Adoring Karen

We got to meet Baby Karen today! Mom and Aunt Katy haven't seen her mom, Rachel, since Nathan and Karen's older brother, Holden, weren't much older than she is now. Karen is a beauty and we were amazed at how mild-mannered she is.  Thanks for taking the time out of your busy weekend to see us, Rach!

Whistler

It all started with a birthday party for Grandma.

 Then we headed north with a stop at the mining museum.  We've been planning this for two years.

 Panning for gold.

Then there was a hike after a morning of swimming.

With a visit from the moss-people.

Next we took a long bike ride with a stop for the playground, tennis, picnic, and water play.

Beautiful setting for a water park, eh?

 

We stopped to see the seaplanes on the way home.

Another day, another bike ride!

This time with a stop at our favorite swimming hole.

Is he a fish or a duck?

Swimming out to the dock with Dad.

We spent a day at the top of the mountains.  (Yes, that is purposefully plural.)  We rode the gondola up Whistler Mountain.

Snow in July!

These kids are troopers!  They literally hiked up the mountain until the adults were tired.  Elsa didn't get carried at all, and still had a smile on her face at the turn-around point.

Heading back down the trail with Grandma while Mom and Dad attempted to catch up with Grandpa.  (Which they didn't do; he passed them on his way down from the top.)

Lunch stop with a view.

Chairlift up to 7th Heaven on Blackcomb Mountain.

Chairlift down.  Nathan literally fell asleep on the lift.  Now that's a sign of a great day.



What a fun week with fun people!  Can't wait to see what we do next!  Cabo, anyone? :)

I got a butterfly mask at vacation Bible school today!

Arrrrrrr, Matey!



2 years old going on 20

Nathan walked up to me today and said, "I just double-checked outside and there is no lightning tonight." 
Where did that come from?!

Oma and Grandpa Al's Visit

These are a few belated pictures from Oma and Grandpa Al's visit.

Waiting for the 4th of July Parade.

Showing Grandpa Al how to use the playground equipment.

Evan was such a good big brother.  He carefully helped Nathan get up the stairs to the top of this slide and then helped him down, too!

My first pony ride.

Mine, too!

Checking out the jellyfish.

Posing at the fountain.

What a fun visit!

First Catch!

It's that time of year again--when crabs loom large in the minds of our family, and the the next catch is never far away.

First crabbing outing of the season.  For us, at least.  Grandma and Grandpa had already been out this week.  Evan even got to drive the boat!

Great weather!  Can you tell it was sunny?

Singing with Grandpa.

Clam chowder on the beach.  Ask Dad how good Grandma's clam chowder is.

All that crabbing is exhausting!  This is how we slept for most of the night.

Grandparents' Visit

Oma and Grandpa Al came to visit last week. We had a great time celebrating the 4th, going to the beach, exploring the boardwalk and farmer's market, and playing at the playground. We are hoping for a few pictures from Oma because Mom didn't get her camera out much!

Banff Video

For all of those who have been waiting for pictures from our Banff trip, your patience has been rewarded!

Welcome, Baby Sean!!

Welcome to our family, Baby Sean Michael!  We hope you go easy on your parents, Mike and Jenn, and ease them into those sleepless nights.  We can't wait to meet you!