Camping once again

Ok, I know everyone is sick of the slide shows but it is the easiest way to see all the pictures. We went camping with our friends again. It was beautiful and of course all the kids had a blast. The boys challenged each other in a long swim so Blythe and I kayaked beside them to ensure everyone got back to shore. We retired a US flag that hung at a local family entertainment park during 9/11 and shared a patriotic moment watching a video dedicated to the troops, thanks Steve for getting us all emotional! I must brag and embarrass Brandon too in that he was able to officiate since he was the only Eagle Scout present. He felt very honored to be able to take part in such a neat ceremony, especially because of the pride he feels for our brother Josiah who is finally back on US soil! The highlight had to be a hike we took before we left to the Bassi waterfalls, the water was beautiful and refreshing. We are packing in as much fun as we can, the summer already seems too short! Thanks to all the families that made this adventure fun, to all those who weren't able to make it this time-next time we are getting you out there with us-it's a blast!

The Fourth!

The Fourth is always so much fun. We start out the day with the church pancake breakfast and bike parade, move on to flag football, go swimming, get pedicures, eat alot, watch the kids play, sing karaoke, eat some more, do fireworks, make smores, clean up and go to bed tired and happy. We go all out to celebrate our great nation! We are so blessed to live in this country and owe our freedom to those who give their lives to protect it! We are so excited for my brother Captain Josiah Griffin to finally be back in the states after 3 years abroad and 2 tours of duty in Iraq under his belt. He is such a source of pride for our family who loves this country so much. Thank you to our servicemen and their families-our prayers and eternal gratitude are always with you!

July 3rd BBQ

Our great friends the Baddley's had a July 3rd party which was lots of fun. We feel so blessed to have so many wonderful friends here in Rocklin. Thanks for all the fun times!

Coloma

Coloma is always a fun place to go with visitors. We took my sisters and Caitlin's friend Katherine to pan for some gold, see the gold discovery museum and take a dip in the river. It was a great day and we ended it with the perfect meal at In and Out!

Bowling, Bawling, and Birthdays!

Folsom lake is better with cousins!

Boating with the Bradford's!

What can I say, we LOVE the water and are blessed to have great friends with boats!

Utah cousins

The Johnson's drove into town and the kids had a great time out in Erica's yard playing and painting nails!

Boating with the Prudler's and McGavock's!

Another great day on the lake!

Sleeping Buddies

Cousin Kendyl

The newest addition to the Hardy/Collie clan is a hit with her cousins. She look so much like her momma and has the sweetest disposition.

Redneck Slip and Slide

Also on Father's Day the kids had a slip and slide on the hot tub cover-are we in AL? Haha it was awesome!

Father's Day 2008

A fun magnet board we made for Papa with notes telling him how much the kids love him!

I know this is really late but I have to give a little tribute to Brando for being such a great dad. For Father's Day I got him a pair of sunglasses he really wanted which actually have since been dropped to the bottom of Folsom lake (not by him), but it's the thought that counts right? His mom got him another lacoste polo he loves, and eli (a future father) the lizard webkin! We had a great dinner at his parents complete with yummy crab legs (one of Brando's favorites). He spends so much time with our kids and has a love that runs so deep! I am so blessed to be married to him and our kids don't even realize yet how lucky they are that he is their dad!