Cierra's Sweet 16 and Phoenix!

Although it was the middle of August, we still managed to have an excellent time in Phoenix when we went down for cousin Cierra's Sweet Sixteen. We went to the aquarium, shopped, swam (a lot), and celebrated with the Franklins and the Overstreets. It was a fabulous
weekend indeed
.
The kids absolutely loved this picture. Brighton cracks me up...looking in her telescope underwater.

Bella, Brighton and Max checking out the starfish at the aquarium.

The kids in one of the bubbles that allowed them to swim with the fish...sort of.

Max in one of the bubbles being silly.

Sweet Bella.

Cierra with one of her delicious red velvet cupcakes at her party...which was amazing.

The cousins (or some of them). Max, Bella, Kienna, Brighton, Cierra, Jaysha and Ariana.

Brighton and Jaysha lovin on each other...not the best picture but you can see the love. When we were picked up at the airport by Lisa and Micah, Jaysha wasn't there and Brighton asked where her "friend cousin" was. So cute! We are blessed.

Hiking the "M" in Missoula

When we were in Missoula for Kelcy and Chris' wedding, we took the opportunity to hike the M on the U of M campus. All three kids made it all the way up without any assistance ... Brighton was a little trooper. It was a lot of fun and made mom and dad quite nostalgic. Has it really been 11 years?

THIRD of July in Red Lodge

We once again had a great time celebrating the Fourth up in Red Lodge. This year cousins Karly, Brian and Tyler were up there and the kids had a great time at the parade and on our annual traveling candy tree adventure.

Walking to and from Rock Creek.

The reading of the legend...

The tree fairies clues...

And...REWARD!

Brighton enjoyed making dinner for a number of guests, including cousin Karly.

AHHHH, VACATION!

Holy smokes did we have a blast on Lake Havasu with the Bradley clan. Mom and Dad rented an 85 foot houseboat (four bedrooms, two full baths, full kitchen and huge living area) with a very large Trane air conditioner that was a lifesaver in light of the 110+ degree heat. We all had so much fun waterskiing, tubing and relaxing. It was literally the most relaxing vacation one can imagine, as we had our own private sandy cove, a full deck complete with kitchen and waterslide, and a ski boat! The kids got up in the morning, went down the slide, and spent the entire day in the water. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa Bradley for a great trip!

Me, Brighton and Kendall enjoying a turn on the tube.

Connor, Bella and Max telling us to go faster.

Daddy lovin on his bug before bed.The hot tub proved to be a lot of fune for the kids when the boat first went out (the water got a little cloudy as the trip went on).

Brighton feeding baby Gage, and Carter and Brighton on deck.

Grandpa manning the ship with his two little co-captains.

More baby-love.

My two goofballs.

These three little munchkins had a great time as well and provided everyone with plenty of opportunities to get in their baby fix. This is Tenley, Gage and Brody from left to right.

Swimming kiddos. We are so blessed to get together like this. Some of my fondest memories are of family reunions on Sealey Lake every summer - camping, waterskiing, and spending time with family. I know my children will come to appreciate these trips even more as they get older.

The Murphy's Dirt

Here it is, the site of our new home: the northeast corner of Aspenridge and Canyonwoods in Ironwood subdivision. Progress has been much slower than we would like, but the foundation is now in and the framers should go to work next week.

Here is the lot before they started work...

After they had started to dig a hole...

And with the kids each standing in the general area where their bedrooms will be. This is a very exciting time for our little family as we all wait for our new home to take shape. The kids enjoy going out to the site to check on progress (as do their parents). Grandma Barbi has proven to be a very patient and tolerant hostess of our family of five - plus Mulligan. We have taken over her basement but all are enjoying this rare opportunity to spend time A LOT of time together! God bless her for putting up with us.

Bella and Max's 8th Birthday!

Wow! Max and Bella turned 8 on June 13, which is so very hard to believe. Their birthday party was soccer-inspired, although the festivities were held at Geyser Park. The kids had a blast riding the bumper boats, go-carts, and playing lazer tag.

Soccer cupcakes for the birthday boy and girl.

Each of them invited 5-6 friends to the party...it was a great group of kiddos.

The go-carts were a fan favorite. Here's Max and Dad with Max Kimball and Jace Rhodes coming up fast.

Lazer tag was lots of fun as well.

And the bumper boats.

Max and Bella were super excited about their new mountain bikes. They each have 7 gears and they kids have spent the last couple months enjoying their new bikes. We have rode our bikes to the swimming pool, McDonald's, McKenzie River, the park, and just around the neighborhood. Our nightly rides are proving to be a great way to get some exercise with the kids - and they absolutely love it!

Vegas!

We had a great time in Vegas on our way to Lake Havasu for our houseboating adventure. We stayed at Excalibur, and the kids were thrilled to be in the castle. It was a great way to kick of ths family vacation.

Hurray for Sponge Bob Square Pants!

My cool cats getting ready for another 3D adventure.

Handsome daddy with some tired kiddos.

The Lion King was EXCELLENT! The show started at 7pm (8pm Montana time) and did not get over until 10pm (11 pm Montana time), yet we had no sleepers. Big hit.