his birthday to go to the sprinkler park.  It was 80 degrees that day and both boys said they were to cold after about 10 minutes.  I thought it was super funny we defiantly have acclimated to this heat.

The next week my sweet baby boy had to get his tonsils and adenoids removed.  He was having sleep apnea and couldn't eat with out chocking.  He would choke on water.  His tonsils were the size of ping pong balls and had grown down his throat.  The Dr. was shocked he could eat at all.  It's been a LONG healing process and I still haven't gotten any sleep.  He refuses to eat and has lost 7lbs (which stresses me out) but I know it will be for the best once we can finally get him to heal.

Sadly as he was finally starting to feel a little better he woke up with a swollen eye.  Poor little guy just can't catch a break.