Newport, day 3

 Ha! Do I dare say it?

poor, poor Jacquie!

 my guess here is that they were being mouthy -- lol!

I have NO idea where they learned that from!!

 oh Riley!!

there is sand eveeeeeeryyyywherrrrrre!

 so, when one is sandy.  

it's time to get buried!

 Jessica & Marissa adding the final touches!

 nice.

real nice.  triple-d??

 good times :)

 this is the perfect way to end a day!

 a walk on the beach!

not much sea glass :(

time to head back to the rooms.

it was a great day!

Newport, day 2

Jacquie's big day!!

Kevin & Jessica were able to come to Newport with us for a few days. This was perfect so that we could all go to the temple with Jacquie for her first time!!  The Newport Temple is beautiful!

 Kevin, Jacquie, Jim, & Judy!

 Newlyweds-- Kevin & Jessica!

The girls at the temple.

What a beautiful experience! 

Newport! Day 1

 August brought our family vacation in Newport Beach, California.

We couldn't have gotten better weather.  It was perfect.  Here are some shots from day 1.

 two babes

 creepy sea creature!!

 ah yes.  three babes ;0

 Divergent!!  The book of the summer!!

Divergent, Insurgent, and next year-- Detergent!! Right Marissa??

I have NO idea.

Nice shades. :)

I love the beach.

I can't help it

 :)

I just had to post a few more pictures!

 hot babes.

 I'm so glad he didn't drop her!

I told you she fits right in!

these incredible shoes didn't come without a price...

mainly that means Jessica's feet were sore for a couple of days!! But aren't they awesome!!!

I got this idea from Mark & Mallory's wedding!  I loved it!! Even if some of the grandparents couldn't be seen, we know they were there with us that day.

The luncheon was at the Lion House.  The salad, rolls, chicken, etc., were awesome.  Too bad I was already full when this came along.  Words can't describe how good it was!!!  Soon I need to get the Lion House cookbook--- because I think this recipe is in there!!  SO SO YUMMY!

awe :)

KEVINO!

 On September 10th, Kevin celebrated his 23rd birthday!!

His mom was still recovering from the crazy summer and neglected to post about his birthday!  I'm sorry Kevin!! I hope this belated one will make up for it!!!

 This picture was taken on Kevin's 1st birthday!  He had double ear infections, but still smiled for the camera!!!  What a trooper!

 I loved this jacket...

too bad it got left at school and stolen :(

Maybe I should get him a new addidas jacket for Christmas!!

 Kevin is such a great kid.  He was always willing to help so much with his younger siblings.  He prayed for many, many months to get a brother.  He loved his sisters, but he just couldn't handle the thought of getting one more!!!  I cried at Riley's ultrasound when we saw it was indeed a boy!! I cried because I was so happy for Kevin!! (and I wouldn't have to explain why Heavenly Father didn't answer his prayer!!!)

Kevin was a noisy little kid.... hmmm, some things never change!!

I love him dearly.  It nearly killed me when he left for college.  That prepared me to handle missing him during his two-year mission "trip."  I love that Kevin always calls me often.  He is a good, great son.  I checked up on him this week and Jessica confirmed that he is doing a great job as a husband too.

Happy (belated) Birthday Kevin!!

We love you!!

Kevin & Jessica

 I'm in love with so many of the pictures from Kevin & Jessica's wedding.

It was a beautiful day in Salt Lake.  Perfect for a beautiful couple!

 Our family :)

 Such a perfect couple!

 Of course!!

I was standing next to the photographer when these pics were taken.  I suggested she call out a few favorites...  crazy, open-mouthed, and my favorite-- serious!

 Yes, Jessica fits right in!

 Isn't she gorgeous!!

Jessica is indeed one of the most beautiful brides ever!

Kevin scored!!

 Of course, he's pretty handsome too!

 Such a perfect day!

 A rare kissing photo!

  

We are so blessed to have Kevin and his incredible wife in our family.  I loved their wedding day!! I didn't know what it would feel like to have one of your children get married. I've heard so many people say they are sad-- because they are losing their child. But I didn't feel like that at ALL!! I was so overwhelmed with gratitude to have this incredible girl join our family. She makes Kevin so incredibly happy. She is perfect for him-- and I think he is perfect for her.  Adding to the family is AWESOME!

Congratulations to Kevin & Jessica.

Sorry it took so long to do the official post!! :)

GIRLS' CAMP 2012

I promise to upload more great pictures from Kevin & Jessica's wedding.  But after the wedding, a week at EFY (for Riley & Andrea), a quick trip to Rexburg, a long drive home, the Bakersfield reception for Kevin & Jessica..... Jim, Andrea, and I headed to Big Meadow for a wonderful week at Girls' Camp.

This was Andrea's 4th year!!

That's a BIG deal at our girls' camp.  They leave camp on the 2nd day and head off into the wilderness for two nights.  They carry in everything. We love to take lots of pictures before they go... when we can still recognize their clean faces :)

One last picture before she heads off!! Despite having a dislocated shoulder... Andrea was a trooper and carried all her stuff plus food for her group.  She must get those hiking genes from her dad!!

Meanwhile, Jim & I, headed off an hour later as the hike leaders for the 3rd year girls.  We did the 2nd year hike for a few years, which was great. But I am in love with the 3rd year hike.  We hike (a nice, short hike!!) and stay one night in the wilderness. The girls get to repel on some nearby rocks.

It is wonderful and a very pretty little spot.  We had some great additional leaders too!!  Our youth leaders were awesome as well.  I SO couldn't have done it without these great ladies this year (you know, with 2 weddings and all!!)  We had a great hike and made some pretty awesome watermelon hats! (a tradition!!)

Finally Friday came and our 4th year girl came home.  Nice and dirty :) and most importantly spiritually fed.  We are so proud of this girl!! She is amazing :)