It's A New School Year And Time For 3rd Grade!

Where has the time gone?! Each year I feel the same way and think to myself "I can't believe I have a 1st grader, or I can't believe I have a 2nd grader". Now it's "I can't believe I have a 3rd grader!".

It is very true that as you get older, your children get older, and even having more children can make time fly by faster. I am always reminding myself that my little ones will be grown ups before I know it and all of the little things in life that occupy my time can wait because the time with my children is precious.

Thank goodness Griffen is still a little boy and wants me to walk him to the bus in the morning, always gives me a kiss and hug goodbye, and waves goodbye from the bus window. In the blink of an eye he will be in middle school so I am going to soak in every moment!

Griffen reading morning scriptures to Knox

Yummy special request breakfast

He's such a good big brother!

Waiting for the bus with the boys

"Bye Fen"

Ohanapecosh at Mount Rainier

We managed to sneak in a 2nd camping trip this season. We went to Mt. Rainier over Labor Day Weekend so it marked the end of the summer for us.
Unfortunately Griffen wasn't able to go with us this time but we will make sure that we plan for next year because he was pretty bummed that he didn't get to go.
It is nice to get away from all of the hustle and bustle so that relaxing is just about the only thing you can do. We had no cell phone coverage which made it impossible for me to attempt to work and really gave us the opportunity to spend quality time as a family.
Matt and Knox hiked Silver Falls while I stayed at camp and read. At 36 wk pregnant a 2 mile round trip hike just didn't sound appealing.
We enjoyed spending time with Grandma, Pam, Ryan, Renae, and the cousins. It was especially fun to see Knox and Kaas play together, and they were nice to each other for the most part.
In the evenings we enjoyed the campfire, smores, and games of dominoes.
Matt and I decided that on our list of "wants" for next year we would like to get a tent trailer. With additional little ones on their way it would make things so much easier. We will see!
The one thing I'm sure of is that we will be reserving our site for next year in about April!

Going on a hike with daddy

Trying to sneak out of the tent with Turk

Knox earned his Junior Ranger patch

Learning about the animals around Mt. Rainier

Ice cream cones while camping :)

Turk stealing the air mattress in the tent

Kisses from my sweet Knox

Getting Our Squeal On at the Evergreen State Fair!

It only happens once a year so we take advantage of the time to walk around, look at the animals, see the exhibits, eat some bad-for-you food, and experience a few rides!

Griffen's requested Christmas present......maybe in a few more years

Griffen asked if we could take one home. If it was up to me we would!

He was in love with the piglets!

Giving cow kisses

Griffen had a blast doing flips on the tramp!

Fish Lake Camping - August 2012

Our plan for the summer was to get in at least 2 camping trips. It wasn't until August that we were able to find time for our first trip. I thought Leavenworth would be a great location because it is only about a 2 hour drive and we are almost guranteed that the weather will be beautiful.
We found a great location just 20 minutes west of Leavenworth - Fish Lake!
It was a great 2 day getaway for the family. We attempted to fish and although we had a couple nibbles we were never able to reel one in. Griffen was a little dissapointed but there is always next year!

Griffen does such a great job helping to setup the tent!

Camping breakfasts are always the best!

All of my boys swimming at Lake Wenatchee!

Last smores roast of the trip