Lake Almanor 2013 (Part 3 - At the Cabin)

There is nothing like just hanging out on the deck, especially with friends and a snowcone.

 We spent plenty of time making and consuming GOOD food.  Bruce and Leon were the grill masters.

 No week at the lake is complete without pedicure - even the men and boys.

 Luci and Jayden have been "buds" every year.  Luci remembered Jadyen from two years ago and told her mom that she couldn't wait to see her "boyfriend" again.  Granted, there WAS another "boyfriend" that was coming to the lake the following week, but Luci and Jayden made the most of their time together.  It was super cute.

"I love Jayden" and "I love Luci"

 Wii dance parties are also a fun tradition.  These kids have so much energy, but there is one of them crashed on the couch in the background.

 Really - the lake is the most peaceful, relaxing place.

Could it get any better than this?  What a great vacation for everyone.

Back Row Standing:  Dallin, Michiel, Migel, Hayden, Jeremy, Russ, Raquel, Sam, Megan, Landon, Cameron, Stephanie, Leon, Katie, Anthony, Bruce;  Front Row Sitting: Victor, Tyler, Jayden, Luci (standing), Grace, Buddy the dog, Hanneke, Marisa, Allison - and Dozer the dog.

Lake Almanor 2013 (Part 2 - Out on the Water)

There's something about being towed behind a boat that just thrills a kid - old and young.

Cameron, Landon, and Hayden waiting for the fun to begin.

 Cameron and Landon could have towed around on the tubes all day. 

 Allison and Jayden did a whole lot of screaming.  I guess they were having fun, even if Leon WAS a super, crazy driver.  I guess that's part of the fun - not sure.

 All the kids had to get in on the action together.

Victor, Cameron, Landon, and Allison

 This picture was originally taken for the view behind us, but it also proves that I WAS there.

 Dallin looks forward to kneeboarding every year and had no trouble getting the knack of it again.

 Jayden didn't stay up as long as Dallin, but I think that's because he was trying to hot dog it too much.

 Cameron was just happy to get up after swallowing half of the lake trying to get up.  He had to be reminded to let go of the rope once he fell off rather than being dragged.  Gulp.

 Landon was a little apprehensive about knee boarding, but once he got up, he was all smiles.

 The Jet Skis were nearly always in use.

 Dallin was quite stoked to be 16 this year and able to drive one on his own.  He was actually quite gutsy on the thing, much to my dismay.

 Okay - so this picture is also just to prove that I was there, AND that I can actually DO something.  It may not be pretty, but it's "something" - right?

California 2013 - Next Stop, Lake Almanor! (Part 1 - On the Beach)

 Lake Almanor is one of those magical places that make you want to savor every moment.  We were so lucky to be able to go again this year.  Just about every picture has great scenery behind it - that's just how Lake Almanor is.

~

The kids spent hours playing on the dock - jumping off, pushing others off, getting some sun, and just chilling.

  Leon had the right idea - just on his own, wherever the waves and paddles took him. 

 There were little, tiny fish all over the place.  Landon told me that he "caught a fish THIS big" - not hard to do considering the sheer numbers of them. 

Of course, being on the beach you just HAVE to make a sand castle.  

 The kids always had something to do - even if it was just a quick paddle around the dock. 

"Buddy" the dog even got in on the canoeing action.  

 The last night we were there, the kids just couldn't come in off the dock.  The view was amazing - can't blame 'em, but... 

 ...they were actually having jumping contests off of the dock.  They were freezing cold, but having so much fun.

California 2013 - First Stop, Gilroy!

After a long 12-hour drive, it was so nice to finally get to California.  It didn't take long for the boys to find the zip line and have some fun. 

Of course, we had to also check out the swimming pool at Marisa's parents' house.

The kids kept reminding me all through the trip that we need a dog.  Buddy was a lot of fun for the kids to play with and never got tired of running after sticks.

We had a great time visiting with Grandma Visnaw, Uncle Bruce, Aunt Marisa, Katie, Megan, Allison, and Hayden.  Unfortunately, I wasn't very good at taking pictures.  Boo.  This was the first year that we missed our traditional "couch picture."

The boys also had fun hanging out and playing "Minecraft", playing with the goats, shooting guns and arrows, and visiting.

Thanks for having us!

Let's Not Forget the Fourth

I can't believe that I almost forgot to post about the 4th of July.  Since Leon was the one taking pictures with his camera, I guess I just assumed that life only happens on MY camera.  But, here are the highlights - thanks, Leon.

~

All of the cousins went to the 4th of July parade and were generous enough to share their loot with us lame-os who didn't go.

Of course, the pool was the favorite place for the kids to hang out.

Me, I preferred the comfort of the deck, which Laurel made look like a picture from "Better Homes and Gardens".

After a great barbecue we headed up to Davis High for fireworks.  We got there early enough for the kids to throw a ball around and for the adults to visit.

Aunt Traci was the glow stick hook-up. (Traci, Cameron and Rex)

Laurel and I had the best view.  Let's just say that there was a "happy couple" next to us that kept things lively.  Hmm.  We were laughing so hard I thought Laurel was going to pee her pants.

Leon tried his hand at capturing fireworks.  He got some pretty good ones.

 The fireworks show was amazing.  Usually, we compare every show to Orem Summerfest and every show falls short.  But, this year Davis High won - hands down.  The show went on for over 20 minutes and just kept getting better and better.

 Happy 4th of July!

Landon's Baptism

Landon turned 8 back in April, but chose to wait to be baptized in July so that Dallin could baptize him.  It was crazy to think that we were already to this point.  It seemed so far away when Landon was a baby and we talked about Dallin being 16 when Landon turned 8 and able to baptize him.

 Dallin took his responsibility very seriously and the two of them looked forward to the day.

 Leon was a bit sad to relinquish the job since Landon is his last son.  But, he couldn't deny Dallin the opportunity.  Leon did a great job with the Confirmation, though.

 Landon is a pretty happy, smiley guy, and his baptism day was no exception.

 Anyone in the Windsor Stake can attest that every family has a few pictures with this same rock wall background - gotta' do it.

 We had a lot of great family support with aunts and uncles participating in the program and everyone coming over to the house for food afterward.

 The Knowlton clan:

 The Eddington clan:

 The ice cream scooping clan: (Thanks, Bronte and Savanah for rescuing that ice cream!)

 Landon was also blessed to receive such nice, thoughtful gifts.  He was excited to finally have his own journal and tie tacks like his brothers.

 Grandma and Grandpa were even thoughtful enough halfway across the world to get Landon started on his own scriptures.  Unfortunately, he'll have to wait a few weeks until the new 2013 edition comes out.  I guess being 8 is all about waiting - waiting an extra 2 months to be baptized and now waiting another month for scriptures.  He is sure anxious to get them, which I think is really cute.

What a great day.