Hawaii

Gage and dad taking a walk

We just returned from the most amazing family vacation we've ever taken. My little sister married her long-time sweet heart on the lovely island of Maui. This gave us the opportunity to go somewhere we probably would never have gone, and we loved every single moment of it. I think we'll probably be going back! It was amazing, eventhough it is Hawaii's winter. Highs in the mid-80's, lows in the 70's, a little breezy, a few amazing Hawaiian rains, great surfing waves to watch, and all the beauty we could imagine. Plus, about 60 family and friends on the island in various locations.

Aunt Sara, Uncle Kane, Grandma Joleena and Grandpa Shannon's hotel had great water slides and pools. We all enjoyed them!

Ash

Gunnar

Scuba diving lessons were given at our condo in the pool, then Ashtyn and her dad went on a scuba diving adventure in the ocean. What a great experience! They had a blast.

Ash, practicing in the pool.

Getting ready to hit the ocean!

We took a fantastic trip with Michael's family to the crater island of Molikini. While there we all had the chance to snorkel in the clearest water over a great reef filled with beautiful fish. We then got on the boat and went off the coast of Maui and were able to swim with very large sea turtles and see more beautiful fish on the reef. The day was beautiful and we all had an amazing time.

Austen, Myles and Gunnar

Our crew

Gunnar testing out his gear

Sisters

Of course, there was a wedding! It was the most amazing location located on the north side of the island near Haiku. It was at an old sugar mill which they've converted into a beautiful location for weddings and parties. The venue was undescribably beautiful. What a fun day! Welcome to the family...finally...Kane! We love you both.

Ash and Jill
Sara

Mom and her girls

Our family and Kaytlyn at rehearsal dinner

We played in the water a lot!!!

Ash boogie boarding

Gage and mom enjoying a beautiful evening

Gage wasn't a big fan of the sand or the ocean at first, but we worked on him and he was ok with it by the end.

Watching surfers on some huge waves on the North shore.

Sara, Grandpa and Gage

Aunt Sara making Abree into a mermaid

Grandma, Grandpa and Gage

Gage waiting patiently to get into the pool. Trying to get to his sisters and brother!

The favorite dancer at the luau!

Abree and Ash headed to hit the waves

Dad and Gunnar

Abree doing some water tricks

Taking in the luau

The wind loved to catch Gage's hair

Their favorite spot...the hot tub

More stunts

loved the water...both of them

Great aquarium!

watching the fish

This was a white shark. There were hammerheads, tigers and more sharks. Plus, baracuda, a few types of sting rays, and a bunch of jaks in this tank.

Love the jelly fish

Got to touch and feel

Abree with the most important accessory, the goggles. KK, too.

Sand sticking to his face, in his eyes, in his mouth...he hated it. Then I realized how much he had in his pants...poor guy!

Outside the door of our condo

Ash and Gunnar boardin'

Gunnar loved it until he got thrashed onto the beach and ate too much sand! Abree, too.

If you ask the kids, they'd probably say that the bumper boats were one of their favorites. Abree even got to drive her own! Oh, they giggled so much, including dad and Kaytlyn.

Abree this isn't a bull, it is a turtle. Oh, the farm girl!

There are about 300 more pictures I could share, but I would bore you. We are so blessed to have had this experience. If you are considering taking a family vacation, consider Maui! It was phenominal. Our kids were begging us to live there and enroll them in school as the saddness over took them leaving the island.

Congratulations, Sara and Kane!

Going PRIVATE

Yes, I'm quite behind on my blog. Chasing 4 kiddos, keeping my hubby on-top of things, attempting to keep the house and farm in order, taking over our 4-H club, helping my little sis tie the knot, and so much more has kept me quite busy. I feel so guilty reading everyone else's blogs. I'm going to try and do some catch up in the weeks to come.

But, after Christmas our blog will be going private. If you would still like access to my blog, please let me know and I'll give you permission. Please e-mail me your address (if you have my e-mail) or leave a comment on this post and I'll add you to the list.

Enjoy your holiday season. I hope it is filled with laughter, love and joy. Remember the reason for the season...God so loved the world!

Sara's Bridal Shower

Me, my mom and my little sister

Saturday we celebrated my sister Sara's upcoming wedding with a beautiful bridal shower at her future in-laws' home. It was a perfect day, with an amazing setting, and filled with great friends and family, not to mention nummy treats, too. So many special guests attended. It was just a wonderful day!

Tent by the pool.

The little girls took a break in the pool while we set things up earlier in the day.

About party time, the mosquitos began to arrive, univited.

Deanne and her girls

Sara and her classmates...all have been friends since elementary school!

Mom and darling Sue

Oh, those nummy cupcakes!

Ashtyn helping with gifts.

Abree playing hide and seek with a glass of lemonade in hand...caught her!

Guests watching the opening of gifts.

Sweet little Payton

Tamara, Joleen and Sue

Sara and Jill

Deanne enjoyingher grandson...we hope there will be more of those to come very soon!

So many special guests!

