Summer "Vacation"

This month Skyler attended two basketball officiating camps on the weekends, while working during the week. He encouraged me to take the kids and visit family and enjoy the ocean. So even though I was sad about leaving him behind for 2 weeks, the kids and I spent 12 hours in the car together. (yes we all survived, this was in 3 separate trips.) First we drove to Kent, stopping in Ellensburg to have dinner with Skyler while he was at camp. We spent a few days at my parents enjoying the sun and playing outside. Then we traveled south to Seaside for a week. 

In years past we've gone to the Gearhart parade, but this year Hayley's cousins, Skyler and Abe were going to be on a float for their church throwing candy. So we went to the Seaside Parade instead.

Abe

There are such interesting floats in small towns...and the Subway guy. Hayley was terrified! She woudn't go back to the edge of the street until he was a good block and a half away. 

 We visited Jenna in Manzanita and took a stroll through Cannon Beach. This is the infamous Haystack rock, this picture really doesn't do it justice, the rock is enormous. At low tide you can walk out to the rock and touch it.

Visiting the beach was tricky, between nap schedules and the marine layer, it was tough to find the perfect time and weather combination. But on the day before we left, it happened and I was sure to capture every minute. 

This guy.

(nevermind the drool hanging down...)

They were thrilled to play in the sand. I couldn't find any real sand toys so we made do with random cups and tupperware containers. 

It didn't matter what it was, it went into Hobsy's mouth...shells, sand, and the worst, crab legs. In my defense I was watching him, but he's quick! and sneeky in putting stuff in his mouth. 

My little kite runner. She adores the chance to fly a kite and is enamored by it. 

The beach is always windy, but it was only blowing strong in one direction so every time she got too far away and had to come back the kite would fall and we'd have to start over. 

We eventually made it back to my parents for a few more days where I picked up Skyler from the airport. He attended 1 day of his second officiating camp and then just he and I went to Seaside for a night. 

After a long while with just me and the kids, it was great to be able to spend time with him sans kids. 

The weather was glorious and we even took a walk on the beach before driving back to Kent. 

Someday we'll have a "real vacation" but for now this is fun tugging the kids around region making memories and visiting family. 

First "Utah Reunion"

We made the drive down to Utah for the Archibald/Foster reunion. This was my first real reunion with tons of people that I've never met. I am curious as to how many family reunions take place in Utah every year since about every person you meet attends one.

 One night we ventured to Temple Square, only to be reminded of just how beautiful it is. Not that I expected anything less but the landscaping was immaculate, not a single weed anywhere! 

As usual Hayley and cousin Milena were inseparable the entire trip. 

It's so fun to see them play so well together. 

We took a look inside the old Tabernacle, it was just as I had remembered from watching General conference on TV as a kid. 

I have a similar picture of before we were married, in front of this same fountain.

 (without kids of course)  I wish I could find it..

(...jeez, Chels get some posture!)

I shouldn't have been surprised that even though it was only Thursday when we went to Temple Square, there were probably 4 weddings going on. Having not ever been to Utah until I was about 20 a lot of things still surprise me; like the Beehives on the road signs, pictures of Prophets for sale in random stores, and of course the numerous temples and church buildings visible from the highway.

We had a great time, Claudia had the kids picking strawberries and raspberries in the garden. Identifying fruits and plants, swinging "too high" on the swing set, and of course seeing lot's of family. 

Jenna and Hobbes

 Claudia's sister Caroline making Root beer from scratch, delish! Claudia gave a sweet talk of her parents and times growing up.

We had tasty BBQ and potluck salads. 

Josh also made some local salmon to represent where they're from.

Utah.

April Showers

Every April.

We say goodbye. 

To good friends. 

The youngsters also learn to say goodbye. 

I know it isn't forever but hey, when you are accustomed to:

 weekly Project group nights, staying up 12am+, 

Time Out for Women weekends, Late night at Sellas, Frumpy 30 party, 

so much nail polish you might faint, knowing every detail about all of your friends' births, 

planning a Ward Prom night, dresses and bags for Africa, watching youtube at 2am, 

baking soda gender tests, playgroups at the park, Northwood playground, walking group, 

30+ Baby Showers. 

Ladies have I missed anything? Let me know in a comment :)

This isn't just for Kelli, but for Erin, Carrie, Brenna, Rachel and everyone else that has already moved on from this special little town and for those that are leaving soon. You will be missed.  

Kent and Seaside visit

The kids and I decided to take a visit to my Mom's. We had a great time. We celebrated Cinco de Mayo at my sister's in-law's house. There was great food and a "pee-atah" as Hayley put's it, for all the kids. 

Once Dad got home from his annual trip to California to run his 200 mile relay,

(He's trying to run each leg of the race over the course of the years) 

we went to the Zoo! 

After a week of beautiful weather, especially for the westside, we traveled south to Portland, picked Skyler up from the train and drove west to the coast. 

Friday night and Saturday Skyler was helping with his brother Ben's "Be A Champ" football camp. 

So we got to play with all the kids, we saw Abe's softball game, played at the playground, had the best pizza you'll ever eat and celebrated Mother's Day. 

Skyler is such a great older cousin, always looking out for Hayley 

and wanting to play with her. 

Ashlyn having a great time giving Hobbes pushes.

Just as I was thinking "what would be a great end to this week and a half trip? a campfire..." and then Joell walked in with smore's makings in hand and announced we'd be having a beach campfire. YAHOO! I was thrilled, I love roasting marshmallows. 

Visiting family is so much fun.

Mother's Day

So proud to call these kids mine. 

Even when most of the time it goes like this. 

....and Hobbes said "ma ma" today. 

Lil' guy knows the way to mammas heart already.