Sunday, August 16, 2009



Coral is going to be a Sophomore this year! She has been having fun with her friends this summer....swimming, going to the beach....hanging out with Avery and Mikaya, and I have loved having her home during part of the day to chat with. The other day Avery said, "Coral, I want to spend some time with you because I love you!" So Coral took some time right then to spend with Avery one-on-one.

End of Summer Vacation to Portland

We had so much fun enjoying everyone's company on our trip to Portland last week, to see Grandma Sandi and Grandpa Paul. We went to the Children's Museum, the Family Fun Center, had a barbecue, went to the local playgrounds/water fountains, visited the temple, went to the river, and played games. I don't know how we fit it all in?? We were able to see Great Grandma Montelius, which was so fun. Our kids are so lucky to have such wonderful grandparents on both sides of the family! The kids also got to see their Uncle Drew. We feel very lucky to have such a great family!......we missed you Coral!





Grandma got stung!




On Monday, we all went out to a beautiful spot, in the mountains, that Sandi had found while taking a writing class this summer. Paul, Curtis, and Avery were the only ones brave....I mean crazy enough to get in the freezing water! Even Mikaya got in! They seemed to have a blast swimming in it. The rest of us put our feet in the water, relaxed, and then we all enjoyed a delicious lunch that Grandma Montelius and Sandi prepared. We couldn't have asked for better weather or better company.





The beautiful Portland temple, where Aunt Holly was married.





The Children's Museum......






Great Grandma Montelius and Grandma Sandi (mom) took us to the Children's Museum. Avery and Mikaya pretended to buy food from a simulated grocery store that was so well done, even to the very last detail. They were able to dig in the simulated gravel pit, listen to story time, discover their inner acting ability in the theater room, and play in the water works zone. I was so impressed with this museum!






We all went to the Family Fun Center and it was fun for the whole family.....or at least it seemed like we had as much fun as the kids. Sandi, Curtis and I followed the kids through the tunnels and slides, and Paul and Avery went on the Frog Jumper ride together.



Picking some sweet peas in Grandma's and Grandpa's garden. Yumm!!



Mikaya takes a break to make some funny faces.





Hanging out and reading some books in the tent Grandma Montelius made for Curtis and his brothers and sister when they were young. So fun that Curtis's mom saved it for her grand kids to use also!




































Curtis made some Bristle Bots (toothbrush robots) for Avery and Mikaya. They loved watching them twist and move. They look so serious here!!