Oregon Zoo with Berrett and Rad...

We invited our best buddies Berrett and Rad to go to the Oregon zoo with us. The animals were out to play today, especially Nora, the polar bear! I am sad summer is almost over but I am glad we snuck in this summertime tradition.

 

Ryan's THUSC Summer Soccer

Ryan had his first club soccer tournament. Its nice to see things start to trend closer to normal over these warmer months. What a fun group of boys! A lot of these boys will be who Ryan goes to school with next year as we are making the transition from Bonny Slope Elementary to St. Pius.

 

Timberline Trail with the YM...

One of this summer's highlights was the YM's high adventure hike around Mt. Hood along the Timberline Trail. Bishop Tyler Allen and his counselors Jeremy Thelin and Peter Kramer, put in a lot of time and effort to make this possible for the boys along with a few dads who volunteered hike and help support the boys. They had a few running water crossings that were a little sketchy, some areas that were infested with mosquitos but had the most amazing weather! Life long memories were made!

 

BBQin for my 41st...

My 40th birthday was quite uneventful with Covid clouding all gatherings and celebrations last year, so Justin pulled out all the stops this year. My best friends, Rachael and Jill, surprised me by coming into town. I may not be ready to forgive them for moving to Utah but I love them so much for coming and making my 41st birthday magical! Justin BBQ'd and we had a picnic at the park by our house with the greatest friends and family. I am so grateful to be able to celebrate like normal again. 

 

Preston's 5th Birthday...

Happy Birthday Preston! (Grandpa too!) We can’t believe you are 5. You love noodles, chicken nuggets, ice cream, Spider-Man and Avengers, Sonic the hedgehog, candy and doing whatever Ryan is doing! You are the most intense child and will fight to the death to get what you want, with moments of sweetness and quick snuggles. We celebrated by going to the movies during the day and at night with your best buddy Robel and family at our houses. We love you! 

 

HEFY in OBX...

We encouraged(forced) Zach out of our house this year and sent him to Outer Banks, NC to attend a Humanitarian EFY trip. He was a bit nervous to go as he knew he wouldn't know anyone and he would not have his phone with him for an entire week. These youth spend a week doing service, working on community projects. They also squeeze in a couple adventures and a temple trip before sending the kids home. He had an absolute blast and was so grateful that we had forced him to go and experience something new. And he actually randomly knew three kids that ended up going on the same trip. Two youth from our home stake and Ellie Broadbent, our best friends Val and Austen's daughter. We did not plan that. Funny how small the world really is.

 

Gardens and Trampolines...

We begged and begged and Justin finally caved! After a lot of research and some good recommendations we bought a spring free trampoline. Our great weather days just got an upgrade. We bought the trampoline water park for those extra hot days too. 

I planted a variety of fruits and veggies in our boxes and planters this is year. Our garden really starts to take off in July. The blueberries are getting ripe and the green beans are crawling up a couple iron trellis' my mom gave me. I am so excited...gosh I love summer!