Here we go again on another adventure with our good friends the DeLongs. This time we are off to the misty coast of Washington right along the Columbia river. It was so scenic that I could not get over it the whole time. As for you Twilight fans it was just as beautiful as your imagination. It was a long drive but we broke it up by a stay at a hotel on the way up where the kids all went swimming and stayed up late. We also made stops at a salmon ladder at a dam and took a hike to a waterfall. During our time we had many activities that included a hike to a lighthouse where the Columbia river meets the ocean. It is called Cape Disappointment, because of all the shipwrecks that happened at that point because of the current changes due to the river. It was fantastic to wake up to misty ocean air and go out on a beach all to ourselves and hunt for treasures. We had a DeLong against Jensen sand castle building contest and buried kids up to their necks. The kids found over 25 whole sand dollars, beached jelly fish, live crab and star fish and other shells and creatures stuck to the cove walls. We also tied died shirts and made crafts. Of course Melissa created yummy treats and we played games all night. We even had a family talent show for our Sunday activity which included Jensen kids as "chin faces" singing Poker Face by Lady GaGa, and the DeLong Family singing and doing actions to an Irish Folk song about Unicorns. I have never laughed so hard. I have to say we are lucky to have friends that love to go have a great time and love my kids. It made it a fun family trip. It has been so fun to introduce our kids to the world around them.

Kindergarten Graduate

Okay I may be a very slow blogger but it does not mean I don't care about keeping my family informed. The purpose of this blog was to unite my family that has all scattered to different states and has left me, the horrible letter writer, turned slow blogger, to keep them up to date. So I must now take a step back to the beginning of the summer and recap. Here is my lovely little Parker graduating from Kindergarten again. Never mind the size difference from one of his best friends he is so full of personality and it was the best decision to have him repeat Kindergarten. It never phased him that he was doing the same thing. He was just clearly more ready for it this year. He really enjoyed reading and passed every test with flying colors. I could not be more proud of my sweet sweet boy.

My little Charlie is 4

I can't believe I am posting on the actual date of an event. Today is Charlie's 4th birthday. This picture I put with this post is his new "look". Anytime we take a picture he does this with his hand now. I guess he takes after his dad (poser). I could go on and on about Charlie. He is a spitfire who has a lot of pride and has to be right. I have often referred to him as my little boy with a huge frustrated warrior for a spirit. It has to be tough for such a big person to be stuck in a little body. That is how I get through the day with him seeing him that way. On the other hand he can be so sweet and loving and smart and he will make a wonderful adult one day with all his great qualities. I will take him one year at a time and enjoy my little boy.

Valley of the Goblins....oooohhhh scary!

We just spent the weekend in Goblin Valley and it was fantastic!!! It was an amazing natural playground for the kids. They climbed and hiked everyday all day. We played hide and go seek in the valley and explored and had a wonderful 3 days there. We celebrated Cooper's 9th birthday while we were down there. All my kids are so impressive in there hiking. They really pushed theirselves and reached heights without fear.

Jensen Back yard Camp out

Every year we have a back yard campout in Steve's parents backyard on Memorial Weekend. It is a fun time to reconnect with family and catch up on what everyone is doing. Gregg and Jess came up with their kids from Las Vegas so it was so fun to see them. We had a great campfire with smores and an annual ghost story from Uncle Steven. We had great food including 6 foot subs and breakfast burritos and creamy italian chicken with rice. All in all it was a fabulous time that ends in a wicked water fight that gets everyone soaked and I mean hosed down soaked. (pictured Tiffany getting things started with a water balloon) Next year I won't wear jeans they are super heavy when drenched. We brought our puppy Quincy and she curled up in the car and napped through the water fight smart dog. There was even a baseball game the kids started (pictured Kaylee my cute 12 year old niece)

Sisters

I was so happy to host a shower with Natalie for our sister Stephanie. She was down in Utah from Pullman Washington for her annual cancer screening at Huntsman and we decided it would be a great time to throw her a shower and invite friends and family. Steph looked great and is having a little girl. They hope to name her Lindsay Christine Wright. She had a lot of friends from school that drove a long way to come and they got to stay and talk and I was happy to see them reconnect after so long. I was also so grateful for my inlaws that came to support my sister. My mother in law and both sister in laws came and gave her gifts. We had a great time and some great snacks a la chocolate fountain yummy.

Fun Family Hike

We took a day hike to Timanogos Cave and had such a great time. We of course were asked by the DeLongs our spontaneous friends and I am glad we went along. I called Steve up at work and said "We are coming to pick you up at 2:00 to go hiking and I am bringing you a change of clothes so get ready. All the kids agreed that the cave was worth the hike up there. We hiked straight up the mountain and I had to hold Charlie on my shoulders 2/3 of the way up and all the way down. So lets say that Angie got the biggest work out. We did strap on the bear backpack leash on Charlie due to the cliffs and it proved to let us breathe a little easier. I was amazed by the energy my kids had. Parker and Cooper could practically run to catch up and run back to tell us something and then run back up to the front. It was so beautiful and I recommend it to anyone who wants some great family time.