Summer Camp Saved Me...

Thank Jesus for summer camp! I was really nearing my wits end with Ethan, the tail end of summer proving to be too much. Then a friend reminded me of the wonderful camp right down the street. What was I thinking, I should of had him here three weeks ago!!! I can't say enough about Fircreek. Waterfront property and talking constantly about the fruits of the spirit? What more could I ask for?! During the time spent at camp this week Ethan was able to inner tube behind a boat, kayak, jump off the Aqua Jump and climb the rock wall, all very adventurous! Most importantly he learned a little bit more about Gods character! Ethan loved every minute of it and I loved the peace and quiet at home!! It was an excellent break for both of us... Thank you Fircreek!

It was the end of the day and I loved all the sun kissed, exhausted faces...

This picture reminds me of good ol' fashion summer camp, I hope he made good memories!

Samuel & Company...10 Days Old

What a great job I have got going... This was such a fun shoot. These three are adorable! To see more go to Amy Fields Photography. Thank you to all my friends who are referring people to me for pictures!!! I appreciate it so much!

Yip and Yap...

We biked a mile into the North Lake Whatcom trail to jump off the rope swing yesterday. Because of the many waves from all of the boats, the water at the bottom of the drop made the rope jump seem a little intimidating! We found this little spot to swim instead. The boys of summer are sure cute and it is a good thing because lately their behavior is not!

Camera Fixed!

I am so happy, I was anticipating a long send-away repair. The genius guy at Quicksilver fixed it while I watched, what a relief! I just love little bed head boy in the mornings... So back in business!

Mt. Baker day hike...

During Joe's last visit we decided to spend the day up at Mt. Baker, what a beautiful day! I am still trying to wrap my brain around this relationship. We get along so beautifully! God knew exactly what we needed. I feel so blessed to be able to spend this quality time together and although the kids and I were starting to feel like a complete, whole family with just the four of us, it feels so incomplete when Joseph has to return to NV. Please pray for all the details, if everything goes smoothly he plans on joining us in Bellingham in two to four weeks, I can't wait!!! During his visit he was able to take Ethan and Jack fishing, we took the kids to the fair and had to return home during the drive to a ferry ride for naughty behavior... Not mine, Ethan's... Sadly this will be it for pictures for a while, I dropped my camera at the fair. Big Huge Bummer. When my camera is busted, it takes a bit of my joy away. Here is to a speedy repair!

Blueberry Pickin'

This is obviously the day before Bellie busted her ankle... :( I don't know why I think this is so fun but I love to pick Blueberries. Until I get home and then I clearly state "what... was I thinking?" What on earth do you do with 26.5 pounds of blueberries? In all seriousness if you have any good recipes please, please email them to Amy trying to use up Blueberries @ amy.fields@comcast.net
Thanks Simone for inviting us! To see more of the yearly event click Blueberries!

Ohhh Come On!!!

Yes, broken ankle... neither the boys or I saw it happen. I think it was a tumble down the stairs or a dance move gone wrong. We found her sobbing, crawling up the stairs. Poor Baby... It is a clean break, still aligned so thank God we did not have to get it set by an orthopedic surgeon. This cast on for four weeks, poor Mommy...

So this is where we will sleep...

Oh and to lose our pool time, ahhhhh....

and this is where we will eat, bummer bellie girl...

My Conclusions from 1,918 Miles in 28 Hours, 52 Minutes...

During our travels over this past week to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, during the time spent with my family and the miles back I have come to the following conclusions:

1. This is the third annual 'meet my parents half way' vacation and on the previous two treks I had to prove to myself that I could do it without a stinkin man! I proved that I can. Conclusion, I am not doing this again without our man and I feel blessed to have found such an amazing one in Joe.

2. Ethan is a great little traveling companion when he is not instigating fights in the back seat.

3. My dad is a great grandpa and that he and EE are cut from the same cloth.

4. My children being true north westerners melt in the heat.

5. Jackers will do anything to make people laugh...including make faces from his food!

6. Wyoming is beautiful and this resort full of little cabins was great!

7. You can't keep brothers out of trees.

8. There are endless places to explore and not enough time to do it.

9. Jackson Hole is a cool little place complete with archways made from Elk antlers and the world famous Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, too bad I didn't have time to go in... :)

10. Jackers knows how to make a Wyoming centerpiece.

11. My parents are amazing people. We celebrated their 37th wedding anniversary during our trip. I admire their marriage and am thrilled to see them so happy! God had definitely blessed their marriage and that makes me so full of joy!

12. Grandpa is a great teacher

13. The landscape in Grand Teton National Park is truly breathtaking! You can't tell when the mountains end and the water begins.

14. Even these two boys need a break once in a while.

15. Bellie finds her true happy place in a pool of water.

16. If you are a true fisherman to your core even the smallest ones excite you.

17. My dad makes a delicious breakfast.

18. Boys can pee anywhere, in 1918 miles I am thankful for that!

19. A huge heap of antlers are completely fascinating to little boys.

20. This little girl loves the outdoors despite the fit she throws to leave her movie behind and you can't get her out of her pajamas to do it!

21. My dad, my son and myself love white river rafting!

22. Despite the Snake Rivers calm appearance The Big Kahuna got everyone on the boat soaked!

So my final conclusion is that I am incredibly blessed to have had this great experience! If you have 28 hours and 52 minutes and a willingness to endure countless fights from the back seat I highly recommend the drive!
Ajf
The complete set can be seen here on my flickr site.