Summertime, summertime...

Every summer, since I was a child, my mom's family spends a week in northern Wisconsin on the lake. It's been fun to take the kids the past few summers and watch them enjoy the same things we used to do when we were young. Here are a few of our favorite past-times at the lake...

Eating lunch outside, so we don't miss what happens while we're in the cabin eating...

Riding on the boat while othe people waterski and tube...

Getting brave enough to tube outselves...

Playing with Auntie Di...

Fishing off the dock for hours...who knew these children could hold still for this long!

Picking and eating as many strawberries as you want!

What we did on our summer vacation...

To celebrate Jared's great achievement, we took the family to San Diego for 2 1/2 weeks for a much-needed family vacation! We relaxed by the pool, soaked up the sun on the beach, visited with friends and family, and really enjoyed ourselves after three long years of intense school and life.

Jared and Jen enjoying a few moments together.

Jacob on the beach at sunset...a surfer boy at heart.

We like to visit the San Diego temple whenever we're in town.

It's hard to believe it's almost been a decade since we were married there!

We also visited the Boles family. These boys grew up together...

that explains a lot, doesn't it!

Playing with Daddy - their favorite thing!

The kids got to see their cousins and they had a great time!

(Jayce and Jacob, Ella and Christina, Cody and Caroline, Luke and Jared)

Jen and the kids enjoying the waves!



All of us at the harbor in San Diego.

Jared and his dad at Sea Port Village in San Diego.

Visiting Great-Grandma!

Caroline and Grandma enjoying the beach!

Jared, a.k.a. the Seaweed Monster!

Jacob right where we want him...





Super-Caroline!






Christina, ahh...childhood!

We couldn't have had a better time!

Congratulations to the Class of 2008!!!

In May, we celebrated a much awaited and long pursued achievement...
Jared graduated with his undergraduate degree from the U of I!




His parents traveled from California to celebrate with us.




Jared and his mom sharing a priceless moment.



We're so proud of him...Congratulations Jared!!!

A beginning...

Welcome to our new family blog! We hope you enjoy a glimpse into our somewhat hectic and often chaotic family life! Now you won't have to wait months for me to email you pictures, or call to let you know what we've been up to.