Our summer vacation begins!

We spent a month in WA this summer, and started it off with a visit to Great Wolf Lodge. It did not disappoint! All five of us had an absolute blast at the water park and sleeping in the fun themed room. Great way to end a long road trip before driving the last hour to Grandma's.

We spent the first week celebrating Declan's baptism, Mr. B and myself being sick/holing up at my parents', Mr. B taking the kids to NW trek, Beth taking the kids to play, us having the Bernards kids at my mom's to play, and enjoying being with our family.

The second week started with a trip to Titlow Splash Pad in Tacoma to meet up with Carly and her kids. Thomas and Walter are so cute, and the time with cousins was priceless.

We got to meet up with the Bernards family a few times in WA too. I love downtown Tacoma--Chihuly glass, museums, shops, food. 

Declan's baptism

This summer we had a long and wonderful trip to Washington state to be with our families. The impetus for the trip was Declan's baptism--we wanted to be with family and we definitely got our wish! All of Mr. B's family came, and most of mine (minus two brothers plus some cousins). We had a family picnic later in the day where even more family came to celebrate our family friendships. Magical.

Declan, eight years old and baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints!

The Brien and Rood families--Declan's parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Could he be any cuter??

He was baptized in the church building I spent most of my formative years going to church in. Memories!

May

Ian was Albert Einstein for his famous person speech. He wrote a report, then a speech, then memorized it and performed it over and over for an hour in a living wax museum. It was awesome.

 Mr. B turned 40, woohoo! We celebrated with a morning date hike to Garrapata and raspberry trifle for dessert on his birthday and a BBQ with friends on the weekend.

 I went on a field trip with Declan where we learned about sea lions, saw them do incredible tricks, and got kisses from them!

 We toured the Oakland temple open house, and then the boys and I had fun in Oakland while Audrey and Mr. B served a volunteer shift as ushers/shoe coverers.

They're getting tall!

The view of Oakland from the temple.

A steam train ride, fun! We also went to a bookstore, watched Detective Pikachu at a cool movie theater, and played at a playground. I love having fun with my kids.

Declan's 8-year-old pics

April

Audrey performing at her school's open house

Declan had a wonderful birthday: karate party at American Karate, gifts and delicious food on his actual birthday, fun things coming in the mail.

Declan's last class play with Ms. DeTomaso. So cute!

Gold Rush Day--4th grade is incredible at this school.

I volunteered, helping with the Jeopardy game station.

Good Old Days Breakathon--Declan and Mr. B marched in the parade and broke boards. 

Mr. B's band played at Good Old Days too.

Mr. B and I got to see Post-Modern Jukebox in concert--incredible!

Date with Mr. B to hike at Point Lobos.

Seal pups in gorgeous water!

For my birthday, I got to spend a week in Provo with Amber--so much fun!

March at the Briens'

Beth and I had a great day out for her birthday: spa, lunch, shopping, cheese, chocolate. I love this girl!

Declan earned his blue belt in karate!

Declan brought home a recipe from school for hoe-cakes. Cornbread meets pancakes--yum!

Audrey went to Disneyland with her cheer team and performed in a parade. I got to chaperone and we had an amazing day!

I learned I am too old (or too motion sick) for the teacups.

Best mom-daughter date ever!

Her cheer team.

Ian turned 10!!!