2016 States Trip {Grover's Birthday!}

My little Grover.  My third born.  My Type 3 kid. My sweet, stubborn baby.  He was lucky enough to turn five during our trip.  He was super excited to have a birthday party and invite the family.  He loved his presents.  He loved his cake.  AND most of all (though not pictured), he loved the huge water fight after we opened presents.  I love this kid SO MUCH!!

2016 States Trip {Bear Lake}

Ken's mom was insistent that while we were in Utah, that she have some time with just HER family and NO ONE else.  Ken's parents rented a cabin up at Bear Lake and we played for four days.  It was so much fun!  Our kids could reconnect with their cousins that they haven't seen in almost three years.  And the adults could bond as friends.  The first day we played and dug in the sand.  The second day we rented jet skis and stand-up paddle boards.  I fell in love with paddle boarding.  We enjoyed delicious, famous raspberry shakes.  We ate outside.  We enjoyed meals together.  We mused at the large number of children we have.  It was wonderful!  When we left, the kids (and adults) were all exhausted, but it was so worth it!

Do you see me and my mother-in-law on the paddle boards?! She's pretty awesome!

 

2016 States Trip {4th of July}

In trying to decide when to book our tickets back to the States, I had two stipulations: 1) during Japan's rainy season and 2) over the 4th of July.  There is something so magical about the 4th of July.  I know our poor country is a mess, but I miss it.  I love the patriotism and family and community and together-ness of the 4th.  I was so happy to be back in the States and enjoying a good, old-fashioned fireworks show.  The kids all loved it too.

Our moms

Our dads

Have I mentioned lately how much I LOVE having a baby girl?!

Cousins and glowsticks

Josie and Grey were like two peas in a pod.  Cousin love!

2016 States Trip {Great-Grandparents}

My kids are so blessed to have three of their great-grandparents in their lives.  My Dad's parents came over for a BBQ and my Mom's mom made the trek down from Oregon just to see us.  I feel so blessed to still have them all in our lives and especially blessed that my children know them and love them.

 

 

 

 

 

Presents from Noni are the best!

 

 

2016 States Trip {Chickens}

My folks have chickens.  A bunch of them!  One of my kids' favorite things to do is eat fresh eggs from Grandma's house!  When we went this year, the kids were all excited to hold the chickens.  Except Grey.  He was too chicken. LOL 

 

 

 

 

 

2016 States Trip {Silver Lake}

One of our goals for our trip this summer was to spend as much time in the mountains as possible. We love a little Sunday walk around Silver Lake.  One of the nice things about having our families close together (and friendly with each other) is that we can schedule time with both families at the same time. 

 

 

 

This last picture is too bright, but pictures are a bunch of little ducklings.  All of us were mesmerized!

2016 States Trip {City Parade}

So, let's be honest, the parade was pretty lame.  The great thing was that we got to be with family (for the first time in years) and that we got enough candy to supply the whole trip!