Summer Fun!

We did it!  We actually made time to play this summer! Fishing and camping between rain showers made the sunny days all the more enjoyable.  Warren always had lots of volunteers to go fishing, any day he mentioned it.  Jayce learned to be a great crewman, rigging and baiting the gear.  Mom learned to drive the boat and try to keep the gear "in the fish".  We got to see humpback whales, otter, and birds as well as catching lots of yummy fish and having fun together.  The Red salmon were running in Tutka Bay while Grandpa Dave's were here so we got them some fish

Grandma Brenda fished until her arm wore out.

Nice bunch of Reds!

Alectra reeling in a fish, "It sure is hard work!"

We went four-wheeing one evening to look at the ranch with Grandpa and Grandma.  The mushrooms were huge and we saw lots of bunny and moose tracks. Grandma was glad we didn't see any bear sign and we didn't get stuck in the mud.

Alexis and Alectra ridin' with Dad

We went camping at Hidden Lake with our friends the Veldstra's and the Germain's, the first week in August.  It was our first time there and we had a great time exploring. The tradition is to go swimming right after breakfast, rain or shine.  The kids don't seem to notice the 50 degree water for the first hour they are in it. Then their lips, hands, and feet turn blue and they are ready to get out and warm up.

The three A's, Alexis Alectra and Alyssum

Emerald, Alyssum and Kailee "motor" around the lake

After they were warmed up, they found various forms of entertainment, with 19 kids there is always someone to do something with.  Joziah taught everyone how to make pop can stoves (Boy Scout stuff) and they had a competition to see who could boil water fastest.

Joziah, Jayce and Levi

 We stayed warm and dry in our tent even though it rained most of the night. We went hiking and walking and played games.  It was the year of the hornet in Alaska so a few of the kids got stung. The boys got to try out their first aid skills on the victims.

We had a wild game of kickball, which Steve's team won.  We took over the end of the campground and dodged the cars that come to turn around.  Doughboys were the perfect ending to a great day.  We miss the Veldstra's who are now in the Philippines having new adventures every day.