Karen's Birthday

For my birthday Jim decided to surprise me and take me to Cape Cod Mass. It was a place that I had never been but heard so much about all of my life. It was such an adventure. Friday night we went to Melissa and Bob's for ribs, corn on the cob and cake. It was a great meal, also some very nice gifts. Thanks to Melissa's family and Laura. Thanks to Abby for the great birthday cake. Then up bright and early to the Cape we went. At the very tip is a town called Provincetown. It is very artsy, and we had a great time looking in all of the fun stores, and watching people.
Last year we found the famous Old North Church with Julie and this year we found the Old South Church. I thought that was funny that it was advertised here in Provincetown. Jim's comment was "I never knew there was an Old South Church"!













This is the Pilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum. It is the tallest granite monument in the USA, it is 250 feet tall. The granite came from Maine. This was the first landing of the Mayflower Pilgrims in 1620. (thanks to Julie for talking to me while I climb this so I could breath right and not need to use my inhaler).











From the top of the tower the view out toward the Atlantic Ocean.
View of the bay from the top.Looking up and down the tower. It is a very long way.














Jim on the way down.














Us after the walk up and down the tower. We don't even look winded. (Jenn, this is the picture that we were taking when you called)
Jim certainly caught me just over one and half years ago.












It wouldn't be a day at Cape Cod with out going to the beach. I even got into the water. It was cold but very nice.
We had dinner at a Lobster Restaurant in Hyannis Port. This is where the Kennedy compound is. It is also where you catch the ferry boat to go to Marthas Vineyard and Nantucket. It was the perfect ending to a perfect day. Thanks to all who made my birthday great. Especially my sweet husband.

Hike with Dave at the reunion

At the reunion in June while we were at the beach Dave decided that he wanted to go on a hike really early in the morning. The only people that he could get to go with him was Papa, Anna, Kim and Hadley. They left the house at 6:00 AM and got back around noon. It was a fun time for all.

The girls along the trail.
Each of the girls had to look through the roots of a tree.


The all love see the roots from this angle. It was fun to see how big the trees are.

















It was a little cold that morning so the girls took every chance to cuddle.
Over the river and through the woods to where no one knows. Well maybe Dave!
Walking can be tiring Hadley needed a ride for just a little while. The swing bridge behind now more trail to hike.
















The girls ready to leave the forest and head down to the beach.
















Dave leading the way out of the woods to the beach. What an adventure.

Walking along the beach just to see what they could find.




















Crossing a small stream going to look in the cave and find what lives there. They all got a little wet crossing this very small stream. It got bigger each time because the tide was coming in. Glad more people didn't come.
















A starfish, is what they found they took it off of the rocks and let each of the girl hold one and here is papa taking his turn.
Here they are inside of the cave. There was more that just starfish.
















The tide was out but coming back in, so they could see lots of sea animals, including starfishes. Which is what they are pointing at.










A large root ball of a tree that fell. Now this is a big tree. Anna on top of Papa's shoulders. Kim and Hadley looking on.
The end to a perfect hike. With lots of water, caves and trees.

Fun at Julie's

On our way home we stopped at Kirtland to see some of the Church History sites there. It was great to see. I hadn't ever been there and it was very impressive.We went into the School of the Prophets room it had such a great spirit there. I really enjoyed our time there. I look forward to going back and seeing more church history sites. This year we went to Palmyra, Nauvoo, and Kirtland. At the Visitors Center they had on display these bronze statues that a women did of the life and miracles of Christ. It was so great. Our favorite one was the one of raising Lazarus. If you have a chance to see them you should. The details are amazing.
While we were at Julie's we celebrated our 1st Anniversary. We decided to go and see Nauvoo. We went to the temple and visited a number of sights. Then we drove back to Julie's. It was a great day.



Sights of Nauvoo

I know that all of you have seen the pictures of Amelia and our visit but here are some of our favorites.

I love how Miya is just touching Amelia so lightly. I think this really shows how much she loves her little sister.

Julie put on the picture of Miya a little happier and me not so much but this is the other one. Me happier and Miya not so much.
Brian and Michelle waiting for pictures so they could get on the road to their new home.

Papa soon became the favorite to play with. I think it is because he was so much fun and always gave good rides on his back.
It was Papa and my job to entertain the children. We had so much fun with Austin, Spencer, Logan and Miya.

Miya is so glad that dad is still around.
First time seeing Amelia not really sure what to think.

Finishing up with Winter

For New Years Eve and Day, Missy and Bob invited us to come up and go skiing with them and Abby, Matt, and Ryan. We were very excited and had a great time. NO! we didn't end up in the hospital nor did we break or hurt anything, just a little stiff. Thanks Missy, Bob and Kids for a great time.

Ready for another day of skiing.
Jim was doing great going off ski jumps and skiing like a pro.
Looking good I do remember how to ski! :)
Missy and I had a good time riding the chair lift and talking.

Getting ready for a day of skiing. It has been about ten years since I skied. Jim skied two years ago. He really got going and wanted to keep up with Abby, Matt, and Ryan.