Fourth of July

 Fourth of July is always a fun time to enjoy some downtime, time off of work and school and some fireworks!  We enjoyed hanging out with Cochrans on the 3rd for the evening, playing games and then on the 4th we had some small fireworks in the driveway before watching some of the various neighborhood fireworks.

Karis and the boys went to the soccer game on the 4th with friends, so it was us ladies hanging out! 😊

Throwing these small "caps" down that then make a big BANG when they hit the ground.  Who knew that could be so entertaining?

Addison (with close supervision) enjoyed lighting the fireworks this year

All lined up for the show!

We have an agava cactus in the front foliage that suddenly grew a 40 foot spike that flowered -- apparently it only does this ever 30ish year and then dies.  So, the plant is now dead.  Thankfully Kent's truck came in very handy and and they were able to pull the dead stump out of the ground.  One job down!

Drug it to the burn pile - big strong men!

Speaking of strong handy men, Kent also knows how to work with cars and Zach's van window was no longer working properly -- so Mr Kent showed Zachary how to take care of it!  Now it works like a charm!

Thanks Kent!

Sailing Camp

 After coming back from Tahoe, Addison dove into a week of sailing camp up in Eustis.  Erik joined her this year and they had a good time, although they are ready to advance next year to the adventure sailing!

Not a lot of wind this day but she did great sailing the boat!

Part of their class for the week was to master the ability to tip the sailboat and to be able to then right it.  She passed with flying colors - good girl!

Congratulations sweet pea!

With the summer we have had some fun out on the lake, both with just our boat as well as with our new friends the Hollands.  It has been a fun summer and Addison has enjoyed wake-surfing!

Lake Tahoe

We arrived at Lake Tahoe Monday night - after a long day of driving to be delighted by apartment that we rented that was to the hotel where the meetings were.  Wow - it was a three bedroom apartment complete with a living room and kitchen as you'd expect, and we were definitely extremely comfortable!  We had a lovely week full of fun with the conference participants, with lots to do every day.

Someone is sleepy after a long drive!

Tuesday was didn't have any formal events but Elin J was having a birthday so we went to paint pottery that afternoon and to eat some ice cream.

Happy Birthday sweet Elin!

Hard at work on their treasures

The dads having some bonding time outside

The party kids

Olivia giving Addison a piggy back ride!

Wednesday's fun activity was a ropes course in the afternoon

Ready to have a blast

Kaleb

No fear this one!

Jon Jon, Kaleb, Jonny, Zach, Luke & Blake

Thursday morning Karis and the boys went white water rafting -- which they said was the most fun rafting they have ever done!  Addison went with Auntie Kelli to make a baseball cap.  That afternoon, Zach went golfing with his friends and the rest of us went kayaking out on Lake Tahoe.  The water there is incredibly pure and clear....and COLD!  Brr, being a Floridian we are clearly wimps.

Wearing their matching Alaska t-shirts!

Love this picture of Karis & Zach, what a great smile!

The rafting buddies - Zach, Luke, Blake, David, Jon Jon, Kaleb, Karis and Jonny

Olivia, Elin, Addison and Erik with their finished hats!

The whole kayaking group

Jonny and Kaleb in their kayak

Dawn and Amy in theirs

And Karis and Addison - she had the easiest gig of all!  She wanted to go by herself but the wind was just too much, and it is so nice to have Daddy there to steady the kayak and give you a break once in a while!

Erick, Blake, Cristian & Luke

Friday we went over to Palisades and took the gondola up the mountain to enjoy the views, Olympic village and the overlook.  There was still snow up there!  In fact some folks actually skiied while they were there.

Lake Tahoe in the background

Lots of friends at the top when we arrived!  Melissa, Dawn, Sheila, Suzie, Vasti, Amy and Olesea

While Amy visited, Karis took Addison to the Olympic rink up at the top and they skated around for a bit.  The rink is Karis' happy place! 😀

Thursday was Blake B's birthday, so after heading back down the mountain we took them to get some yummy ice cream in the village

Luke, Zach, Erick, Blake, Jonny, Lucas & Kaleb

On Sabbath, Karis and the kids lounged around the hotel while Amy and Kelli joined Olesea and her family and  hiked up to Monkey Rock.  What a view, and how out of shape can Amy possibly be!?  Out of breath at that altitude for sure, but the day was lovely and the view of the lake and mountains totally worth it!

Must take a rest!!

Side view of the money rock - middle of the picture.  Look at the beautiful water color!

See the rock that looks like a monkey face - 

Side view of the money rock - middle of the picture.  Look at the beautiful water color!

Amy has been part of a Bible Study group of women the last 3 years and many of us are part of the conference, so we used the chance to be able to visit each other in person - such a wonderful group of women, it has been a blessing!

Erika, Suzie, Amy, Gwendy, Nicole, Kelli and Heather

Saturday night always ends with an ice cream social that is fun to be able to visit and then say good-bye to everyone.  Plus the kids of course love the ice cream!

Olivia, Addison and Becca

Oh and one more picture from San Francisco - famous for its sourdough bread - an alligator - reminiscent of Florida!