Weekend Fun at the Lake

We have been hearing about a lake that is about 20 minutes south of us, Clear Lake. This weekend, we took a family outting to go and discover this lake. We had so much fun. We played in the beach area and let the boys be the little fish that they are. We then rented a canoe and paddled around the lake looking at turtles, fish, and eating a snack. We finished of the lake experience with a trip to the playground....it was a successful day! We will definitely be back for more day trips to the lake.

CJ playing T-Ball

CJ has been talking about t-ball for the last year (he went to one of the neighbor girl's t-ball game last summer, and wanted to play ever since.) So, this year, it was finally his turn to play! He has done a great job! Go CJ!

The BIKE ride...

We took Clay's family on the Hiawatha Trail- which is an old railroad converted into a 14 mile bike trail. There are several tunnels, bridges, canyons, and beautiful landscape. It was a long trail, but everyone made it..our rumps were a little sore, but we all came out triumphant...WE DID IT!

All together now....

Ward Family Reunion

The whole Ward Crew was together for a weekend! Clay's 3 sisters and parents came all the way to Spokane so we could all be together! We kept busy biking 14 miles on the Hiawatha Trail, spending countless hours at the local theme park Silverwood, chasing kids, and trying to catch some zzz's in between all the fun. Thanks for coming eveyone!

Ward Campout

We finally made it to a ward campout! In the years since we have been married, this was the first time that we have been able to attend our own ward campout! Clay was in town, everyone was well, and the weather was good- so off to the woods we went! It was HOT, HOT, HOT, so we were sooo grateful for the river to cool off in. We literally spent 2 1/2 full days swimming, splashing and tubing down the river. The boys were in heaven - dirt, water, fire, and bugs - what fun times!

Yellow Roses #3

Yes, Laura received a beautiful bouquet of yellow roses from her sweetheart this week.... for those of you who don't know - there is a tradition in our house (Clay adopted the tradition from his parents) that when we find out we are expecting Clay gets Laura yellow roses. So...yes - we are having baby number 3 due January 20th. We told the boys by wrapping up candy bars and having them look like babies....CJ got it...Preston just wanted to open the thing and get to the candy.

"Back-yard"igans

As a fun treat for Dad and the boys....Clay set up the tent in the backyard and had a campout. Fun for the boys, and a night off for Laura - or so was the plan! It was a good plan! CJ loved it, Preston however, lasted about 5 minutes and he was back in the house complaining he was cold...so we got out his jacket, then he wanted socks and shoes, so we got those on...and Laura shipped him back outside. They didn't even get the tent zipped up before Preston was wanting his bed....so needless to say it was a Dad and SON campout; and a Mommy and SON sleepover in the house! Fun times....however, first thing in the morning, Preston was up and running for the tent! I guess you can't blame a boy for liking his bed....

Clay's Skydive Dream Come True

Skydiving...really? A pilot whose job is to keep planes safely in the air, is going to jump out of a perfectly good plane for fun? Yep...Clay has had the skydiving itch for a long time and has dreamed about going...so his day finally came. Clay made it home safe and sound from deployment number 3... and as a gift, he headed back up to the skies for his big jump that same week. Laura and the boys had fun watching Clay take off in the plane and then parachute down to the ground....we were all glad when Clay/ daddy was back on the ground safe and sound...whew.

Meet Spot....Our New DOG!!!

Meet Spot....we just got him...isn't he cute? CJ put this cute dog suit on - came out on all fours barking and insisting that we call him spot. Preston needed to dress up too, so we got the POOH outfit out of the closet and he was happy. Who needs a real dog when you have SPOT and POOH?

Julie's Home

We were home for about a week, and headed back down to Nana and Papa's to welcome home Sister Julie Smith from Brazil! However, we forgot the camera.......so we will have to contact the Smiths to get some of the pictures from the trip! Welcome home Jewels...it was good to see you again! Yipee. She was a great missionary, had amazing experiences, and now speaks fluent Portuguese.

I have a Little Two Year Old...

AGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH...enough said!
Curious little man that is into everything! I left him for a second to go and answer the door....came back and he was in my "good" meaning expensive lotion...all over the hair and face! At least he smelled good for the rest of the day!

Next, I came out of the shower to find...a kid and the carpet covered in Parmesan cheese! Plus...a whole jug of apple juice spilled on the ground (you can see it if you look closely by the fridge...all I can say, is thank goodness for a good vacuum and a steam mop. Saved my life. (I even got a little tongue attitude...gracious!)

The Mud Pit and Cousins....dangerous

The favorite thing on this trip to Nana and Papa's house was the mud pit...aka - the garden which hadn't been planted yet! It was the perfect spot to occupy some curious kids that love dirt and the hose. And the combination...well, you can guess MUD! The kids were in heaven. They loved running from the mud pit that had "made" with the hose to the swimming pool. Fun times for all!




Preston was so enthralled with Nicole and Corey's new little baby, Lacey. He loved to see the baby, touch the baby, talk to the baby, etc. He was in heaven when Nicole said that he could hold her. As you can see...he is in high concentration at the moment! He did a great job!


CJ and Easton were two peas in a pod. They did everything together. The only problem, is now everytime we go to Nana and Papa's house, he expects that Easton should be there and is disappointed when he's not.