Yosemite

Yosemite National Park. We were truly amazed by the beauty of the Majestic Sequoia Trees. A fun fact: These gigantic trees start with the seed the size of a flake of oatmeal.

So pretty.

I got stuck posing with this cool hollowed out tree trunk, because no one else would. Dang it.

The roots of a Sequoia on it's side. What you cannot see is all of the miniature chipmunks popping in and out of the huge wooden maze. It was fun to watch. The kids wanted to stay and watch the show, but we needed to move on...

As we hiked up through the forest, the kids were excited to see the trees get bigger and bigger. We were also able to see three deer and lots more chipmunks. I think we had a following. It could have been the peanuts:0

The start of a lower trail

Off roading. Alie inside a split tree

Inside a hollowed out tree from a lightning storm

Our Tree hugger

The meadow was worth the extra hike. It was breathtaking. And so quiet. Alie and I were here alone for a few minutes, as we were a bit behind from admiring rather large pinecones. As far as I could see, there was green. No people, no tour buses, no sound. Just us with the canopy of trees above us and the meadow all around. The feeling was piercing and pure, and then I felt scared. We had just seen deer a couple of miles back. My dreamy state ended with the thought of bears and I picked up my pace. We started jogging up the hill. Alan had taken Lindsay on another steeper path to see some sort of huge fallen tree, and Ryan had taken Justin back down the mountain with Nana and Hoho. It was just Alie and I. We came across a little one room cabin that had an older woman in it. It was like a little museum, I guess. It had a few animal heads, pictures, and among other things large pinecones. We stayed there, glad to have some company, until we saw Alan and Lindsay coming down a nearby trail. The woman told Alie that she could not take her pinecone home, but that she could put it in the "museum" for others to look at. She thought that was pretty cool. She said it felt like she was in a fairy tale.

Back down near the entrance

The tunnel tree.

Bass Lake 2011

Each year, they look forward to it. Each year, a success.

We love this tradition!!! The pictures tell the story.

Fifteen cousins from oldest to youngest

We have been jumping off this log for years. My dad and uncles did it when they were teenagers. A group helps to submerge the log and then when they let go, it rises up, and the person launches off. Justin is on his way up...

A nice dry one. Perfect for a picture. 11 of the 15, not so bad. So cute.

Love our boat trips to Millers:)

Al and Ry posing for me. Sweet.

Nana with three of her babes.

Ready? Hit it!

Bri, Darren, Al, Sarah, and cute little Ryden on the beach

Justin Knee boarding

They spent hours digging trenches and making waterfalls

Loving the shade that the trees provide

Pier jumping was popular again this year. Even I did it! The kids were so proud of me. I was proud of me. Once was enough though. No picture will be posted either. Sweet one of Ry though, compliments of Brian.

The end. What a catch!

The 4th of July

4th of July week, we drove Ryan up to BYU Provo for his first EFY. It was a perfect time to run away from home. We needed a break from the excitement of moving, not to mention all the dust from our remodel. We love to visit Aunt Lorie! Always such a fun time! Lorie and I made freezer jam, and spent time baking. The kids played with the kitties, swam, and enjoyed being outside until dark (around 9:30, so nice!) We missed Ryan, but he was able to have one night and two days with us! We made sure we did fireworks with him the night before he left. On the morning of the 4th, we walked with him on campus, took him to lunch, and went with him up to check out his dorm room. Lor, Al, and I plus 5 little kids. That was his favorite part:) Actually it might have been his dad's loud and emotional goodbye gesture. I guess we were all just a little excited! He had an amazing experience. It was like a had a newly polished kid for a few days after. He is looking forward to next year.

Staying cool with cousins enjoying shave ice at Mall water play area

Mini cupcakes

My three boys

The day before. Fireworks at the Becks.

A day of skating with the girls. I wish I had a video of Lorie, she was awesome!

The Night of the 4th.

Popcorn, blankets, fireworks, family.

Let Summer Begin...

Del Mar in June. Our first "official" summer beach day.

What a beauty.

In the last few months, we have had a few changes in our family. Ryan graduated from Middle school and Lindsay from Elementary. We sold our home and have purchased another about 10 miles from our old house. Even though it was a small move, it provided some big changes. We have a new ward, new neighbors, new schools, and a new home to start making some memories in... Everyone has been so welcoming and kind, and the kids have been excited about the changes. Particularly, having a pool, new trails to run, and lots of neighborhood kids. Now that school has started, they are happy to be so close to the schools. (This is our first year split between 3). Lindsay loves being able to walk every day to school. I am not going to lie, it has been difficult, mostly on me. It has been emotional. I missed so many things. I think partly because it was hard to say goodbye to that time in my life. The time of new babies, growing toddlers, and memories made there. Old friends are still close by, but it is not quite the same. I found myself saying "I miss this, I miss that". We lived in that area for 11 years. One week, night after night, Alan would take me by the hand, and silently lead me through the house and into the yard. We would go outside and look at the sunset. He would say, "The sun still sets here." Silly as they might sound, these words meant so much to me. I am so thankful for my family and for this time in my life.

Here's to a new beginning...

Our new backyard sunset