Summer still to come...

Who are the love birds????

The most significant trip still to come-Nauvoo, Milwaukee, SD, Mt. Rushmore

News on our first child to start High School, his adventures with 7 weeks of camping and an emergency appendectomy....

Our very own Samuel the Lamanite who has brand new contacts...

A Superman off the handlebars at 25 miles per hour...another torn shoulder muscle to boot

Biking, reading, running, swimming, white water rafting, hiking...(OK weeding, laundry, organizing the garage fits in there too)

At three A.M. I am calling it good, so when I get another restless night I will type the details and add pictures!!!!

Stevens Family Reunion Seaside Oregon 2011

We had one of the best family reunions this year in Seaside Oregon. Tami was the mastermind and the women pulled together to make fun memories for our kids. We had a great camping spot, our own private island. The swimming pool was within a short walk with bathrooms and showers. We set up camp and began our night with a "talent show" and games.

Town was a short walk and a fun adventure for the older kids and moms. The men got in a round of golf. We ate in town together and spent the afternoon at the beach.

The bonds between these cousins are tight and friendships grow easily.

Grandpa spent a great deal of time crabbing. We found him at the perfect time to pull in one of his catches of the day. The kids all marveled at the creatures.

We hit the merry-go-round and a few candy shops.

No reunion would be complete without some friendly competition. We kept tradition with the races and coin prizes. We had a whole afternoon spent with running, tug-a-war, standing long jump and wheel barrow races. Our family has some speed demons coming from all sides. Unfortunately a tragic loss in the wheel barrow race came with a crash. Scott took a dive to the grass on his shoulder and ex-rays did not come back positive. He starts rehab in September.

The kids made beautiful wooden temple plaques to place in their rooms, courtesy of our crafty Aunt Angela. Tami organized a Lewis and Clark hike and we spent some time on Cannon Beach.

The girls got in some late night hot tub action, a few runs and Grandma and Grandpa provided a late night fireside. Aunt Kimber educated us on our family heritage and history and everyone chipped in with kiddies and meals. Many hands make light work but also large loving families provide diverse talent that build and unify us as unique individuals. It was a wonderful weekend adults, children and teenagers alike.

Wedding Bells are ringing

David Forman married his beautiful sweetheart in the S.L.C. Temple in the first weekend in July. Scott was unable to attend, because of Scout Camp, even still he wanted his family to share in the happy union.

Eliza, Danielle, Grandma Stevens and I made a quick trip to be part of the festivities.

Temple Square is undeniably sacred ground. Time there with my daughters was priceless.

Reconnecting with those extended members of our family was the best part of the day.

Uncle Alan seemed very pleased to have his youngest son sealed and to spend special time with his very own mother Sister Joyce Eliza Forman at the temple. I love that Eliza knows and loves her Great Grandma, one of the magnificent and noble women she is named after.

Tender grandsons who have been taught to care with great love and respect.

Mother and daughters

Janette came with her cute kiddies. Eliza and Kadie were in heaven.

Grandma spent Sunday morning with us sharing tidbits and pieces of the grand workings of the church. She shared her memories of the fourth of July and the rich traditions she grew up with . I loved hearing all that she had to share and hung on every word.

Danielle was privileged to walk along side her dear Great Grandma all morning.

Danielle didn't want to leave or miss a moment, but our drive home allowed us to reflect on all of the most important parts of life. My little daughter is wise beyond her years, kind, hard-working and so much fun to spend time with.

Camp Bradley

Camp Bradley 2011

The best part is having the ultimate wilderness survival man be your dad and your very own brother (James) be a Ranger in Training for a week in the Idaho mountains.

Most memorable experience:

Inaugural Fire and Ice. Swim in the hot springs pool late at night and be up at 6 AM for the freezing lake swim in the morning. Micah and Mitchell were the only daring scouts from their troop and 2 of the 14 that completed it all week out of all the troops.

Random June

We came up with a plan for our little escape artist. Create the largest litter box anyone has ever seen...OK maybe let's just call it a sandbox. Scott, Grandpa Stevens, Micah and Danielle spent hours digging, building, bringing in sand and creating a new play place in our back yard. It has worked...so far!!!!

Watching the process from the safety of the swing.

The excavation begins.

The bike safety check at our Cub Scout Bicycle Rodeo. Scott was great to come and help.

Intersection crossing.

Officer Steed going over the rules of the road.

James and Thomas have become tied at the hip. Besides being the coolest big brother ever, I think the IPOD Touch has a little something to do with it.

Play time with cousins and Duck Palace.

Isaac running for cover during one of our torrential Spring down pours.

Fun neighbor kids

Fourth of July

The fourth of July included a picnic lunch in the backyard, tree climbing, a BBQ downtown with friends and family and FIREWORKS!!!!