Name That Kid!

 We had a few activities to do with Grammy and Pappy via video chat and enjoyed that time together.  The first game we played was "Name that Kid" where we all tried to identify our relatives from their baby/kid pictures--everyone did a pretty descent job!

  Could you name them all? Answers: Geoff, Todd, Lillian, Lonn, Kyron, Eliana, Hylie, Pappy, Grammy, Dianne, and Heather

The next game we played was geared for Todd, Geoff, and Heather where they got to answer questions about Grammy and Pappy to see who knew the most about their parents to determine: "Who's the Favorite?".  Lonn and I were pretty much in stitches the whole time listening to responses and crazy guesses but the best part was when the scores were added up to find out the winner: it was a three way tie!  Lots of laughs were had plus everyone learned a little more about each other--it was a win, win, win!

Woodhouse Sibling Visit

The kids were super excited when June arrived because they new it meant it was time for the long-awaited Woodhouse reunion!  We were sad that Grammy and Pappy weren't going to join us, but grateful for the time we had with Auntie H, Uncle Lonn, and Uncle Todd and that we were able to connect with Grammy and Pappy via video chat.

We went to the pool and I loved having the kids out-numbered by adults!  When the kids asked to do something in a different spot, it was so easy to say yes as they went accompanied by a grown-up!  It was a super hot day and perfect for the water.

Kyron found a spot where he could control water squirting into a bucket that would then pour out when filled.  He pretty much didn't leave this area the entire time!

We also spent another day downtown where the kids got to run around the beloved Maggie Daley park.

Kyron found another wheel!  This one didn't control any water, but Kyron didn't seem to mind.

Heather photo shopped in the most appropriate accessory!

Lonn became pretty good buds with Eliana--it was fun seeing Eliana's confidence grow as she interacted with her Aunt and Uncles.

Checking out "The Bean"

We, of course, had to continue our tradition of going down the super big slide as a family.  It may look like it's all fun and games, but what you may not know is how piping hot the slide was! 

Kyron LOVED having more boys to hang out with

And Hylie is always grateful for time with Auntie H

Uncle Todd, is that really your best funny face?

This was an epic (and very hot) time in the city with family!

 

Summer has officially begun!

The beach is one of my favorite places to be because there seems to be something for everyone no matter their age, the kids are all easily within view, and it means the weather is nice and warm!  Unfortunately, any beach location is quite the drive now, so getting to the lake happens way less frequently for us now.  About a week after school let out, some friends from our old ward invited us to join them--it was a beautiful day full of sunshine, smiles, sand, and friends.

Trip to DC Temple

 The minute tickets became available to tour the renovated DC Temple, I was online securing ours.  We were so excited to have this experience with our children in a temple that is very special to us.  Many sacred experiences have occurred here for our family for the last 3 generations.  Grandma and Grandpa Nelson and Dean and Andrea's family were all able to come at the same time--it was so extremely special.

I was thankful that the kids shared our excitement and they were all amazed at the beauty and sacredness found within the temple.

Being able to stand here again, ten years later with four beautiful children and so many experiences together--good and difficult--was a tender moment.

Some of the changes were a little bitter sweet, but the awe and spirit that is found on these grounds and inside the temple was just as powerful as ever.

We got to tour the temple on my birthday, which was more than I could ever hope to do to celebrate--but Mom and Dad were very kind and kept the festivities by treating Dean and I to a birthday dinner at Denny's.

We took some time to explore the DC monuments

Eliana was particularly thrilled to visit Lincoln's memorial.  She recently read a book about him and was quite animated in sharing with us the facts she knew.

Riding DC's metra was a thrill for all of us

Some had more fun than others.  Ha ha!

We even got to visit DC's zoo

Watching the cute pandas eat and frolic was such a treat!

To say that the kids were enamored with the escalators is an understatement.  Many minutes were passed with the kids going up and down while we waited for our needed train.

I loved the audible gasp that was heard when we turned the corner to find THIS massive escalator!  This is just the first phase of the ride!

When we got back to Pennsylvania, we had the beautiful privilege of celebrating Pap Pap.  Uncle Mark was there for the occasion as well.  Pap Pap is an example to us of perseverance, humility, patience,  ingenuity, and compassion.  We are forever thankful for him and his love.