Camping

Table Rock Lake

This past weekend we went camping with my family, to Table Rock Lake which is about an hour from here. It was tons of fun, even though we had rain for the entire 1st night we were there. We have had so much rain this season, that half of the campground we stayed at was under water. Addison was quit a bit scared of the water, so she didn't want to swim. She would just pretty much wade her feet in it.

My brother Brevin and his wife, Kim, brought a wagon for their daughter, Aspen. Needless to say, Addison and Aspen had a ton of fun riding in the wagon through the water.

We did alot of lounging around, which was nice just to relax. My sister, Trudy, brought a hamock that was a hit with the kids and my 20 year old brother, Andrew.

My family has been camping once a year, and have been doing it for a couple of years now. Unfortunately, we haven't been going up until this year. My mom has a tradition to take a picture of her grandkids each year in the same place at the campground.

Kelsey(9), Keaton(6 1/2), Braxton(4 1/2), Kailey(3 1/2), Addison(23 months), Aspen(18 months), Pagelynn(1)

We had a great time, regardless the rain storm and a few bug bites (which I only managed to get, because bugs don't like Brad's blood and apparently Addison's either). We are looking forward to next years family camp.

Family Reunion

Brad's mom's family had a reunion this past week in Nauvoo. We had a great time spending time with extended family and touring the church historic sites. The first day we were there, we went to Carthage, Illinois, to see the jail.

This picture is of Brad and his cousin, Brian with Addison and Cody (Brian's boy, who was born on the same day as Addison).

The statue of Joseph Smith and Hyrum Smith at the Carthage Jail, with Brad's parents.

The next day we toured the historic sites there in Nauvoo. Addison decided she wanted to pose for the camera.

Addison on a wagon

Addison with her 2nd cousin, Kaiden

While we were there the Mississippi River was flooding. This picture is of the "Trail of Hope". The road was suppose to end at the tree line, so you can see how far the water has risen.

Family

My brother-in-law graduated from college back on May 31st, so he and my sister had a little party at their house. It was fun having all the cousins play together. The picture is of Addison with some of her cousins. (Kelsey, age 9; Aspen, age 1; Kailey, age 3)

Summer Fun

Addison loves playing in the water. This particular day, while I was planting my garden, she decided to use the tomato pot as a hat.

Green Thumb?

O.K., so I have a history of killing plants, as soon as they are in my possession. I don't mean to kill them, I am just not good with plants. Well, last year I found a great deal on rose bushes at Lowes, and so I got one to go in our front yard. After summer was over last year, I didn't know whether to let it go, or if I was suppose to do something with it to prepare it for the winter. So, I have heard of prunning, and I figured I might try that to the rose bush. Afterward, I for sure thought I had killed it, but I left it for the winter. Low and behold, this spring it started growing new branches and started sprouting leaves, and 2 weeks ago it started budding. I guess rose bushes are resilient, because not only has it lived, but it has florished. I am so proud of my little rose bush! It was such a confidence booster that I have decided to tackle a garden. So, wish me luck.

Nauvoo

Brad and I recently went to Nauvoo for my best friend, Gina's wedding. Gina and I were in the same Ward growing up, but we didn't become friends until High School. We moved to Arizona together and lived together until Brad and I got married. She served a mission is Provo, and then attended BYU-Hawaii where she met Matt.

Nauvoo was great, and we had fun in the short time we were there. We were able to attend a session at the Temple, and then the following day attended the sealing. We didn't do any sight seeing, because we are fortunate enough to be going back next month for a family reunion.

Addison and "Bubba"

Sometimes I think Addison thinks that Winston, our dog, is her brother. She loves him to death, and is always bugging him. She can't say Winston very well, so she has been calling him Bubba. She loves to pile blankets and clothes and toys on top of him, and he just sits there and takes it like a champ. Sometimes I say I want to get rid of the dog, but then I see how much Addison loves him.