2014 Family Pictures

For some crazy reason I have put off getting "real" family pictures - meaning an actual photographer, who takes, edits, creates wonderful pictures.  I reasoned it away saying I have a good camera, I can take quality pictures, etc.  But my eyes have been open!  The one perk of being the only girl in a family of boys is that Olyvia was the focal point of most of the picture taking.  I don't blame them - she already has the posing down and her curls and pearls were hard to resist! Here are some of my favorites: 

Needless to say, I loved each and everyone one.  I will definitely do this again, but it has also inspired me to look a little deeper into picture taking!)

Father's Day & Summer Begins

I couldn't resist taking a picture of Shawn and the kids on father's day.  He is such an incredible dad, and my kids are so lucky to have him as their hero, coach, project manager, doctor, and dad!  The more fathers we meet the more I am convinced that Shawn truly is one of kind, and I am so grateful for all that he sacrifices for his family.

One of my favorite thing that Shawn does is comb Lyv's hair after a bath.  He always takes such care to not pull too hard, and I think it is adorable that he does it.

The summer is off with a running start.  We had such a great time with our visitors I think we think that level of awesomeness must continue all summer!  So we hit up our first hike - Boulder Cave, 

 Lyv got her first manicure - and LOVED it!!

 We filled up the pool, found a mermaid living there, and two crazy boys who think it's hilarious to do a running belly flop! OUCH!

 and we found out that Max is having a hard time keeping up with the fun!  He has been insistent on not napping anymore (he'll sit and yell Ma! Ma! for over an hour in his crib, seriously what is his problem?) but by late afternoon he wipes out: open mouth, me in the background making dinner, siblings flying in and out, and not even a flinch! It is tough to be little.

Summer Visitors

People who know us, know that we love visitors! We were lucky to get two sets in one week!  First Grandma and Grandpa Summers came to watch Sam's tournament and check out Yakima.  Apparently we were too busy having fun to get many pictures in, but this one is a favorite.  Lyvie cuddling with Grandpa Kelly!  We had such a fun weekend with Shawn's parents - it is always too quick.

Our second set of visitors had ulterior motives - the Yankees were playing the Mariners, and that is one of the only ways I can lure my dad away from St. Anthony!) Shawn was a good sport and stayed home with the kids so I could spend a little quality time with my parents.  We had a great time at the game, and the biggest highlight came seeing Derek Jeter play one of his last games of professional baseball.  Mom and I had a great time giggling and dad had a great time watching us do it! 

Mom was a little disappointed that Jeter didn't notice his number one fan in the stands!  I think he did, but he didn't want to make my dad jealous:)

2014 WVLL Twins Baseball

We wrapped baseball season with a crazy awesome tournament.  The city here does tournaments different that we had ever done them.  They take the same ranked teams from their season of playing and play a tournament against other local leagues with the same ranking (the 1 & 2's play other 1 & 2 ranked teams).  It was a great tournament and the kids played awesome.  They were playing to play in the championship game and it ended up being their last game, but oh..what a game!  Nail biter, 2 extra innings, steals, big hits, everything!  But we ended up losing by a run.  Despite the loss, Sam had a great time playing and learned so much this year.  This year we saw huge growth in Sam and I am excited to see his continued improvement next year. 

 At tournament the team recites a baseball pledge before every game.  It is pretty awesome and a great reminder to the boys to play hard, play fair, and be sportsmanlike.

 Of course, Sam's game wouldn't be possible without his own personal cheering section consisting of Max, Lyv, and Jack.  These three were troopers during tournament week.  Thanks to many concession stand trips, and the discovery of a small creek, they had a great time too.

Sam, Sam, the Iron Man

 There are times as a parent when you feel such an overwhelming sense of love and appreciation for you child!  Sam has always had such a desire to be the best, and to push himself by trying new things, which are traits I greatly admire.


In the last two weeks he earned his 100 mile club sweatshirt (he ran a total of 100 miles during this school year all by his wee-self!) AND - he participated in the Gap2Gap Jr. Iron race.  The race included a 1 mile run, a 2.5 mile bike, a .5 mile steeple chase, a kayak portion, and an obstacle course.  He had never kayaked, he had never really biked besides around the neighborhood, but he was determined to do the race.  He did it with his good buddy Luke and did an awesome job.  Watching him cross the finish line exhausted and shaky but so satisfied at finishing, was such an incredible moment!  Love this boy!

*Other cute pics I have to add - Sam could never participate in all of his extracurriculars without having his brothers and sister tag along, so his greatest cheerleaders need a moment in the spotlight:

Max is a little cuddle bug and loves to give us lots and lots of love - even Lyvie got a special hug fest while waiting for Sam to finish ball.

Jack & Lyv Graduate!

 Both Jack and Lyv had their last day of preschool last week!  They both enjoyed school and made great friends, which have been such a blessing for each of them.  Summer is officially about to begin once Sam joins the crew.  Am I ready for it?  Not sure...

Memorial Campout 2014

It had been four years since we last embarked upon a Memorial Day Campout extravaganza, so we were super excited to join in the fun this year! Luckily and Thankfully for us - the weather was GORGEOUS! Seriously, it is usually cold, wet, and often snowing, so my hopes were low for anything different.  The 70's were there to greet us, and we took full advantage of all that nice weather.  

The kids were hardly inside during our 4 day trip - either out on the reservoir getting wet, fishing, or getting disgustingly gross with mud/marshmallow/dirt/etc. 

The highlight of course was spending time with our families, and this year we had a special addition.  Christine and Tom's baby Dallin came to his first campout and the little girls couldn't get enough of him.  Lyv loved snuggling with him (so did I)! Holding this sweet boy made me think of Ryan, and how the last time I spent with him was at Memorial Campout 2010.  His absence was felt, and I can't ever really go camping up to Island Park with thinking of him, which I am grateful for.

 

Max did not like his life jacket - nothing restricting his ability to make messes.  On the other hand a little dirt never hurt, right?  This is how Max appeared 85% of our trip.

 As is Jack's life - if it's going to happen it will happen to Jack.  He happened to be standing by the water, and wet sand found his face!) He loved it.

 Sam at his second attempt water skiing - he no likey!  He hadn't even got in the water when he started to moan about not trying it.  To make matter's worse, the rope got wrapped around his ski and his skiing was over before it began.  Hopefully we can coax him into trying again in July.

 Razor rides were thumbs up for all the kids - awesome sauce.

 Random shots from camping - I was good about taking pics the first night there and then we got to busy.  So I guess it was a good sign that I don't have more pictures because we were having too much fun!

 These two little ladies had a great time!  I loved that Lyv got to have some girl time with such a girly-girl!  Princess Leah and Princess Lyvie did their fair share of dancing, singing, and playing "camp".