A Great End of July

Late Friday night, July 28th or actually 12:05 AM on the July 29th, Jason and his family arrived at the airport.  This was such a long awaited event.  We had been looking forward to this for many months.  The kids were wide awake and so good.  It took a little awhile for all of us to unwind and go to sleep. 

The next day was Ryan's baptism. It was a very nice program. His Uncle Eric and Aunt Amy both spoke. This was Amy's first talk to give at any church meeting since she was baptized a little over a year ago. It was simple, sweet and perfect for children who were the largest group represented.  She spoke on baptism and how choosing the right is like tasting the sweetness of an apple and not choosing the right is like tasting the sour of a lemon.  Uncle Eric gave a great talk on the Holy Ghost.  He demonstrated with a paper towel cardboard insert how when it is plugged up with paper, etc you can't hear the whisperings of the spirit, but when it is clear and open you can.  We can plug up our communications with the Holy Spirit with sin, being too busy and not listening .  They both had the attention of all the kids!  It was great!

After the baptism the whole family came to our house for a pizza party and playtime.  The kids especially enjoy the trampoline.  The balls and balloons make it even more fun.

Since Jason and Jenn weren't here for Ryans birthday, they gave him their present....a BB gun.  Ryan looks a little surprised, but he was quite pleased.

Look at all those boys so mesmerized at the demonstration by Jason.  Later they took it outside and practiced their shooting.    Just thinking.....baptism and a gun on the same day.....hmmmm!

Sunday, we all went to church.

A fun activity we did during the week was a trip to Dashpoint Park right on the Puget Sound.  It was a little on the cool side, but the kids didn't seem to mind.

Jackson, Brett and Brayden playing in the sand.

Testing the waters....felt too cold for me.

Blake is in heaven with all kinds of treasures from the Puget Sound.

Found a baby crab!

Brody taking a little rest. 

 

Jaylee picking up some of the seaweed found all over the beach.....especially since the tide was out.

Jennibelle making sure little shy Allie did not feel left out.   Allie loved Jenni's antics in trying to get her to laugh....it certainly worked.

Catie, Jaylee, Jenna and Ryan burying Tommy in the sand.

Jenna sharing Goldfish crackers  with Jenni.

Jason and James skipping rocks.  Jackson looking for one for himself.

Brian giving it all he's got!

Here you go, Jackson!  Your turn!

"I think this is how daddy does it."

You did it, Jackson!

Tuesday night was LDS Night at the Mariners game.  We all went.  That was sooooo much fun!  Everyone got a T-shirt.  Mark and I brought Jaylee, Jenni and Jackson because Jason and Jenn had spent the earlier part of the day in Seattle.  One little mishap.....while we were parking our car in the garage and getting the kids out we accidentally locked the keys,  and my purse in the car.  Bummer!  Mark found that AAA had someone at the stadium that are prepared for such things and tey had our car opened in a flash...and for free (since we are not currently members).  Whew!!!

Wednesday was Maria's birthday and Jamie's birthday is in August, too, so the ladies celebrated at Panera's for lunch.  The dad's and grandpa graciously watched all the kids.  That was impromptu and a sweet memory!

 

Through the years I have had pictures of the grandchildren taken sitting in front of our fence.  This year with 18 grandkids it seemed a little harder to get them all sitting, smiling and ready for the camera.  I think Rebecca got a decent picture.  Oh well.....au naturel!!