Maddie's First Haircut

Uncle Harold and 'Aunt' Benzley came to visit for a weekend in August.  Nathan and I had our first overnight get away together since becoming parents.  They watched the kids while we visited San Francisco.  The kids enjoyed their quality time with them and Nathan & I enjoyed sleeping in together, which hasn't happened in over seven year.  

Maddie received her first haircut too.  Here are some pictures... 

Happiest Place on Earth

We spent 3 days @ Disneyland the weekend before school started.  Our friends Krystie, Derek, & Emily joined us there.  Krystie's mom Judy also come to help.  We've adopted her as a 'Grandma' for our children.  She's an incredible woman whom both of my children adore.  We were also able to be a part of Judy's surprise birthday party on Saturday.  

Ammon & Maddie were more excited to see Derek & Emily than they were about visiting Disneyland.  Ammon insisted on holding Emily's hand even while she rode in the stroller.  Disney offered some assistance with Ammon's special needs, which really helped this be a more enjoyable trip for all of us.  

Thank you so much Krystie and Judy for joining us there!  

2nd Grader... Where does time go?

Ammon started 2nd Grade this past week.  Maddie saw the camera and insisted on joining in the picture.  Ammon runs from the camera (he agreed to take these from a bribe), but Maddie loves to pose & smile for the camera.  It amazes me how different they are from each other, but they also love each other a lot.  

There's a few pictures of Maddie's art work from preschool too.  Enjoy! 

Gone Fishing...

Nathan spent a week in Ketchikan, Alaska visiting his older brother Aaron.  He really enjoyed spending quality time with him, fishing, visiting local markets, and just hanging out.   

Thanks for all the pictures Aaron!  You're quite the photographer & a wonderful host.  We love lots!!! 

 I love salmon!!!

While Aaron was at work, Nathan hiked and enjoyed the beautiful nature.   He also had an encounter w/ a bear, but thankful he was in Aaron's vehicle and not on foot when this occurred!

 

Summer Fun

We spent this past weekend in southern California.  One of my best friends from junior high through high school was married in Carlsbad.   Lachelle is a beautiful woman, inside and out.  She looked like a princess walking down the aisle.  I'm so grateful that I was able  to spend time with her family setting up for the reception.  I kind of adopted her younger sisters growing up, since I didn't have any of my own.  It was a blast catching up with everyone!

We also spent a day with Uncle Ed, Aunt Bethany, their sweet kiddos, and Uncle Harold & Aunt Benzley in Newport Beach.  Ammon & Maddie loved playing with their cousins.  I wish we all lived a little closer to each other so they could spend more quality time together.    

Bret, Nathan, Lachelle, and Debby

Maddie and Kingston

 

 Kendra and Dede, bike riding

 We also celebrated Nathan's birthday with an ice cream cake

 Benzley & me 

 Nathan loved surfing

 Cousins are awesome!

 

 Maddie idolizes Kendra and followed her around the whole time... Kendra is such a sweetie!

 Uncle Ed took Maddie and King on a ride...

Playing in the sand...