Lynx Creek

This past weekend we had our annual camping trip with our friends the Jarmans. We went to Lynx Creek, which is south of Crowsnest Pass. It was a great location, with lots of fun stuff to do. The kids had fun together, as always. Bobbi got them all these foam swords and they kept sticking them down the back of their shirts, like a ninja sheath or something.

There were lots of big rocks to climb,



And a deep swimming hole that was perfect for cliff jumping,

Jared jumping

Lance jumping

...while the mommies and kids chilled on the beach.


Oh and tons of quadding and dirt biking.



Probably the last camping trip of the year. Sad, but true. This summer went by so stinkin' fast!

Mendenhall Madness

Last week the kids and I headed up to the Mendenhall Family Reunion in beautiful Nordegg, Alberta.

The best part was the rock climbing, I think everyone had a really fun time climbing.

Carly, Hayley, Halle, and Carter in the trailer

story-time with Grandma Great

Carter the Cow

We left the reunion a day early so we could head back to Edmonton to meet my brothers at the airport. They came home from Russia after being missionaries there for 2 years. It was awesome seeing them again. They came home alot more mature, and a whole lot skinnier :)

Our original family of seven was all together, which hasn't happened in awhile. *and yes, that is my child crying in the forefront of the picture. As per usual.*

the grandkids: Taylor, Josh, Hayley and Carter

We had most of our extended family up to see Dallin and Joel, attend their homecoming talks given in church, and a huge family dinner. Jared came up after work on Friday and was able to stay the weekend, too. It was fun to have everyone all together.

And what fun would this post be without a picture of us in our Russian Shapkas?

The After Party

*a continuation of our Oregon vacation. For Part 1, read the previous post*

First of all, meet The Boler:

This little beauty belongs to Jared's boss, who was kind enough to let it accompany us on the vacation. It surprisingly sleeps all four of us and I was so glad we weren't in a tent for 2 weeks straight. We also discovered people love Bolers and were approached many times to talk about our "cute little Boler". Especially by all the hippies in Nelson, BC. More on that later.

After the Reunion in Florence, we headed inland to Cottage Grove, where Jared's sister, Gina, and her family lives. It was nice to finally see their home and community and hang out with them there.

Cottage Grove Lake:

Carter

Riley
Avery

Bronx, Gary and Allie's puppy, and star of the show most days :)

Gary and Allie

Deegan

We had a fireworks show, courtesy of Nana and Papa:


After staying with the Hutchins, Jared, the kids, and I headed back out to the coast. This time we went up to Lincoln City and stayed at the awesome RV resort right on the ocean. This was our view:


We spent alot of time playing on the beach:

We buried Jared and then shaped him into a woman. He wasn't pleased.

Whale watching at Depoe Bay:

I was down on a ledge taking some pictures, and this rogue wave came up and about knocked me off my feet. Jared thought it was hilarious.

Hayley hanging out in the trailer

Next we headed back up through Portland, and stopped at Multnomah Falls. The Falls were gorgeous and the hike up was fun too.



Next we went to Lake Chelan, Washington. No pictures from there, but it's a massive lake, with tons of gorgeous houses and vineyards all around. And HOT weather.

We then traveled up to Osoyoos for a couple days. Again, the weather was hot and we enjoyed some lake days.


The next stop was Kelowna, where we stayed with Gary and Allie. We swam in the lake, visited the Sloans, Allie and I went to a movie together, and did some shopping. This is the only picture I have from Kelowna - trying on ridiculous glasses while shopping.

After Kelowna, we headed home with a short stop in Nelson, BC. Beautiful place - definitely lived up to the hype - but the people there... well... let's just say we fit in well with the 1974 Boler.

The morning after we got home, the kids both slept in until 11 am, so I guess it really was time to come home. Jared is back at work now and the summer is winding down. Except for the Mendenhall Family Reunion this week, my brothers coming home this weekend, and camping with friends next weekend. Oops, I guess I can't wind down quite yet :)

Whidden Reunion - Oregon Coast

We headed down to Florence, Oregon for the Whidden Family Reunion. Out of all 29 family members, we had 28 in attendance (we missed you Jonny!), so it was definitely a party. We stayed in a beach house on the ocean and did lots of fun activities. Prepare yourself for alot of pictures...

Oregon Coast Aquarium:

Cooper and Carter

touching suprisingly soft fish

really low roof? or really tall Whiddens?

the Hutchins

us

all 13 grandkids

Avery and Carter

Playing on the beach:

Deegan, Dryden, Ryker, Cooper and Carter sliding on sand hills

Riley, Alivia, Gina, and Kaysa

Mom, Gary, Allie, Kaysa, Gina, and Easton

Byron, Jared, Dad, Ben, and Seth playing baseball

my studly husband

Heceta Head Lighthouse:

Gary and Allie

Carter and Hayley

The Newlyweds (Tim and Ashton) in their matching hoodies

Hiking:

The Silver Family

the gals

Hobbit Beach:

Ryker and Hayley

Alivia

Hayley wasn't too impressed that I stuck a starfish on her lap, haha

Avery

Carter

It was a blast and we were so glad we got to see everyone. Especially Mom and Dad Whidden who are leaving on their mission to Germany TODAY! Good luck, we will miss you!