This summer can be summed up with lots of time in the sun, water and with family and friends! That's perfection, if you ask me.
Ella Leona
We officially kept another baby alive for one whole year! She's a keeper! That caused for celebration so we got to celebrate miss Ella big for her first birthday. We celebrated in southern California with my family, and then with Lane's family and friends here. I always say no more parties because I spend so much time putting them together and then they go by so quickly, leaving a big mess. I think it's worth it though! Ella is 20lbs 1oz, and is 28.5" tall. She has about 8 teeth (that's all I can see at the moment). She crawls more than she walks because she's quick, but she's figuring out the whole walking thing and I'd say in a couple weeks, she'll be running! She claps her hands, waves, blows and gives kisses, says, "mama, baba, dada, and 'teh-teh' (thank you)" along with some other indistinguishable noises. She is the happiest, smiliest baby girl around. We all love her so much.
Kobe Dale
Kobe is almost three-and-a-half. He is at a challenging age because he is testing limits and figuring things out, but it's also a really fun age and he is more sweet than sour. He is a bully to his little sister, but like I said, he's more sweet than sour. And his sweet moments with her are the best. He is a snuggle bug. He's hilarious and smart and getting braver. He has become almost too brave with the water; which he hated last year. He jumps in whether you're ready or not, but he figured out the breathing and he's almost able to keep himself afloat! He loves being outside and barefoot. He loves wrapping things up like it's someone's birthday or Christmas, he loves his usual cars and trucks, bikes, scooters, power wheels, and our new jet skis! When he's not ignoring his parents' commands, he is a really good helper with cleaning and cooking and organizing. He loves his daddy so much and wants to do everything he does.
We refinanced our house and one of the projects was getting our house painted. What a difference that made! Our house has sure come a long way. We've talked about finishing up some projects around the house, selling and then building. We'll see what happens in the next year!
Fort building with Daddy
Kobe's first drawings that actually look like what he was trying to draw. I have been trying to teach him but, being the boy that he is, he usually just scribbles and moves on to a new activity.
He started using the pedals on our neighbor's bike so we got him his own. We're still working on it.
We bought Lane's uncle's jet skis this summer and have gone out basically every weekend this summer. It's been a lot of fun taking family and friends out. Lane and I had a date night just us whipping around on them for about an hour too--that was fun!
Lane's roommate from BYU-I, Doug Hopkins and his family just moved to Oregon and they were able to come up for Fourth of July weekend. We had a lot of fun playing with them! It was just like the good old days, plus 5 kids, some weight gain, and not making it past 10pm!
Erin & Russell and their kids also came up for a few weeks this summer. We had so much fun playing with our cousins!
The bigger cousins all had their first swimming lessons (Rex had his second). Little Tadpoles!
Kobe LOVES hanging out with his Granny Ella. He always asks if she can come over.
Ella's first ride on the jet ski.
We went to watch some monster trucks and I found Kobe doing this a few days later.
I found a quails nest in our backyard and kept an eye on it for a few weeks. I even found myself a few friends. This one thought I was mom for a little bit.
We had a girl's night, painting and chatting!
Jack~n~Jill softball took place. Our team was so-so, and I didn't get to play like I wanted to because of my back.
Ella's first time on a boat!
Kobe loves to help out in the kitchen, especially with cooking. I've been trying to let him help more and relax about the potential messes and outcomes of letting him help.
Daddy loves his snuggles
Kobe's first time on the big chair and xrays at the dentist
We had a long weekend in Seattle with Lane's parents. We got to sit 1st row on the 3rd baseline at the Mariner's game.
We went to Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
Lane set up a helicopter ride for me, Kobe and him. It was absolutely amazing! The pictures don't do it justice and this was only some of the pictures. We flew over the marina and skyline in downtown Seattle. I definitely recommend it if anyone has the opportunity.
Monster Trucks
Kobe's Father's Day outfit
Spokane Hoopfest. It was a short trip this year-- their team only played one day. It was nice to catch up with our friends tho!
For my 28th birthday my request was to go to Carl's Jr. We just had one open up in Wenatchee. Party on!
My family sure spoils me. I love them.
My mom organized a vacation for my family in Oceanside. She spent a lot of time and money planning such a fun trip! It was one of our favorite vacations! We stayed in their time share right in Oceanside Harbor, had a few beach days, a lot of pool hours, got lots of sun and loves from the family.
One of the little details were these personalized beach goody baskets for each of the grand kids. Adorable.
We got to celebrate my mom's birthday as a family. Lane made a delicious pasta, steak and lobster dinner, and Devin made a cheesecake.
We spent one evening at the street fair by the pier.
We went to a fun center called 'Boomers' that had bumper boats, go-carts, mini golf, arcade games, and batting cages.
One of the mornings, Britt and Mike kept our kids and the rest of us went over to San Diego to do a jet boat ride. It was so much fun!
My cousin Jen's daughter Summer got married and it worked out that we were down there because we were able to go to her sealing. It was a beautiful wedding. I definitely felt Jen's sister, Amy and Mark present. It was so nice to see all my family and it was a gorgeous setting.
My mom planned a little party for Ella. Mimi was able to come over for the night and hang out as well!
Lane, my dad, and my uncles Terry and Randy went fishing one day. Lane didn't catch anything that he could keep but I think it was a fun little outing.
Late night for the kids. They were both crying and saying "Mommy" while we all laughed and continued playing our game.
Top Gun house
Oceanside Pier
We got to attend my favorite temple for the first time. What a great way to start the day. It's so beautiful.
Miss Ella is officially ONE year old! I cannot believe it. How has a year gone by? I love watching my kids grow but I'm not a fan of how quickly it happens!
I spent a lot of time on Pinterest and a lot of time getting my Pinterest ideas ready for her party. It turned out cute at least! Beach/Mermaid themed, of course.
I sure do love my family. We are blessed.
Now into Fall we go...a few get-togethers with friends, and then my back surgery. Bleh. I'm dreading and stressing September 26th and the following weeks. My parents are coming to help out with the kids in October. Hopefully this will fix me and we can get past those medical bills and move on happily with our winter and spring!
