Oregon Coast

This was the kids first experience with a "cold beach". We spent our first day at Pacific City, which I think is my favorite beach ever. It wasn't hot and there was so much to do.

The giant sand dunes were fun to play on and offered amazing views when you climbed to the top.

Grayson loved climbing the weathered rock walls.

Tide pools are always fun.

I wanted to cut my legs off by the time I got to the top but it was worth the view.

The next day their was a slack tide, so we were able to explore some rocks that are usually covered in water.

The bonus was that since we had shellfish licenses for crabbing we were able to collect some starfish to take home.

We had to wake up Kate before the tide came back in. She was to tired and spent most of the time like this.

Later that day we went crabbing for our dinner.

Jared reminded me several times how much I owe him. He hates seafood and anything to do with it. It was killing him to hold this crab. He and my uncle Mike caught the most.

We spent the last day relaxing, playing games and visiting with family. I can't wait to go back again.

West Coast Game Park

On our way to the Redwoods from the coast we stopped at the coolest petting zoo.

Everyone's favorite part was petting the baby tigers. The kids got to feed and play with the cubs.

Kate was thrilled to be attacked by one of them who started nibbling at her neck.

We were able to feed and pet any of the free roaming animals, which included goats, sheep, lamas, donkeys, deer and ducks.

Kate would hug any animal that would let her.

They also had a nursery with other babies to hold.

We were most smitten with the possum.

The Redwoods

I wish these pictures could do justice for the Redwoods. They were absolutely breath taking. You wouldn't think simply being large would make something so beautiful.

The kids especially Grayson were in heaven. Being a tree climber, it was the most amazing playground he'd ever been to. He climbed and climbed and climbed.

It was fun to watch them run around and be dwarfed by the surroundings.

This was my favorite part. The size and texture of these roots blew me away.

I love this perspective.

There were lots of hollowed out trees that the kids loved playing in.

We stopped to see the famous Paul Bunyan and Babe. He talked and the kids sat telling him knock-knock jokes for like a half an hour. They keep asking to go back and see him.

During the LONG drive home I kept thinking about everything I'd seen and kept telling myself it was all worth it.

Bear Lake 2010

We were missing a lot of our group this year. Jon was on his honeymoon and the Cox family couldn't make it. We managed to have a good time anyways.

The kids enjoyed riding and driving the jet skis.

They especially enjoyed playing in the "hot tub" aka the swamp. It was gross but kept them happy.

Grayson was so proud of his boat made from other peoples garbage. He gave me a long talk about how people just throw things away but he knew how to make cool things out of what they didn't want.

Since we were missing some men, my dad let Tami and I go golfing. It was our first time. After beating the Kamerath's we were wishing we had bet them something good, like a weeks worth of diaper changing.

Jon's Wedding

My younger brother Jonathan got married in July. It was a fun day, especially for the kids. They LOVE their new aunt Melissa.

I love this picture of them waiting outside the Draper Temple.

The Bride and Groom

This was our embarrassing moment when Grayson attacked Melissa stepping all over her dress.

All of the flower girls took their job very seriously and wouldn't let Melissa's dress touch the ground.

I know Lydia won't forget her special day as part of the wedding party.

Kate was also a flower girl.

One of many failed attempt to get a picture of all four.

Me and my sisters, Tami and Shelly.

For more pictures of the wedding you can go HERE.