I'm back!

I have let the time get away from me and not updated in a long time. In part I have felt a little frustrated trying to learn how to manipulate the format of my entries. Here is a little catch-up from the end of the summer. I hope to start posting more regularly from now on.

In August, Tom's mom took us to Enchanted Forest to play for the day. Here are the kids playing dress-up with President Lincoln.

Haley, Megan, Jeff, and Grandma went on the log ride many times.

Danny was happy to stay behind with me and watch.

Tom went on a 3-day backpacking trip along the Olympic Coast with his dad and brothers. They saw a lot of beautiful scenery and had a great time.

Tom and Brian filtering some drinking water.

They hiked over miles of this wet, rocky stuff and got really tired but no one was injured.

Here are 3 of the kids on our day at Dash Point. It wasn't very warm, but that didn't keep them from playing in the water.

Haley digging the moat for the sand castle.

Danny helping out with his BIG bucket.

Uncle Nate jumps into the finished product as the tide rushes in.

Jeff preferred to spend his time skimboarding. He practiced all afternoon.

Grandma took the girls out in the sea kayak. Here is Megan on her turn.

I decided to run away with the kids to Idaho to visit family for a week. What fun! Until I can convince T to move us closer, this may have to become a regular tradition. We got to attend the Twin Falls temple open house and spend lots of time playing with cousins.

It's a girl!

We had our mid-pregnancy ultrasound this morning, and I am happy to announce that we are expecting girl #3 at our house! The girls are thrilled and the boys are already getting used to the idea. All the parts seem to be in order, too, so it's a great day. Maybe since this is a little girl she won't be over 10 pounds. (I hope.)

A Quick Flashback

T made this video of H's solo in her school concert this spring. Thought there were family members who might like to see it. Not the most professional since he used the regular camera, but still....

Family Vacation Fun

We spent the last week in California and had a blast! First we went to Sequioa National Park to see the giant trees. The kids were so impressed and wanted to climb on top of everything. We did climb to the top of Moro Rock, which has over 350 stairs cut into the side of it to make it easier. Did I say easier? These days I can hardly get my pregnant body up my 14 stairs at home!!! But after about 6 rest breaks on my part, we were all on top and the view was awesome! See my kids with their cool new shades? We're not used to the sun in the Pacific Northwest. ;)

Then off to southern California to stay with family and spend 4 days at Disneyland! This was our first time and we weren't sure what to expect. Boy was it hot! They had a heat wave while we were there and a couple of the days were around 100 degrees! We drank lots of water and stuck to the shade whenever possible and the kids declared this the best vacation ever. They met their favorite characters (J cracked us up by declaring he hates princesses and refusing to even make eye contact with one) and tried out lots of new rides. The girls went with their dad on their first major roller coaster (California Screamin') at Disney California Adventures and LOVED it! And of course one of the best parts was swimming in Brian and Wendy's pool at the end of each day. The girls are already planning the next trip.

So it begins....

This is a scary step for me--I don't want to do anything unless it can be perfect and wonderful but of course that's not really how life works. I have been inspired by all the cute blogs my busy friends manage to create and love being able to check up on you so easily. Time to join the crowd. I can't promise to be a real frequent poster but my goal is to try to add updates each week. Now I just need to have T walk me through transferring pictures from the camera to the computer one more time.... For today I'll post some that he has already uploaded.