Crescent City Friend Camping Trip

Last year when we went to Washington we visited with Wes' high school friends. We threw around the idea of having the annual friend camping trip they do closer down this way so we could all attend. We started planning January and actually made it happen. We decided on Crescent City, CA. I really wanted to go to the ocean and Crescent City is right on the border of California and Oregon.  We decided to stay in a little cabin at a nice KOA there. All of our campgrounds were right next to each other.  There were four families- The Hendersons, The Niemans, The Buckmeiers, and us.  WE had a total of 8 kids between all of us- they were all under 9.  We planned a trip to the Trees of Mystery, the beach, and a lighthouse.  We had a BLAST which is an understatement. The kids all did amazing together. Each night a different family cooked dinner for everyone.  Heidi taught us how to beach comb for sea glass.  The kids had fun running around the KOA and to the playground.  The beach was the highlight for me though. After the kids went to bed each night the adults had fun playing games and laughing our tails off.  I knew we'd have fun, but I didn't think we would have SO much fun. We are already planning our trip for next year!

The only downfall as Finn was sick for the entire 8 hour drive up there and cried the whole way home.  However, the good definitely outweighed the bad.

Without further ado, Here are the photos. (I have more on my phone but I'll just get those in my chatbooks)

10 years

Wes and I celebrated our 10th anniversary on July 2. I truly can't believe it's already been 10 years.  Wes is my rock. I am so thankful for him, especially throughout this challenging year. I've needed him this year throughout my health issues now more than ever. I'm so thankful to have him as my eternal companion. There's no one else I'd rather have by my side.

Every year we take a photo on our anniversary in front of the temple. We had a nice lunch together. A few weeks later the school district paid for teachers to have a nice room at the Atlantis so we did that for our anniversary as well. It was low key, but spending time with each other was all we wanted to do for our anniversary.

Happy decade babe!

NINE!

I can't believe the one who made me a mom is now nine years old!  He's such an awesome kid.
A few things about Liam at 9:
-He wants to be a civil engineer or a school principal.
-His best friend is Gabe.
-His favorite colors are green and teal.
-His favorite food is bacon mushroom soup.
-He loves Star Wars, legos, and pokemon trading.
-His favorite books are Diary of Wimpy Kid and that kind of genre.
-He is an AWESOME and helpful big brother.
-He is kind and thoughtful and loves to have fun.

He decided he'd forgo a bigger birthday gift and have a birthday party at the coconut bowl this year. We were lucky that all of Wes' family were visiting and able to attend.  We just had a few friends attend the party but they seriously had the best time. He requested a light saber cake so I ended up making one out of cupcakes. He loved it. Finn wasn't fond of all the noise at the party, but eventually he sort of warmed up to the idea. Overall his birthday got the Liam seal of approval. It was dubbed the "best day ever!"