Don't get wet....

 We met up with my friend Laurie and her 4 kids are the river to play. Laurie and I were in the same ward growing up and our moms are the best of friends. Her mom was my favorite YW leader. She was just amazing and I strive to be the kind of leader that she was to me. I never felt judged by her and always felt loved and important even long after I was in YW - married and had children. She still commented on how pretty I was and how wonderful it was to see me. Laurie is just as fun and amazing - it's a wonder we're friends. :) We even spent a few months as roommates at BYU. Love that girl. 

We started at the playground and it was too hot. Of course as it goes with every time we go to a park at my kids request - they never play and end up sitting right next to me. It was hot again, so we went down to the river to throw rocks in. Don't get wet we said.

you can see how well that worked out.

 totally soaked.

 time for a group photo

 well, close enough. Her baby was sitting with us. 

Megan, Lea, Mo, Abbey, Lucas, Bryce, Tyson (baby Lena - not pictured)

River time

 I grew up on this river. Skied, swam on New Years and Christmas day, had youth activities and loved being on the water. We didn't do it a lot that I remember - seems my dad has more time now that he's retired. ;) So summer is the best time because the COLD, FRIGID water feels great in the heat of the day. Yes it gets over 100 degrees quite often. Any chance to cool off and hang out with family - we'll take it.

Up first: Lea, Brendan and his friend Casey - Lea is totally excited!? (summer - 2013)

Imitation is the best kind of flattery right?!

 all too relaxing, so they come up with a new plan....

 surfing.

 another new plan that now involves Lea. :)

 She's all sorts of brave......until............

 a corner is turned and Brendan almost falls off! Taking Lea with him - Casey saved the day and pulled them both on.

 Next up - Calla, Lucas and Liz

 some sisterly bonding while Lucas holds on and tries to ignore that he's on with 2 of his girl cousins.

 some people have no fear and others not so much.

 Mo and Aunt Kristin

 The Queen of the West showed up and took over the dock.

 It's the skiers turn.

 btw - the river is not usually this empty - this is what it looks like on a week day. Saturday is crazy busy and borderline not safe with so many people, kayaks, boats, jetskis, wave runners, more boats and lots of people - makes for choppy water

 Brendan

 the viewing/cheering section

 me and I forgot to give the lesson on how to ZOOM - it is a beautiful view of the river.

 Kristin

 my dad

the kids wanted to jump in and swim to shore from the dock.

 gotta swim fast - it's COLD!

 Lea did not approve of the cold water and quickly climbed back into the boat - no swimming to shore for her.

time is flying by!

Time is seriously just rushing by! I'm not even finished blogging about the end of summer last year and school will be out in 7 weeks. 7 weeks?! It can't possibly be true. April is going to be our busiest scheduled month yet. I want my kids to play and be active while learning team sports and skills - this means I get to be mad, crazy, taxi, soccer mom for 6 weeks while helping coach Lea's softball team. I know most people think that's just insane and refuse to sign up their kids for anything at all, but I love it. It's how I grew up, I just never realized how crazy hectic it must have been for my mom to manage 7 children and their schedules, plus her schedule and my dad's, while he was busy coaching, working, taking care of the yard projects, teaching us to water-ski and both of them serving in church callings. My mom, doctor visits, ER, practices, games, more of all of those and then all the meals and still find time to stay sane and quilt with her friends. :) Not to mention should they ever have a sick day.....I rarely saw those. so without further ado - a blogging blitz. :)

Portland Childrens Museum

 Kids get in free day at the Portland Childrens Museum - can't pass that up. Kehau and Brandon joined us, sorry I didn't get a picture of them. It was CRAZY busy....kids had a great time that's all that matters.

The T-Rex looks totally thrilled to be a climbing toy.....

 Had to climb on the train - puhhhhh-lleeeeeaaaaassseeeee!!