Deanne, Paula, Tamara and Sara

Ashtyn was begging to get into the pool, but mom wouldn't let her. Not everyone who wanted to swim had a suit, but Ash was willing to go in with the dress and give her suit to someone else!

Enjoying the beautiful evening, after all the guests had left and everything was cleaned up.

Feeding the fish after the party

Simply, a special day!

Gage is one!

Yes, Gage is officially one! Well, actually I'm a little behind in getting this post done ... he is actually 13 months old today. We had a fantastic birthday party to celebrate his first birthday on July 5. We had tons of family and friends present to help honor the big event. The weather was beautiful, lots of marvelous food and, of course, amazing company.

Getting ready to dive into his own cake!

His birthday theme was a farm. He didn't care much for the bbq burgers and hot dogs, but loved the birthday cake, as you can see! He just kept eating...but once he hit "full" he let us know. He loved all his gifts, but once he spotted the LeapFrog Ride-on Train engine...nothing else could hold his interest.

Couldn't have a party without cupcakes!

It was a perfect day filled with many great moments and wonder. Gage had two great-grandparents present, his four grandparents, many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

The birthday boy's cake

Since turning one, Gage has changed so much. He truly has turned into a toddler. On his birthday he was taking 3-5 steps at a time, within a week he was walking throughout the house without hesitation...now he is running trying to catch up with his siblings. His vocabulary has become so full...mom, dad, ashtyn, gunnar, "papa" for grandpa, "mahma" for grandma, most importantly "mo" for more, baba...and so much more. He is such a happy little guy who loves to giggle and is constantly on the run. He is now a climber who fears nothing... a little scary, we really have to watch him. Have caught him trying to climb out of the crib and climb up the fridge, literally dangling but hanging on! He is such a joy in our lives, as busy as he keeps us, we wouldn't have it any other way. I know his dad can't wait for harvest to be over so he can see more of him and his growth each day. I love that he still likes to cuddle with mom before he goes to sleep at night and that he gets so excited each morning when I get him out of his crib, he just lights up and is so happy!

His first horse and learning how to ride it, being taught by who other than Shane.


Hanging out with great-grandpa Ed.

The cool engine of fun!

The big boy is full and happy!

Harvest

Today I woke the kids up earlier than usual and got them gussied up for some pictures in the wheat field. Had to do it today as they are all home and had to do it early to get the right sun. The combine drivers were kind enough to stop and help us out as well. I haven't had time to work with sepia or black and white yet, but am quite happy with the results.

Today marks the end of week 3 of harvest! We might get done next week!

We've been blessed with a safe and solid harvest so far, we pray it will continue.

Lake Trip

Loving the lake!

Yeah, we made it back to the lake this year! Last year we missed it due to the anticipated arrival of our sweet boy. I've only missed the week at the lake three times in the past 38 years, two of those being due to babies being born...Ash and Gage. We all love our week at the lake each year around the 4th. What a treat!

Spent most of his time fishing

Relaxing on the water

Our boy turned one at the lake!



Catchin' some great air...you should see their faces on zoom...priceless!

A great morning fishing with Lloyd...a 5 1/2 and 3 1/2 lb fish in the mix!


He loved the water! Gotta love the turtle toy, too.

The weather was perfect and we were joined by my entire family throughout the week. Leonard was even able to join us for a few days. We spent the week fishing, boating, tubing, laying out, roasting smores, leisurely walks, seeing old friends and having great family time. Leonard and I skiied, mostly for the kids enjoyment and amazment...or should we say amusement, but we won't be posting pictures of that. We are so blessed to have such a great family experience with cousins, aunts, uncles, grandmas and grandpas each year.

The boys

Trickster

Picking out good bait

We have no phone service at the lake, although we do get 12 channels of cable and have a latte stand a short walk away. A bear was a common visitor to the garbage cans behind our cabin each night. The kids finally got to catch a glimpse of him this year as he stayed a long time and thoroughly enjoyed his nightly finds.

Everyone gets very sad when our week is done as it flies by so quickly. We love the setting, the activities, the company and the break. We can't wait for next year!!!

Ash is 11!

Ash and her horse

In late June we celebrated Ashtyn's 11th birthday! Where has the time gone?! We are so proud to be the parents of this sweet, caring, giving young lady! She always tries hard in the things that she does and gives it her all. She means the world to her sister and brothers. She is friends with everyone and always on the go, being involved in everything she can. She loves her horse, her siblings, her steers, sports, cousins and friends, school (except for reading!), being a farm kid, tubing, church, singing, and being a bit of a dare devil. She is always willing to do chores (that don't include cleaning her room), although she drives the lawnmower really fast. She also drives the 4-wheeler and snowmobiles quite fast as well...a little concerning. Her baby brother lights up when she comes in the room, as does she when she sees him. They have quite a bond. Her little sister can't sleep when she's not home. She is very special to so many.

A little luau to celebrate!

How she chooses to spend her free time.

We are so blessed with a darling, beautiful daughter who has a heart of gold. She makes us smile every day and brings us great joy. We love her sense of humor and silliness! We even love when she gets really tired and grumpy! She is growing up way too fast but we are thrilled with the young lady she is blossoming into. We love you, Sunshine!