My little brother Kalan flew home from being in Australia working on designing a building since the end of December (he was there previously for a month, flew home and was actually there when Penelope was born) He knew that me and my kids were coming to meet him and he was going to stay with us for a night, but he had no idea that mom and dad, Justin, Jakobi and her family and Kortni and hers were also there. Sad that we missed the actualy "welcome home" because his flight was 30 min early and the Seattle airport has some crazy ideas on a parking situation, but we staged the signs and photos after we had caught him at baggage claim. Soooo excited to have him back!

 Uncle Bubba and Paisley, Beck, and baby Penny who was only days old the last time he saw her.

 Kalan and 2 of his sisters Korbi and Jakobi above and then the whole clan; Korbi, Bruce, Kalan, Dawn, Justin, Jakobi, and in front- Penelope, Paisley, Beck, Lizi, and Jax.

 The Nelson girls, who met us at lunch and Uncle Kalan.

 We celebrated Justin's birthday which is on the 26th of this month and Kalan opened his birthday presents from the 3rd of June.

 Most of the kids got snackes courtesy of Maimi Dawn at the Rainforest Cafe where we ate lunch.

And lots more hotel swimming....

I am in business! After many years, I have decided to try and sell some of my creations. Its like sending a baby into the world, super terrifying, but I have already had some orders! I haves FB page called SKA Designs and Kalan designed my awesome logo. I sell Baby/Toddler bling photography prop necklaces, customized picture frames, binky chains, Hairbows/bands, and glass garden flowers. It's all so exciting and I am trying to keep up without getting burned out. But spread the word and get me some business so I can keep spending it all right back in all my crafts!

It has been so hot here lately. high 90's. Our only relief is the air conditioning and the Aquatic Center. Beck is being super brave and courageous with his swimming. He just needs to stop plugging his nose and swimming with only one arm! Paisley floats around in her tube happy as can be. Penny and I try and stay in the shade. There are always plenty or friends and cousins to play with!

I hate to even admit it because It was terrible. but like 3 weeks ago a guy on a bike, no shirt, no helmet, cut off shorts was riding on the sidewalk and I was pulling out of the gym parking lot. I looked 3 times. I never even saw him. until I heard him hit the front of my van. scariest feeling. my phone was in my purse, I was screaming because I couldn't find it to call 911 and he hops up kind of stunned but smiling. I ruined his bike, scratched up my van, by he walked away with not a scratch on him. he was sposed to be on the other side of the road in the bike lane going the opposite direction. he admitted he was going really fast so I never even saw him. I even inched out twice because there is a huge bush right there and u can't really see past it. it was so awful. :( I hate pulling out of that road.... now I hate it worse :( he kept saying no cops, no cops! and I'm like "i need to take you to a dr!" and he's like "calm down, i just need to catch my breath..." sad thing- he had just gotten his license taken away for his 2nd DUI and was late for his AA class..... ugh!!! I luckily had just cashed my check, so i had $100 in my wallet to give him for his bike. I'm really not trying to blame anyone but I don't know what else I could have done for it not to happen. I was soooo happy when he was ok.

We have been at the cabin since Thursday and loving the warm weather! The kids have been tubing, boating, jet skiing, and fishing. Stephen has even caught some fish off the dock and spent many hours out there trying to catch more. Stephen actually had to head home for church meetings and we get to stay until Tuesday afternoon.

The Aronsohn family invited us over for a 4th of July BBQ, swimming and fireworks! There were a lot of people there and the fireworks were amazing! Thank you for such a fun celebration of this great country and out freedom! We spent most of the morning working outside preparing for our landscaping and deck going in in the next few weeks. Then I got the kids all dressed up in their holiday attire and snapped some pictures before piling into the Blazer and heading to the party. Beck and Paisley got a little motion sick from spinning in circle on the tire swing forever, but then jumped right into the fireworks after taking about a 30 min sick break. Just like their dad I guess! :) Penny enjoyed the fireworks and was looking at the sky most of the time and all kids were tired as asleep by the time we got home past 10:30. Then we woke up early and drove to Priest Lale for the cabin.