Smoothie Mayhem

This summer we've had some nice hot days (meaning close to 90 degrees). Now, for all you desert folk, I know that's not terribly hot. But when you don't have an air conditioner, that's pretty HOT! So the kids and I have been trying to keep cool in the afternoons. We have a little pool out back and a sprinkler and we've been making lots of smoothies. They're sure yummy and cool you right off. This particular day I made a concoction with berries, so it was a beautiful red color. Good thing Katelyn was in her swimsuit already. She made a mess!

Almost looks like she got into my lipstick

Little Lindsey didn't try to do this on purpose (the first time)....

but once Brandon noticed the common trend around the table he had to join in.

I thought my kids were clowns, and now my suspicions have been confirmed!

The 2nd Annual BYU MBA Social

Last summer we put together a social for BYU MBA people in the Seattle area. It was great! This year we did it again, but expanded it quite a bit. We had a great turnout. Some of the alumni that were able to make it dated back to 2007. The setting was perfect, the food was great and a good time was had by all.

What a great network to have!

Next year we will do it again, but we'll probably call it the LDS MBA Social, because that's really what we're after.

Mission accomplished!

As a side note, we held our get together at Newcastle Beach Park and it was beautiful! There was a sandy beach right next to our picnic area. We kept the kids out of the water for a long time, but eventually they found their way into the water a little at a time. Before we knew it, Brandon and Lindsey were soaked! Should have brought some towels.....

Oh well. They sure had fun!

A few more pictures of progress

Just to document some recent developments.....

We got a great chair/ottoman to match our couches for the family room. As you can see in the pics I'm now experimenting with pillows.

Justin put in our garden box, and it fits just perfectly!

We should have the other one in later this week.

We've got tomatoes,

green peppers,

sugar snap peas,

onions,

squash, cucumber, zuchinni

and watermelon.

Finally, I got around to making curtains for our windows by the front door. They still let in lots of light but give us a bit more privacy.

That's all for now!

Trip to Oregon

We are so glad that we were able to go to Oregon over the weekend for nephew Jaydan's baptism. It was neat for the kids to watch him get baptized and then we got to talk with them about it. We enjoyed spending some time with Justin's family.

The kids with cousin Jackson - a little blurry, but too cute to pass up

Brandon and Jaydan

The whole clan

Katelyn with Abigail and Kylan

Thanks for a great weekend family! The only downside was that our 4 1/2 hour trip home turned into over 7 hours because of the rain, accidents and traffic. But we finally made it!

Congratulations Jaydan!

Happy 4th of July!

Our 4th of July was really fun. Justin's parents and sister Luann came up to visit us on their way to Oregon for a baptism this next week. We loved having them here and showing them our new house! It was so nice to have room for them to stay comfortably and spread out a little bit. It was hot when they arrived, so we had to go out and get a couple more fans to help circulate the air around the house. You don't need air conditioning much, but when it's hot you really wish you had it.

On the 4th of July, we enjoyed a ward pancake breakfast with the fire department making an appearance. The kids enjoyed learning about the fire truck.

We also had fun at an Auburn 4th of July festival. The kids rode ponies, a little train, did bouncy toys and face painting while others in our party enjoyed the nice big shade trees.

We had a BBQ for dinner, watched "The Great Race" which is a classic! And then we drove off to the casino when it was dark to watch some of the fireworks. It was pretty crazy and quite a spectacle.

On Sunday Justin was put in as the ward mission leader, so that will keep him on his toes. We enjoyed a big dinner with our company, as well as Justin's cousins in the area.

On Monday we played up in Seattle doing Pike's Place Market and the Ballard Locks at the ship canal.

On Tuesday we went up to eat in the revolving restaurant at the top of the Space Needle. I was pleasantly surprised! Expensive, but a very unique experience and fabulous food.

The kids rode a carosel and played at the International Fountain. Lindsey unintentionally got soaked!

And in between we relaxed, played games and ate lots of good home cookin'.

Thanks for visiting us family! We loved seeing you!