Alaska ... at last

We enjoyed every minute of our fabulous cruise this summer.  It was a first for us to take a vacation without our kids.  We decided to leave the kids with Grandma and Aunt Noanie and they had their own vacation while we were in Alaska.  There were many things I wished they could see but ultimately Alaska on a cruise ship is not ideal for children who are active.  I think if we go back to Alaska we will pick one area and fly in to stay for a week or so, and really explore it with the kids.

Click here to view this photo book.

Montana

This cute little chipmunk was quite at home with all the tourists walking by.  He would scurry about and stop for a quick snack while we took pictures.  
While Mark and I were in Alaska Barb and Joan took the kids on a bear adventure in the Grizzly Bear Park.  Unfortunately they have scaled back a bit and there are only 5 Grizzly Bears left to observe.  The kids took the pictures.

What is this crazy picture?  Another outing with Grandma and Aunt Joan.  They went to the House of Mystery where optical illusions are used to make you think you physically have to adjust to what you see.

Glacier National Park

My beautiful family taking a photo opportunity in Glacier National Park.  I don't know how many times Mark and I have gone to the park but each time I am impressed again my the majesty of the area.  What a mighty God to create something so beautiful.  This was the first time our kids really enjoyed the park and it's beauty.
Sisters...Barb and Joan!  We were thrilled that they could go with us sight seeing.  We packed a lunch and spent the day out in the park (Drew ate breakfast around 8 and started begging for his lunch at about 9:30!  You would think he was a growing boy or something!)
The valley in Glacier National Park - with the river winding through the bottom.  
We got out at the top and had hoped to catch pictures of the mountain goats but they were a little elusive - we saw them but couldn't get pictures quick enough.  I love the contrast of the robin and the snow in this picture...I think Jacob took the picture.
Our way out of the park...another ALMOST!  Just ahead of us someone saw a moose in a water hole on the side of the road.   We stopped but all we saw was the muddy water from the moose leaving!  

Regional Baseball Tournament

Drew was picked up as an extra player for the Diamondbacks this year.  There were parts of it we liked and parts we could have lived without.  Drew really loves to play baseball and so we joined this team when the Texans were eliminated at the city tournament level.  

4th of July

You can't live in Texas and not celebrate the 4th of July!  Of course, we do it with style ... we have a small town parade!  I think they made it more legitimate this year, I didn't see as many poster board advertisements walking the parade route.  It was fun hanging out with our friends and waving at other friends as they "floated" by.

I have to say I am Proud to Be an American.  How can you look at this flag and not be?  I still get teary every time I hear the National Anthem!  I love living here but one of the bonuses is being so close to Fort Hood and seeing military personnel in uniform all the time - what a powerful reminder to me to pray for them and thank them for their willingness to defend my family.

More 4th of July

Aren't these the cutest little girls you have ever seen?  They were fun to watch during the parade.  Abigail, Jasey and Bethany all wore their 4th of July shirts and waved their flags but my favorite part was the hair bows!

Jacob was really interested in the marching band and  drumline this year.  With him now playing percussion at the Middle School I think he was checking out his place for the future.  

Mom and her little girl!

 

I think it is so cool that Drew's team was on a float this year.  He really played for the Texans but was picked up by the Diamondbacks.  I think we had as much fun yelling and waving at him on the float as he had being on the float.  Whoever smuggled the squirt guns onto  the float was great - it was very hot.

This summer Bethany learned to completely swim on her own. We started with private lessons for a week but she still needed a little more teaching.  I became her instructor and we spent an hour or so in the pool at least 4 or 5 times a week.  By 4th of July she was jumping off the diving board and swimming to the side of the pool!  I am so proud of this little mermaid!

It's No Fair

I really thought this outfit would be cute on Bethany but when I tried to put it on her I got the following comments...Oh to be 5 and have your own opinions! So here is a poem by Bethany.

It's no fair

I don't like these clothes

It's baby clothes

It's no fair

It's not cute

It's hideous

It's no fair

The boys get to wear nice clothes

I have to wear this

It's no fair

I don't look cute

I don't want to wear this

It's not fair