Good Gravy, it's been a long time!

Random pics of summer.  thinking I might start blogging again.  Maybe.  :)

Me at the trail head of Pete Lake - anniversary backpacking trip with Derek

Aren't these girls cute?!  Gracie (second from left) moved away that day.  :(

There you have it.  Highlights of the summer and a sneak peek into how grown up these kids have gotten!

Derek's bday

I love a good candle shot.  :)

chocolate cake with chocolate frosting for my handsome man 

on his...uh... 30ish birthday.  He told the kids he was 18.

His sister and her family came from Portland and there was

lots of running around like crazy after balloons.

Getting funny movies

Tying people to poles

pumping balloons to chase

Finally getting dads hat

posing for mandatory cousin pictures 

 

YIKES! 

throwing that baby WAY too high.  But look at her smile!

Ellie's cheesy face

 

We sure tried to make it a happy birthday for this wonderful guy.

Valentine's Day

I LOVE Valentine's Day!

Our tradition is to heart attack around all the kids' beds while they sleep.

We have pink milk for breakfast and usually heart pancakes.

Matching shirts from Grandma... :)  

Showing off their Valentine's boxes from school parties.  

Mind you, Carver is not so photogenic.  But look at that easy monster box, 

only slightly smashed from traveling in the backpack.  :) 

Last minute decision to do a candle lit dinner with the kids.

No tapers, so we used lots of tea lights.  :)