Trip to the East Coast

Kai and I flew to the east coast for a family reunion and wedding. My sweet, sweet husband agreed to stay home and hang out with the older boys. Jon was so great- he took the boys camping, river exploring, park playing, and even did some play dates (AND my house was clean when I got home)- give it up for the world's best hubby!!

Anyways, Kai and I flew first to VA where my grandparent's live. We hung out at there house with two of my aunts and their kids for a couple of days; waiting for my dad to fly in. After that, we drove south to N. Carolina for a relaxing week on Lake Gaston (my great aunt has a lake house). We went boating, tubing, kayaking, swimming, floating, rope swinging, relaxing, relaxing, relaxing!! Kai was totally spoiled by all his adoring family members and I got a much needed break. It was so great to spend time with my dad's side of the family, whom I see very rarely. Two major highlights for me were chatting with the "girls" (my aunts) until late into the night and trying to take a shower in a trickle of water (who needs a shower anyways!). Thanks Aunt Olive for putting us up!!

Sunset shot from Olive's inlet out to the lake.

Isabelle, Lauren and Katy (my cousins) tubing.

Kai with the oldies (ha-ha) on the sunset cruise.

The kids talked me into trying out the rope swing

(by the the third try- I didn't look like a complete idiot).

To keep his mind off the fact that he had to wear a girlie life jacket; they let Kai drive the boat- after a minute of wondering where his mom was, he decided that driving was much more fun!

Kai and I with my Grandma and his GG.

We loved floatin' around!

After our leisurely week at Gaston, we drove up to Washington DC for my cousin Faith's wedding; where we met up with more family. Although the wedding was unbearably hot, it was beautiful and of course the blushing bride (seriously, it was that hot) was gorgeous! Her beau, Blake was a sweetheart and had a great, very likable family so the wedding was pleasant.

The ceremony (in which I heard only bits and pieces because my "perfect" baby cried the whole time).

Uncle Bob and his beautiful little girl.

4 Generations (Dad, Grandad, Me & Kai)

My cousin's Dan & Nate with Grandpa

My dad and his 4 sisters: Caroline, Sue, Anne and Liz.

Blake & Faith's big exit.

After the wedding we had a nice dinner and spent some time catching up with our world traveling family. I have the most spectacular family! I wish Faith and Blake a very happy marriage and can't wait to see you two in OK soon.

Kai's cheezy smile.

Aunt Anne, Aunt Caroline and Lauren lounging at the hotel.

Aunt Liz and Uncle Dave came all the way from Austria!

Anne, Sue, Liz, and mom.

The twins- SUPERSTAR!

The next morning my mom, Kai and I headed to DC for some sight-seeing. I wish that I could have had another few days there; it was an awesome (and humbling) experience. The war memorials brought tears to my eyes and the Lincoln memorial (along with the Declaration of Independence written on the wall) made my heart swell with gratitude and patriotism. I am definitely putting this destination on my list of must-sees with my children; it was a very powerful experience!

The White House.

My cousin Claire and I in front of the Lincoln Memorial.

WWII Memorial

Washington Monument!

Lincoln Memorial and Declaration of Independance ( SO AWESOME!!)

Korean War Memorial

After checking out some of the memorials and the White House; we headed to the Mall for a little museum hopping. We didn't have much time so we just went into the Smithsonian, the Museum of Natural History, and one of the art museums. I got to see some real live Monet and Van Goh and I even found out that my most favorite painting (The Great Wave by Katsushika Hokusai) is held there, but unfortunately not displayed because it's on paper.

Natural History Museum.

Cooling off in a fountain.

Monet!

Van Goh!

The Capital.

After walking around for 8+ hours we decided to call it a day (a LONG day). We headed to Union Station to take the Metro back to our hotel area...unfortunately, we had arrived at another metro station 12 blocks away so although we could have just taken a one way metro to that station then transfer, we decided we could do the walk...my poor feet :) Oh well, all the feet soreness was well worth it- what an enlightening day!

Camping at Ensign Ranch for the 4th of July

Kai throwing rocks (a boy's favorite activity)

Playing in the river.


My two favorite men.

Jon and I thought we'd take a dip in the -40º water, OUCH!

I love being with my family!

We are campers!

Canoeing.

We went camping with some families from the ward and with my parent's (my dad surprised me by showing up too, yea!) for 4th of July weekend at Ensign Ranch. We had a great time!! They had a really surprisingly great firework show on the 4th and I got to celebrate my 28th birthday at the same time- so fun!

Lake Serene

The Preparation (rubbing the lucky sassquatch and getting a pass).

The Hike- slightly crazy with the ice but a great work out and absolutely worth the views!

The Lake (Serene) - these pics definately do not do this lake justice; it was crystal

clear with an aqua tint, surrounded by mountains B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L!!!

(Don't let this view fool you this part was incredibly tricky with this ice.)

The (successful) Hikers.

The Mountain Views.

After doing the Bridal Veil Falls hike with my girlfriends, I really wanted to do the Lake Serene hike; so when my mom came out we decided to do it. This hike was definately not easy- I had read that kids and old people could do it- NO WAY! Even if all the snow/ice melted (which made some parts death defying) it would be a tough hike. I really enjoyed it though and it sparked a renewed desire to hike. The views, waterfalls and the lake itself were absolutely stunning ( I look forward to seeing them when the ice melts) and the sore butt (you know; the GOOD sore) after all the stairs was a big plus. Loved it!!