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!
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....
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!
Beckett and Sophie
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!