Tuesday, July 5, 2016

A Fresh Start

I've decided to start blogging again, it was the best journal I've ever kept, and I miss going back and seeing our family life with all the details that blogging allowed, so here I go again, picking it back up.
Yesterday was the 4th of July, and what a great day it was.

We started off the morning at our ward's annual "Flag Raising" ceremony.  We sing some patriotic songs, hear from a few speakers, honor our veteran's and then enjoy friend and fellowshipping by enjoying some cinnamon rolls and hot chocolate.  I really love that it is a faith-based way to start of the day in a way that I love so much.  The mayor comes, which I think is pretty cool, and even though I spend most of the time trying to keep Henry and Levi quiet and still, it's still such a perfect way to start of one of my favorite holidays.

I tried a new cinnamon roll recipe here.  It was delicious, but I stayed up WAY too late the night before making them, so I was exhausted most of the day yesterday. However, the treats turned out really yummy, so it was worth it. :)

After the flag raising, Shane rode down with Kasey self to get some fireworks for the night show later at the Self party.  We then went and hung out with the Recklings and had a great BBQ with them, while the kids splashed in the cold water.  It was a bit rainy and cold all day, but that didn't seem to stop them from enjoying the day.  We enjoyed the visiting and relaxing with them at their house in the beautiful back yard that they have.  

We then came back home and met up with Uncle Zach and Uncle Luke, who came with us out to the Self's house.  It was fun to hang out and blow up hundreds of sparklers, roman candles, firecrackers, and such for hours.  Throw in an amazing rope swing, dune-buggy track, trampoline and great friends, and it was really the perfect evening.  We haven't gone for a few years, mostly because I have been so worried about the kids and all the chaos there, but they truly loved every second of it.










And here are some shots from our friend Mark the photographer.  I love his pictures!













Thursday, July 19, 2012

Summer Day at Fox Hollow

 We found a farm in Issaquah that is so fun.  They have "open farm days" where you can stop by and visit the animals, play on the bouncy toys, ride the trains and ponies, and drive the tractors.  The kids all love it and this time especially loved chasing around the ducklings, chickens and bunnies. 








Finally the Fireworks...

 Finally, we ended the day at the Bellevue Downtown park with the Folkan Family.  It was a fun way to end the day and the fireworks were fantastic.  Levi was a little scared at first, but then he relaxed and enjoyed them for the most part. :)



4th of July afternoon at The Recklings

Picking Cherries on the Tree


 Playing on the slip n slide and shooting water guns at everyone. ;)



Downtown Issaquah 4th of July


 We celebrated a wonderful 4th of July again this year. It was busy as always, but oh so fun.  We started the day off early at 8:00 with the Flag Raising ceremony at the church along with homemade cinnamon rolls.  Then we came home for breakfast (since there are never enough cinnamon rolls for everyone).  And headed over the downtown for the 4th of July fun.  We always skip the parade so we can have a turn on the ponies and the bouncy toys before the masses arrive.  It was fun as always.  We walked around and got to see the firetrucks, which was Henry (& probably Shane's) favorite part. 








 Henry was a little upset ha had to get off the horse.
 But, we quickly distracted him with the recycling truck. 

 Emma running the obstacle course.

 The family with the firetrucks. 

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Folkman Grandkids

This week, Jake and AJ and Aaker are moving to the Phillipines.  We gathered for a family night at Pete & Becca's new house to have a barbecue and say goodbye.  We sure will miss those guys. :)  We wish them will in their new adventure.  We got this cute little picture of all the grandkids together.
And one more, Shane likes taking the kids with him when he runs out to Kasey's for tools.  The kids love it.  Shane texted me this gem while he had Levi with him one day.  I'm so glad Shane is cautious...