Friday, July 17, 2009

Glacier National Park

Adam & Tyana are very outdoorsy people, so where they live suits them well. We took a day trip to Glacier National Park, and it was gorgeous. These pictures were snapped with a high-tech, green Fuji disposable camera. I know. Sorry.
They had had an avalanche on the mountain, so we had to stop a few times for road repairs. The kids enjoyed a little break & munched on gourmet brownies.
The ice was melting, so we were on the lookout for waterfalls. One in particular {where we got drenched, thanks to my brother rolling down all the windows} is called the "Weeping Wall." It is a breathtaking, terrifying drive up through the park.
Courtney's wish for the day was to see a deer. Here you go!
Just when you think you can't get any higher, there is a walking trail that takes you up further! I was recovering from bronchitis, and the altitude made it so hard to breathe. I kept going, hoping that my brother, the doctor, wouldn't leave me to die if I collapsed:)
Yes, this is my brother. He is in his element. Life is good!
Who would have thought you could have a snowball fight in July? The kids were in HEA-VEN being able to play in the snow. This is only Courtney's 3rd time {that she remembers}.
Adam is the BIGGEST tease, and his daughter Katie takes after him. Katie was dishing it out as much as he was.
Up the hiking trail. Pictures just don't do it justice. {Even with the high quality camera that I had:} Courtney, Katie, Adam, Michael & Alexander
We also saw some rams & big horned sheep on our adventure. On another {camera-less} day in Montana, we went to the Bison Range. The kids saw tons of wildlife there, too.
I loved this picture. It looks like it could be a movie poster for an old Lassie film or something {minus the dog}.
At this moment, I was convinced my kids were going to be swept away in the river. Adam, you daredevil, you! Thankfully, they returned to me safely.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

MY CAMERA BROKE!!!

Mayday, mayday, we had an emergency. My poor camera has been dropped one too many times. The balance of the vacation I took pictures with a disposable camera, or borrowed one from a family member, with promises that they'd send me photos. The rest of my posts will have to be filled in as pictures trickle in. :(

Water Slide

The boys went fishin', so the girls were left to have a boring time @ home. Well, that was the plan, anyway. Courtney & Katelyn had such fun! They took buckets of water & dumped them on the slide for each other. Cousins are the best!
Miss Katie is darling & SO funny! She warmed up to us & it was great to see her cute personality.

Splash!

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Montana, Montana

My older brother, Adam, {now Dr. Smith} & his family moved to Montana a few years ago. {I know the state song because one of my college roommates used to sing it when we'd walk to class together}. The kids and I drove {another 7 hours} up to visit him. He really does live in a beautiful area. This is the amazing view from their front porch.
My brother and his wife, Tyana, love to entertain. They built this cozy little area for visiting & making s'mores.
Their lush garden {so many raspberries!}

Friday, July 10, 2009

Happy Family

So glad to see these guys! Piper, Malie, Megan, Jeremy {Darren's brother} & Aarum
Their kiddos are so great & growing up way too fast! They're enjoying life in California.

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Water Weaponry

The kids and I went out to Jaclyn's again to have a water party. Lots of water balloons. Lots of screaming. Lots of sliding. Lots of splashing. Only one meltdown. That's a pretty good day:)
Xman
Attack! Alexander was a little outnumbered this trip. Most of his cousins are GIRLS!

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Wiggin' Out

My cousins and I used to play dress up with these wigs when we were little. Lizabeth & Courtney look stunning as brunettes, don't you agree?

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Gardening=Weeding

My cousin Jaclyn lives on this beautiful piece of land up in Idaho. With all the rain they've had, her garden got a little overgrown with weeds. My Grandparents & I went out to help her {she's 7 months prego}. I envisioned this cute little box garden, but boy was I mistaken. I refer to this day as "Day of the Sunburn." I live in Arizona, and my worst sunburn of the year happens in Idaho. Go figure.
My darling Grandma, the beauty queen, with her huge bouquet of weeds.
The kids ran WILD all over. Their favorite place to play was this old empty potato cellar. It creeped me out, but they loved it. Courtney, Lizabeth & Xander

Monday, July 6, 2009

The Canton

One of our all time favorite places to eat.My kids LOVE Chinese food, and they LOVE their Grandma Kathie!

Sunday, July 5, 2009

Roos Family Photo Shoot

Getting this many people to smile at the same time is nearly impossible. We love our family!This is the whole clan! We couldn't believe how much Darren's grandpa had changed in the course of a few months. We appreciate Sharon so much for taking good care of him.
The boys {I mean, manly men}
Mom & Dad Roos
Scott, Cami {Child #1}, Alyssa & Nathan
Darren {#2}, Natalie, Alexander & Courtney
Jeremy {#3}, Megan, Malie, Piper, Aarum
Jordan, Melisa {#4}, Caty, Abby, Maddy
Josh {#5}, Jamie, Tyler, Kamryn

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Family+Food+Fireworks+Fun=Fourth of July!

Mom & Dad Roos built a covered porch onto their house a few summers ago. They have gotten so much use out of it. Lots of parties, dinners, laughter & visiting goes on here. {and the occasional hairbow-making adventures:}
So many fun cousins to play with...its no wonder my kiddos love it here.
Lots of this...
Requires lots of this! A whole year of jumping has taken its toll on the trampoline net. Alexander to the rescue! Whenever a new rip appeared, he quickly repaired it. What a good kid! He is the coolest oldest cousin ever.
Miss Courtney @ the fireworks, convinced she can hula hoop with glow sticks.
Must admit, Idaho Falls fireworks are pretty spectacular.

Friday, July 3, 2009

3 x 2

Our little nieces, Maddy & Caty, turned three this visit. I envisioned a magnificent photo shoot with them on their birthday. {They remember me, "Mad-o-lee," from their visit a few weeks ago...I bribe them with fruit snacks}

Ok, so it wasn't as easy as I thought it would be. At least they are smiling:) Melisa, their Mom, was devastated that they gave each other haircuts. Twice. Two times the fun! Not sure which twin this is... we'll say its Maddy.
Melisa has gorgeous roses that line the walkway in front of her house.

"Smell this pretty leaf, Bama."

Tyler & his little sis, Kamryn. They belong to Josh, Darren's little brother.

Awww... Jamie with her baby girl. She belongs to Josh, too. Jamie & Josh just bought a lovely home & were kind enough to let us stay with them for part of our visit.

Alyssa Lou & Cami too. Cami is Darren's sister--she's looking very fit!
Darren's Mama, soaking up some...rain.
I hate it when that happens. {The chair was very old}
We got a fun surprise while @ the party. Darren's brother, Jeremy, showed up with his darling family. This is Aarum, their newest addition. We were so glad to meet him! He is a super happy baby--such a doll!
Cake time! We'll say this is Caty:)
Happy Birthday, you two! Caty, Courtney, Abby, Maddy & Alyssa