Camping!

After we graduated from college we started camping with Anne Raschko and Kevin Bruce (now "Anne and Kevin Bruce"). We camped with them annually, our first trip was to Detroit Lake in Oregon back when neither of us even had dogs. The second trip we went to Pelton Dam in Oregon and Parker was the only dog attendee (he was 12 weeks old). After that we added more dogs with each trip finally maxing out at two labs each; yes combined we have four dogs. 

In September 2006 Anne was 8 months pregnant with Ryan and instead of camping we went to the beach to stay in a cabin. That's when the annual trip took a hiatus because we we've been busy having babies, raising babies and had an unwillingness to bring babies on a camping trip. Now, each of our youngest kiddos is three and we decided to give it a try. It was perfect!

Ryan (5 1/2), Lila (5), Austin (3) and Eva (3) were excellent campers. They especially loved tromping through the woods together between our two camping sights. It was remarkable how they kept each other entertained and totally wore each other out. They helped each other get over big logs, find sticks for the fire and hike through the woods. It was cuter than cute!

Some campers never grow up! See Scott below. 

PS We did not require that the kids wear their bike helmets the whole time...they choose to do that on their own! Safety first, right?

T-Ball: Go Green Giants!

I have the privilege of coaching Lila's T-Ball team this summer. The season corresponded perfectly with my lighter work schedule this summer and they needed on extra coach so I said yes. Growing up I played several sports but spent the majority of my time on the softball field. It can't be that hard right? Ha!   

Our neighbor Thad is also on the team which makes it extra special. :)

4th of July Celebrations

The 4th of July was a busy beginning with a 5k race that began at 8am in Ridgefield. I ran with my friend Kim and I ran my fastest 5k ever coming in first in my age group.  Small victory! Then we went to the kids parade and regular parade. It's always a lot of fun. We went to the Camas Farmers Market in the afternoon where we ran into lots of friends and as and added bonus they were serving fresh strawberry shortcake. After we returned home the ice cream man came through the neighborhood and Scott and I gave in; the kids squealed with joy. It was a fun afternoon and an early night to bed for the kids. 

Two tired girls!

Bike Riding Babes

Lila is riding on two wheels! We are working with her to get completely independent and she's making great progress. She needs help with mostly starting and stopping. We are so proud of her for being brave and trying this awkward yet rewarding activity.

Eva is also a bike riding babe. She got Lila's hand-me-down bike recently and has really taken to it. Eva loves to ride her bike and it surprises even me how strong her little legs are. She's riding around the block with great confidence. 

Pep talk and a little love from daddy!

Pit stop!

Cousin Camp 2012

The girls were spoiled with another year of Cousin Camp at Nana's house in Shelton. This was Eva's first time spending the whole week with all of the girls (Sunday - Friday). She's a BIG girl now! On Friday I met my mom and the girls at our halfway point and had a picnic lunch at Lewis and Clark State Park. This precious time, one week, is something that the girls talk about at least weekly throughout the year. They love their cousins Hannah and Morgen and of course love spending time with Nana and Grandpa.

The girls setting up for the picnic and Eva striking a pose and so proud. Love her!