The months of July and August were so full of activities, it is no wonder that I didn't take time to post anything.

4th of July

Emily and Matthew came to Oregon.  We took advantage of them being here for a Five Generation photo. We know that it is a rare thing to have and are so very thankful for this.

The 5 oldest in each generation. Beginning with my Dad, who was the oldest in his family, me, John, Emily and Beau.

I went camping with Jessi and the kids to Hosmer Lake. We had a blast kayaking, with Josiah of course fishing. John and Rachel joined us for a couple of days.

I really thought it was cool how the straight blades of the water grass turned all curvy in the reflection.

Emily sent me a photo of Beau in the little car we gave him for Christmas.

That was July in a nutshell, here is August. I will let most of the photos speak for themselves.

We decided to cut down the tulip tree.  It was just a few feet from the house. The neighbors have one in the middle of their yard and it has grown huge. There is now way this tree would have grown there and not ruined the house and foundation. Besides that, the leaves started falling, they were sticky. A closer look showed that they were covered with aphids. The neighbors said it happens to theirs every year. The aphids come in and the leaves all drop. She tries to control them with ladybugs and spraying down the tree every day. We decided to just make it simple and cut it down.

It has been a while since we have talked on phones like this one.

This rose bush bloomed out in bouquets.

One day at my parents, they pointed out the heart in one of the bushes.

From flower to cucumber.

That bee has a load!

The garden exploded!

We had a visit with two of my cousins, Janet and Susan.

End of summer fun

Whenever Lina had spare time, she was busy with crafting , her favorite pastime. She got into cardboard crafts and made some pretty awesome things! A truck for Grandpa, a camera for me and a video game for Josiah and Arianna. Plus a popsicle jewelry box for me.

Mom and Dad bought a new car.

And then Dennis did too.

Dennis and Abby went on a hot air balloon ride on their visit to Sedona.

Gabe kept super busy, acting, music and joined the Air Guard.

Daniel started giving Lina violin lessons on Facetime.

I think John and Rachel went on a record number of hikes this summer.

After almost 6 months of living with us, Jessi and the kids got the news that they could move back home! 

Arianna celebrated her 11th birthday at the end of the month.