OK, there are no excuses! I've been so bad about updating this blog it's pathetic, I know. But we're back from spending most of June in Oregon and I had to jump back on the wagon and share these pictures! It was just me and the kids (Dad helped me drive out and Mom helped me drive back) because Kyle was working, and it was so great to see so many friends and family. Hannah graduated from nursing school (SO PROUD OF YOU), so Nana and Papa Brooks flew out from North Carolina and Sumner and John flew in from California. It was awesome! Nana and Papa also celebrated their 60th anniversary in Portland. That's an amazing accomplishment!
In other life news... we've been busy! Kyle got a new rope horse and has been competing again, so the kids and I join him at the arena when we can. It's a lot of fun to be a part of the horse world again! Natalie is now riding her pony Chocolate, which is just too adorable for words. We had some young men we know in Hyattville train her for a few months, and they did a great job! We're having a lot of fun with her and think she'll be great for both Nattie and Beckett. I've been working on-and-off at my friend's daycare when she needs me, which is a change of pace. I completed my first ever official run/race in Montana in May, making a memorable Mother's Day weekend out of it with my Natalie. Kyle came up to cheer me on, and it was such a fantastic experience that I'm now in the works for a longer trail race/run in South Dakota next summer! Beckett is running and jumping all over the place, and he and Natalie play really well together (most days). He is so comical and friendly... simply a fun-loving boy. Natalie has grown up so much! She is still in love with all things buggy-outdoors-horses-artsy and makes us laugh every day! We are so blessed and feel lucky to have re-connected with so many wonderful people from our past in recent months! Life is good and shows no sign of slowing down!
Beckett Lee
The babes with Auntie Sumner and Nana Brooks
Family gathering at Dad's in Washington with Jimmilea, Nana and Papa, Aunties Hannah and Sumner and Sumner's boyfriend John.
IPA and Natalie
Auntie Hannah getting pinned! Mom and I were crying before the ceremony even started! We're so proud of all her hard work.... now to find the perfect job!
The nurse and the doctor....
Bonfire at Dad's Battleground house in Washington... fun times!
60 years together!
The fourth generation joins the group...
Me and my dear high school friend Karen with our kiddos... Baby Thea was so quiet and generously let me kids make all the noise!
Great Grandparents are the best!
My beach rompers.... we took a weekend at the beach, one of the few at the beginning of the trip that didn't rain!
I got to go hiking by myself for an afternoon while mom and Hannah took the kids to the zoo! Here is my self-portrait at the falls I stopped at to read for a while. Miss Oregon moss and vast greenness!
Triple Falls
I reconnected with one of my best friends from high school after nearly a decade! It was tons of fun, and she still looks exactly the same!
We got to meet Sophie, my cousin's new daughter! She is adorable... and stands no chance of dating before she goes to college with three older brothers!
Grammie with the kiddos
Beckett and Sophie
Morse dear friends form the past! Mariah and Sarah and I have been friends for decades... and Sarah was patiently awaiting her baby boy!
Me and Nattie with mom before we went to the Lion King stage play. It was amazing!!! It moved me to tears. I'd highly recommend anyone see it if you get the change. Natalie was in awe!
And Cousin Madison came for a visit the day after we got back! The girls had so much fun together... and Beckett tagged along when they'd let him!
Beckett showing the best way to eat a popsicle in Wyoming... with a lawn chair in the horse trough!
Dying Easter eggs... we spent our first Easter in Nebraska. The kids had a lot of fun dying eggs.
And even more fun destroying them! Karrie and I ran down the street to the store for about 15 minutes, leaving the daddies in charge. We came home to find every egg smashed! Our kids have never dyed eggs before, just done the plastic ones at church (yes, strike number one against being the "perfect mother"). They didn't understand they were for eating and started searching for treasures inside! Madison did not participate, but watched quietly from the sidelines. Hee hee hee. The next batch stayed in tact for Easter.
Natalie and Madison absolutely adore each other! They are best buddies.
I love this picture! Could I have been blessed with two cuter kids?
Family photo
Beckett showing off his new golf clubs from the Easter Bunny.
On the way home we visited a state park known for its natural bridge, first discovered by explorers. It was fascinating and a nice little hike to the top.
Playing in trees is still one of Nattie's favorite things to do...
