I am backdating a little for lack of blogging this summer. We took our first vacation on July 16th and headed out in the suburban for an all night, 18 hr car trip to good 'ol Grants Pass, OR.

Ethan took this picture from the 3rd seat in the suburban...here we go!

Our first casuality was Ethan falling asleep with gum in his mouth...it ended up on his shorts and his wallet he was holding...however we spared the Suburban seat! That's a success I would say.

As we drew closer to the Rogue Valley..times became tough with the twins...the result...LICORICE!!

We stopped in Central Point and visited with Judy Mitchell and let the kiddos stretch their legs

Finally at Grandma Jan's, Matt took the kiddos for a ride on Uncle Jason's motorcycle...they loved it.

Even lil' Em got a turn

Macy couldn't made it. She was sitting up in the playpen and just fell forward like this and fell asleep. I wish I could fall asleep anywhere...I used to...not after kids though....darn it!

Grandma Jan and Em chillin' by her pond

Our next part of our trip...we drove up to Loon Lake (a definite family favorite place to be) and camped with the Mitchell family and the Comyford family.

Our fam on the lake shore right next to our camp spot

The kids had a blast, and for Oregon, it was actually really warm and nice to swim

Shawna and some kiddos chillin' by the water

The girls catching some rays....and sand..as you can imagine trying to get that off of Emily at the end of the night in the campground shower....gotta love that Em

We always feel it a treat to do water sports with Mitch's boat. I grew up doing this so I love seeing my kids having the opportunity to as well.

Here's Matt enjoying the wakeboarding...and getting pretty good at it.

The Veek boys playing horseshoes





The Mitchell Family

Peyton and her dad

The kids spent hours upon hours catching salamanders...definitely a highlight of their trip

McKenzie and Miles

Traci and Miles

E man spent hours by the water...I love that

Our last leg of our vacation was spent in Portland with the Crowsons. This particular picture is one of my favorites. These two had been playing all afternoon. When I saw them sitting on this bench together...I asked them to pose for a picture. Emily grabbed his arm and said "best friends"...what a tender moment for a parent

Matt loves cooking for the Crowsons when he visits...Uncle Jerry also slow roasted some pork while we were there on his grill...he's an amazing cook himself. It was sooo good.

and Alex entertains the kids...which they totally love


the two Chefs

Sweet Aunt Susy and Miles

Alex and the girls

Miss Rachel and Brad were able to come up while we were there...it was a great visit

Susy and her mother Pat...whom I have never been able to spend much time with. I loved getting to know her a little better

Brad and Rachel

9 mos old on July 14th

These babies are

growing like weeds!

Miles was a little

serious this

morning...

Macy couldn't keep

her tongue

in control

They are pulling themselves upon everything!

Help!!

thanks Foutz's for a great visit

The girls had a great time together




















Dad patrol