Photos by Carter

Carter loves to take pictures, but I rarely post them. Most of his pics are like the first two close-ups of his feet, himself, his bedroom, decorations around the house. He also can capture some really great photos like the last two he took of his brother. Check out his work. :)

Weekend at Skamania

On our 10 year anniversary we got a weekend away without the kids and we got to spend it with our friends Kristi & Ryan who were married the weekend after us. We stayed at Skamania Lodge, did some hiking and went to a concert at MaryHill Winery. Mostly we just enjoyed the piece and quiet. It was such a great weekend and thanks to Kristi who took all these pictures since I forgot my camera.

Ten years later we can honestly say we are more in love than the day we got married and that is a blessing. Looking forward to our next anniversary.

We enjoyed some of the great kite surfing of the Columbia Gorge.

Mary Hill Winery amphitheater

Hawaiian birthday

Carter and Logan loved Hawaii so much they decided to have a Hawaiian birthday party. It was much cheaper than bringing everyone to Hawaii for his birthday like Carter originally wanted. :) The boys had a great birthday party and it was so fun to see these best buds celebrating together. It is always a blast to watch all their friends laugh, play, swim and of course run around squealing. Kids are so fun!

We had these fish diving toys for a pool game, but Logan just loved to collect them and carry them around.

Little Addelyn in her Hawaiian outfit - so cute.

The boys enjoying the pool

Jake relaxing in his floaty.

Slip n' slide fun

Logan was old enough this year to blow out his candles

and he clapped for himself he was so proud.

Boat races

This year our cousins from Montana came out to go to the boat races. We haven't been for 10 years and so we had a lot of fun rediscovering the races and watching the boys enjoy the river, boats and planes. Carter was so excited to have his cousins Kaden and Tori and can't wait to see them again.

Friday at the pits

I've always thought the best part of the boat races is just

spending the whole day in the river.

Lexi, Tori and Kaden

Logan enjoying a snack

Aunt Nell pulling the kids on their floaty train

Swim lessons

Both the boys did swim lessons this summer. Logan really enjoyed his class and loves the pool. Carter is doing a great job swimming and starting to learn different strokes. It is a lot of fun to watch him.

Logan's favorite activity was when he got to throw his toy and kick and paddle to retrieve it. The only problem is he really can throw and hit a few people and he tried to go for the other kids toys a few times. He is always entertaining.

Video of Logan jumping...one of his other favorite activities.

Carter getting to try out the catepillar

Carter doing his x float

Carter gliding across the pool

July 4th

We haven't been in town the last few years for the 4th of July so it was nice to celebrate at Grandma and Grandpa's this year. We had great food as usual and Danelle planned a great fireworks show. I love that you can still light off your own fireworks in Richland, just like when we were kids. Both boys loved the fireworks and were totally thrilled by the show. Logan was funny as he oohed and awed at each firework.

All ready for the show

Carter was so excited he was dancing around

Aunt Nell and Carter

The rest of the audience

Thermonica

Today Carter went to the dentist for a teeth cleaning and checkup. He did great and so he got to pick a prize out of the big prize basket (the only reason any kid is willing to go to the dentist). Usually this is a long process examining every item and mulling it over but today he quickly found a harmonica and that was it. He carried it around and played it all day. The thing we loved is he calls it a Thermonica, "Mom where is my Thermonica" and "I shared my Thermonica with Logan". Brady and I thought this was hilarious and realize he'll probably get it right soon, so for now we are enjoying the Thermonica entertainment.