Outdoor Adventures

I got a stake calling to go to Girl's Camp this year and help with one of the programs. It was a lot of fun. We went on a five mile hike to Heather Lake w/ Mt. Pilchuk in the background. Our camp was Cascade Park near Granite Falls, WA. It was beautiful! I love being in nature! Shawn hung in there and watched the kids for 4 days! What a trooper!

In other news, Shawn took Auri fishing with Uncle Ryan and she caught a...catfish! She thought it was pretty scary looking and didn't really want to hold it. But she posed for a few pictures.

House Painting

I like to do a lot of posts at once, it seems. When I find a few free minutes I have to take advantage...Here are some pics of the color we chose for our downstairs. It's cheery and I balanced it out with a lot of dark brown furniture. I would give more pics of the final project, but everything is kind of on hold because we decided to go on a trip to Great Britain this month rather than finish decorating. I think it's worth it!! (Details to follow about our trip)

Before Picture

After Picture

In Between Picture--Vaulted ceilings are a pain to paint! We still haven't finished the very top edge between wall and ceiling.

Auri's Last Dance

Auri and her friend Aubrey right before a dance performance.

I was so glad when Auri finally had her recital--she isn't really into dancing and I had to bribe her to go and finish up the year! I'm not really into the whole putting make up on thing--kids already get enough pressure from TV to grow up fast. Anyway, next year we're trying the sports avenue, but overall I think kids are too overscheduled these days and we try to limit how many activities they're in. They just love to PLAY--something a lot of kids don't have time to do!

Fishing Fun

Shawn and Will went fishing on Moses Lake with Uncle Ryan (Rischel's husband). Shawn was very proud of his two catches (they were just about to go when he got the bite). He doesn't usually like fishing, but now I think he's "hooked" -- no pun intended.