Family photos 2024

While we were at the beach, we took family photos. 

First ones with all of us in six years!

Caleb's Baptism

My littlest man is now baptized!

He and I went and too some pictures and he was so practical about it. 

He just focused on taking the pictures.

Probably because I'd promised that after the photos, we'd go out to get a treat:

Gelato! A couple of ladies told him how handsome and adorable he was, all dressed up in his suit. And it's true, he is pretty adorable.

There and Back Again

Driving to Oregon is long. Driving to California and then back home again? Even longer. 

But we did it. 

Lots of snacks

And lots of breaks.

Getting out of the car is essential to everyone's mental health!

Plus, spinning in circles is just fun.

A Day of Rest

During our trip to California, we made the choice to be intentional with our Sabbath Day. That meant going to church (even on vacation), spending time with family, and going to the LA Temple. 

Of course, it was hot, so the interior of the Visitor's Center was very welcome. We watched church videos 

and built temples with the toys.

And we had to take a picture (or 7) the Christus statue, 

Bubbling pits and honorable knights

While in California for Disneyland (and dolphins), we also took a jaunt into LA proper and went to the La Brea Tar Pits.

(Shade was always a hot commodity for us this trip...)

Sharks, rays, lorikeets, and DOLPHINS!

Our trip to California was obviously about Disneyland. Of course it was. But we wanted to do some other things, too. For our budding marine biologist, we decided to check out the Aquarium of the Pacific.

Happiest Vacation on Earth

Earlier this month, we took a big trip. Lots of driving, to end up in California.

And at... Disneyland!

How magical.

We, along with my parents, spent 2 days at Disneyland and one day at California Adventure. 

Mays in July

My mom, dad, and Loradona came to visit us the last couple weeks of July. We went on a ton of adventures with them, 

exhausting us all but having a blast. 

One of our adventures was a long day trip to Jasper. 

Kyler couldn't come, so thanks to Dad and Loradona for sharing in the driving duties. I couldn't have do it without you!

My family actually drove through Jasper on their way to visit us, but the wildfire smoke was so bad that they couldn't see the mountains while they went.

The view was a bit better during our day trip.

Mom and Dad had been to Jasper during the winter, but summer means being able to do some things that are too icy in the winter.

Like Maligne Canyon (which you can ice climb in, apparently. Not a thing we did last winter).

Loradona was the butterfly whisperer. 

I don't quite know why it liked her, but it did.

I love the views in the canyon. My parents and Loradona headed back, and the kids and I went a little further down, to the Fourth Bridge.

Kids thought it was hard, but they did it. 

And we can do hard things.

Like Mount Edith Cavell. Craig desperately wanted to do this hike, so most of us did. 

I liked that if some people weren't feeling up to the full climb, there were picnic tables for them to wait at

right next to the stream. It was such a beautiful day!

And we made it to see Angel Glacier!

Happy Craig in his happy place.

Caleb made it up to the end of the hike with "Cappy," his cap, encouraging him along the way.

Our final stop in Jasper was Athabasca Falls, which Mom and Dad did see in the winter.

Much louder in the summer, though!

I tried to get the kids to take a picture with Loradona.

It... um... worked?

Mom and Dad posed nicely for me, though!

Speaking of Mom and Dad, on their anniversary, we headed downtown.

First stop was to see Doug and Bob.

Obviously. 

Then we took a tour of the Alberta Legislature.

It was fun to hear about the history of the building, including the hamburger in the archives and the "magic spot" where you can hear the fountain, 3 floors down, as if it is right behind you.

And after our tour, we had to play in the fountains outside.

Do you see his footprints? He is soaked!

Also on their anniversary, we took Mom and Dad (and Loradona!) out to a sports bar to watch Women's World Cup.

And watch Mom be ridiculously silly. I love you, Mom!

When we went out to go to out to dinner we found the car wouldn't start. So the next morning, Dad helped me change the battery

Before we went to another national park, albeit a bit closer to home: Elk Island!

We hiked around, ate a picnic lunch, saw bison, and generally enjoyed our time together.

It's not large, but I do enjoy having Elk Island so close to home.

Throughout their time here, we also had time to just hang out

And be a little bit silly.

We also played a game (or more...) of Yahtzee, as is tradition.

Craig had is best game ever, with 3 Yahtzees and a final score of 518. Way to go, dude!

Walks and reading.

The two most important activities.

After all that fun, the end of the visit was a bit of a let down. Everyone (*or at least all the adults) got sick and was super miserable. 

So we did chill things. 

Oh well. It was still a great visit and I love having my family here. Thanks for coming and hanging out with me!