Beach

Last Saturday was absolutely beautiful, so we decided to take a trip to the beach with Tim and Julie. Unfortunately, about 2 miles from the shore the skies turned gray and it was even sprinkling a little bit. It was really cold, so we ended up eating our picnic lunch, playing in the water, and then going home (after a quick stop for some saltwater taffy of course) - kind of a long trip for such a short stay, but it was still fun.

At first Allison wasn't so sure about the water. It was really cold and it came rushing at you! But, it really didn't take her long before we had to force her to get OUT of the water. She's such a crazy kid - here's some pictures to prove it.
She still not quite so sure about this beach thing...


Oh wait....this is actually kind of fun...
By the end she was getting in so deep she kept getting knocked over by the waves and I had to hold her hand to keep her up - she is so much fun!

Camping

Last weekend we decided we wanted to go camping. The plan was that Chris and I would go and find a spot Friday night after work and then Jeremy and Jared would come and join us on Saturday. So, Friday night Chris and I packed up and headed out. We went up Highway 101 and stopped at 5 different camp sites and they were all FULL. By this time it was getting dark and we had promised Allison we would go camping, so after 4 hours we ended up in my parents backyard and stayed the night - not exactly what we had planned, but still fun.

The next day, we thought we would try again. This time we went with Jeremy and Jared and headed up to Wynoochie. We got there and it was packed! There are two loops - the first loop was completely full, so we thought we would quickly check the other loop - we thought we were out of luck when the very LAST spot was empty. There was some ice dumped out so we knew someone had just recently left - I don't know how we lucked out! We had wanted to try and camp somewhere else this time, but once again, Wynoochie saved us - we don't mind really, it is gorgeous up there! After we set up camp, we decided to head down to the lake - it was a zoo! We finally found a quiet spot and spent a little bit of time throwing rocks in the water.

How does she always end up with no pants on?

We quickly got bored with the lake and all of the people, so we headed out to find a nice spot up above the lake on the river. We had to wade across the water to get where we wanted, but it was worth it - so beautiful!

Allison and Jared and such cute cousins!

Allison loved Jeremy's hat and played with it for awhile.

She thought she was so cool!

After that the battery died on my camera. We headed back to camp and enjoyed the evening around the fire - and tons of food! It was the perfect weather for camping - I didn't even need my sleeping bag. I've never slept so good while camping!

The next morning we got up and the guys made us a HUGE breakfast. So yummy! We packed up and headed back home. What a great weekend!

Swingset

Kendall and I have been begging my dad to build us a "big person" swing set - one we All could swing on (adults AND children). This has been going on for years! Finally, my dad gave in to the pressure and bought one! It is so huge and all of us can swing on it. I have to force myself not to go over there every night and swing - it is so much fun. I feel like a little kid again!

And the kids love it too.
Thanks Dad! You're the best!

Sleepover

A couple weeks ago we had a sleepover at my house. All of the ladies in my family (minus a couple babies) came over and stayed the night. It was soooo much fun we want to make it a tradition - tons of food, makeovers, movies - what more could you ask for?

And, I love the fact that Allison gets along so well with her cousins - she and Kendall are buds!

Mariner's Game

Last night my entire family (minus Robin - there's always ONE missing, I swear) went to the Mariner's game. It was SOOOO much fun. There were 18 of us - crazy!

Mark was really into the game.

Allison was easily distracted...

But she had fun with her Grammy.

And Chris and I had to get our traditional self-portrait...aren't we cute?

So, this next picture may be inappropriate for children - Chris FORCED me to post it because he thinks it awesome - I wasn't going to post it because I thought it was too inappropriate. Chris won the argument, so I am forced to post it....you'll have to scroll down to see it.....

Isn't this a perfect reflection of our relationship?

Brian turns 25 - Crystal turns 1

I think it is the cutest thing ever that Brian and Crystal have the same birthday. That has got to be fun....although I think Brian's birthday gets pushed to the back-burner a little bit - not that he minds. Last Wednesday was their birthday and we ALL (minus Chris - big surprise) went to Red Robin for dinner.
After dinner we all went to Sidse's apartment for cupcakes and presents...

Crystal enjoyed her cupcake...

So did Allison...

And so did Brian...

Crystal loved all of her presents - she was so fun to watch open them.

The birthday girl and boy...

Fishing

Last week we went fishing with Chris' brother David and his family. I didn't take very many pictures, but I did catch this one of Allison and her daddy - aren't they cute?