Banks Lake 2017

 We just returned from another amazing trip to Banks Lake.  It never dissapoints.  It was 6 glorious days of sunshine, relaxing, and lots of laughs.  It was a small group this year since we had the only boat.  Every day we piled 6 adults and 4 kids on the boat and tube (plus floaties, coolers, etc) and headed out to a beach or cove for a new adventure (Waikiki, cow cove, boulder beach).  We spent our days lazily floating on unicorns or watermelon floaties, sipping adult beverages and just plain relaxing.  The evenings were spent around the campfire, making s'mores and telling stories.  We did one booze/ snooze cruise to stargaze.  The kids slept in the bow and the adults watched the shooting stars.  Pretty awesome.

 One day started out a little cloudy and drizzly so we decided to try out a new spot.  We found a tiny little beach in the middle of some big rocks and put up shelter there.  We promptly named in "Boulder Beach" (every beach we find has to have a name!)  We drank mimosas while the kids explored and waited for the rain to pass.  The sun eventually came back out and we spent the rest of the day swimming, floating, fishing and cliff jumping.  It was one of my favorite days! 

 This was the first trip to Banks for the Veh's new puppy Cash.  He did amazing camping and boating. A natural.  He fits right in with our crew!

 Lance and I won back the title as "Holy Balls Champions!"  We stole the trophy back from the Rychlinskis and are now proudly displaying it in the boat.  (Totally forgot to get a picture of it.  In fact I don't think Lance and I took any pictures together on this trip.  Oh well- we were too busy having fun I guess!)

 The kids played so well together.  There were some days of grumpiness (mostly Carson) and a few arguments, but overall they had a blast together.

 The kids pretty much spent every waking hour on the triple tube.  They would ride it every day to the beach and back.  (If you've ever been to Banks with us you know this is a long trip.)  They got more and more brave as the days went on, doing somersaults and tricks while riding.  It was pretty cute to watch.

Another great Banks trip in the books.  New memories made.  See ya next year Banks Lake! ☮

Sweet Summertime!

 I just had to post these cute pics of the kids helping me with chores recently.  They are such big helpers.  Carson is the surprise helper... he likes to do things without me knowing and then surprise me.  I came downstairs the other morning and found him up on the counter doing dishes.  So sweet!  Rylee always wants to help me clean and organize.  She's a little type A just like her momma!

 I've gotten to see my BFF's lots recently and it is awesome!  I love spending time with them so much!  We got away for a much needed girls night, and the next day had some backyard sun and pool fun.  

 I'm trying to soak up my last little bit of time alone with Carson before he starts school.  I will miss my little sidekick so much!  I'm trying not to think about it too much right now and instead focus our time on making memories. 

This weekend we spent 2 fun filled days on the boat with friends.   So much fun!  This is what summertime is all about.  Fishing, sun, swimming, floating, beers, boating, friends.

Summer update

Rylee had to get 2 teeth pulled and she took it like a champ!  I think mom was more worried than she was.  She was so brave.  Afterward she wrote this letter to the tooth fairy and left the 2 teeth with her little doll.  She woke up to $5.00 and a specialty caramel.  

Rylee is still taking horse lessons.  She has improved so much in the last year and has gained so much confidence.  She loves Rain so much.  She always talks about how she is going to have a farm and horses when she grows up.  You go girl!

We've been trying to get in as much boat time as possible.  It's our happy place.  There's just something about being on the water in the sun without a care in the world.  Ultimate relaxation.

We've been spending time with our friends baby (Jacob) as well.  He is the sweetest thing and we all love him so much!

Rylee and Carson have had a couple of extended sleepovers with my parents at the beach house.  It's the best summer camp!  Beach, pool, boating and tubing, late night movies, paddle boarding and kayaking.  These two have such a rough life!  

Last weekend we went camping at Lake Tanawax.  Its a small lake only about 45 minutes away.  It was fun just to get away.  The kids loved sleeping in the tent, making s'mores around the campfire and riding their bikes all around the campground.  Lance caught about 20 fish and was in heaven.  Coulee was on her best behavior.  I think she was just so happy to finally be able to go somewhere with the family!  She was so exhausted by the last evening that she passed out on Carson's sleeping bag.

It's been a great start to the summer... can't wait to see what the next month and a half brings!

Happy 9 years to us!

 Lance and I managed to get away for a weekend to celebrate our 9th anniversary.  We went down to Portland, stayed in a swanky hotel, and had lots of fun exploring and adventuring.  We slept in, went out to nice dinners, walked downtown to the farmers market, and beer tasted at the Portland craft beer festival.  It was a short but sweet getaway.  Happy 9 years to us!

Last day of school!

First day of school and last day of school.  She grew up so much this year.  Seven going on seventeen!  She had a fantastic year.  She loved her teacher, Mrs. Schukantz, and made lots of new friends.  Her reading skills have improved so much.  She is reading chapter books now and loving it. Her favorite subject was PE (of course) and recess!

Peace out first grade!  ☮