Bridal Veil Falls

One of Margaret's favorite kid hikes is Bridal Veil Falls.  A couple years ago she said that she craved the mountain air.  So we go.  Ada and Eli have no fear of the cold water and the kids love to climb the falls.  I just found out that there's a hike that goes to the top.  Maybe we'll try that some time.

Matthew, Joseph T, Eli, Evelyn, Sam, Maisy

Joseph B. Robert, Seth and Ada.

4th of July goodness #1

This year, we celebrated the 4th with the Brashers, Clarys, Hansens, Tarkingtons and us.  It was fun to catch with everyone.  So much growth has happened.  People graduating, marrying, girls camp, etc... It's good to see what they're up to.  We all have some challenges in our lives right now, it was good to be able to commiserate and know that we support each other too.  We're all praying for siblings that are far away and having challenges of their own.

Samuel, Taylor, Mariah, Ellie, Sam, Eli, Seth, Rocky, Maisy, Grace, Cy and Millie.

Lizzie and Mary have been particularly fun to talk to.  I really think that she picked the perfect guy for her.  They're so great together. (As are Emma and Stephen).

This is Owen.  I got to meet this handsome nephew of mine for the first time.  He's adorable, loves to give high five and is in the best smiley stage ever.

The Parker Family

family party

When you have a big family, things can get messy, busy, and never know what's next.  We loved all the swimming, random games through the day, the giant UNO, the talking, and my favorite was Evelyn and Maisy having a tea party under the tree.

Anniversary

On Saturday was Jer's and my anniversary.  I was feeling a little stressed out, so we did a family dinner at a hibachi grill and a hike up the Y with Becca.  Jer and I will have a date together later after things have calmed down a bit.  The kids loved the grill, and we all made it up the Y.  Evelyn wasn't too happy about having to hike.  I got her up a couple of switchbacks with Jeremy's help... and then Miss Tennant and her friend came up the trail.  All of the sudden Jer was following fast Evelyn and I was counting switchbacks with Seth.  He is really getting the idea of what numbers really mean.  He doesn't just count.  The other day, he said that there were 3 sausages... one for Dad, one for me and one for him.