Trip to the Zoo!

On Wednesday of the same week we went to the zoo. We weren't sure if the weather was going to hold off for us, but it did and I so glad we went. They had this exhibit going on I believe it was called "Walk with the Dinosaurs". That was really cool. I am glad we got to experience it. It was a bunch of Robot dinosaurs and made you feel like they were real. Above is one of the dinosaurs with the kids.
I thought this was a great shot of Spence with a Sea Lion.
Jared with the kids in front of the T-Rex dinosaur
The family at the Zoo

Later that day was Lexi and Spence's first soccer practice of the year. Lexi has played soccer before, but this is Spence's first year. This is a picture we took at his very first soccer practice. He is getting to be so big. Oh for those of you that don't know they are both playing soccer (on different teams). So we will be being pulled two different directions the next two months. Luckily not very many of there games will conflict. The kids are both looking forward to playing.

After the kids soccer practice we decided to head out to the coast until Friday. So we mad rushed got everything together and headed to the coast to visit with Jared's family and spend time at the beach.

Trip to Oaks Park!

The last week in August Jared took off from work, so we wanted to fit in as much family fun as possible. On Monday of that week we went to the Library so that the kids could turn in their reading logs that they had been doing all summer and get a t-shirt for doing so. They work hard a summer for that so it was a big deal. Then on Tuesday we went to Oaks Park. The kids had received discount coupons for doing the reading program and so we decided it would be fun to go there, since Spence had never been there and Lexi hadn't been there for a long time. We had arrived on that side of town early so we decided to stop at a park by the river and take a walk and then have some lunch. After lunch we headed over to Oaks Park and enjoyed the rides. The kids had so much fun riding the kiddie rides and spending time together.

The kids and I by the river
Jared and the kids at the picnic bench
Me and the kids same place
The kids riding a ride
Another ride

Bella having her first Carousel ride. She loved it!

Jared, Lexi and Spence on the Ferris Wheel

Spence and Lexi on the little train they have there

Bella on the train ride she look like she is being so patient, but really she didn't like sitting down during the ride.

Lexi Birthday Celebration!

Lexi had her seventh birthday at the end of August. We had a family birthday party before her birthday that I didn't get pictures of (my sisters took pictures for me and I haven't got them yet). One of the major presents that she received at the family birthday party was an American Girl doll that looks a lot like her. Below is a picture of her with her doll. She has always wanted one and so when I was at the American Girl store in Chicago I got her one (with the help of family). She couldn't believe it because I always told her that they were too expensive. Some of my siblings also got her some clothes to go with the doll. She has a little bed in her room for her doll and keeps her in a special place. She is so sweet about it.



For her actual birthday we had kids birthday party at a bowling alley. She wanted to have a bowling party ever since one of her other friends had one. Her friends and her had so much fun and she enjoyed seeing some of her friends from Aloha (I think that was the highlight of the party). Spence also got to go bowling with us and it was his first time. I really didn't get a great shot of him bowling, sorry!

Lexi bowling at her party
Group picture of the kids eating
The girls and Spence at the bowling party

After bowling we headed home and had a small birthday birthday party of our own. Then we headed off to her favorite restaurant Red Robin. Above is a picture of her with a milkshake again. What is up with her and milkshakes? She sure does love them.

Lexi getting her sundae and being sung too

The family with the famous Red Robin (we didn't know he was going to be there)

Happy 7th Birthday, Lexi! You are growing up so fast and turning into such a big girl. We all love you so much!!

Saddle Mountain

On August 11th, part of Jared's family decided that it would be fun to climb Saddle Mountain. I had never hiked Saddle Mountain and didn't know really what to expect, except that we would be hiking. Luckily we had practiced on other trails to help the kids get ready. It was a long hike and took us all 5 hours to climb up and back again. Jared's mom and Gracie, Craig's daughter stayed at the bottom. It was hard work, but great fun. Especially doing it with family.

The girls before we started

Spence playing in Jeff's van

Group picture of us all before we started up the mountain, minus Craig's family (they were late)

Bella travelling in style on Jared's back

Half way up

Lexi and Spence being cute

Bella happy to be out of her backpack, Lela was also happy to be on the ground

Brian, Mica, Pam, Lela Craig and Delia at the top

Two of Drew's friends, Drew, Rowan, and Jeff at the top

Our family at the top

Mark, Mia, Joe and Nathan at the top

Grandpa Cheney with all the grandkids that made it to the top

Spence and Lexi all tuckered out on the way home

Bella wide awake

Mommy/ Daughter Sleepover in Seaside

Lexi has really wanted to sleep in a hotel at the beach (I guess Grandma and Grandpa's house isn't good enough). Anyway so I finally set a date and we went at the end of July. So the whole family went out to the beach and Jared, Spence and Bella stayed at his parents house and Lexi and I headed to SeasideWe started out by checking in to our Hotel. It was more like an apartment then a hotel room. It had everything a kitchen area, dining area and even a dishwasher and washer and dryer it was a great place to stay. After we checked in we went downstairs for a swim in their indoor pool. I didn't get any pictures of that since we were in the water and by the water so I didn't want to bring the camera down with us.After swimming we went to Pig N Pancake. Lexi had pancakes of course (she loves pancakes). Jared told her to try the coconut syrup, but she didn't like it. She also got a milk shake all her own she liked that.

After dinner we walked around Seaside and rode the Carousel together....

played miniature golf...

Walked down to the beach....

Lexi took this picture...

Another down by the beach, then we headed back to the hotel where we watch a new "Strawberry Shortcake" movie and I painted our fingers and toes. Then we went to bed!

In the morning we had a complimentary breakfast....

Lexi enjoyed the sun....

Then we played in the water for a little bit....

Played a little "Deal or No Deal" and other arcade games

Had an elephant ear right before lunch, Lexi thought that was fun..

Then had lunch at McDonald's before heading back to the rest of the family!

I loved spending one on one time with Lexi and realized that I need to try and do this more often and have one on one time with Spence and Bella too.