5 days of SW Summer

We just returned from our trip to visit family. One of Ryan's favorite childhood memories includes spending the summer at the pool just feet from his home. This year we were happy to warm up and relax at the pool to kick off our summer vacation.

Gracie and Tanner with a thumbs up before heading off the diving board. Braden is in the background looking admirably at the high dive which we noticed him attempting in just enough time to make sure Ryan was there to assist in the landing (just in case).

And what one does (Braden), the others do too (Gracie)...

The pool was a HIT! We couldn't get enough.

We also went to the mountains where Ryan learned to fish. Las Conchas is where Ryan took me when I first visited his home in 1997! We hiked the same path this time with our kids and Steve & Becky's family while fishing along the way.

These crazy teenagers cliff jump into that pool of water. It looks like suicide from below but it's actually got a pretty deep pool below them. I still don't know if I would ever do it. I'm pretty sure most of these kids were drunk.

We also stopped to visit Grandma before we left town. We helped Grandpa edge around the headstone and clean the dirt from the engravings while we talked about how much we love and miss Grandma. (It was really bright. Lots of squinty eyes...)

Now we need to get into our real summer routine. Tomorrow we might explore Washington...

Major events

It's the last week of school around here. That means crazy schedule and lots of exciting events. This week's highlights have been making a sweet, new friend who is considering making an adoption plan, and Gracie's Variety Show. While this week has been busy, it's been a VERY happy one.

Last week Gracie decided to audition for the school variety show with her friends. They had a limited number of talents (18) that could be showcased in an hour and they had over 40 participants audition! We were thrilled when Gracie found out she was invited to participate (last Friday). On Saturday we went shopping and created the coordinating wardrobes. Gracie strung beads and made matching bracelets for the girls. Here's the number that they created in two week's worth of recesses! (Gracie is wearing green.)

Camping at Fishhook

We just got back from our annual Memorial Day camping trip. This year's spot was at a park called Fishhook. We had a fantastic time relaxing and enjoying the outdoors together with my family.

Rolling down the hillside:

Watching the TRAINS mosey by as they flattened our coins:

And letting everyone (including Penny) run wild.

Now back to real-life and SHOWERS.