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We've raised little water rats! My kids love the pool, almost to the point where it scares me. Caden has really taken off and swims all over the place, jumping off the diving board, swimming from one side to the other. I don't know when or how he picked it up, but he is doing awesome!!! Don't tell Avery, but she doesn't know how to swim yet. She thinks she can, and has no fear of the water. She usually likes to sit on the floor of the pool for as long as she can before popping back up out of the water, or she'll just step off the edge of the stair or pool knowing that before long, someone will get to her. It scares me, but I'm also glad they aren't afraid and want to be around it. It just keeps us on our toes.
Usually we swim at our neighborhood pool. It is the best pool I've ever been to. It is so kid friendly, has the zero entry (like a beach), the whole front half is deep enough for kids to walk around and the back half is about 5-6 feet deep for adults to swim. There are fountains, several water features out of the pool to play in...just so much fun!!!
Avery and her friend Maren Wycherly
We also love going to Grandma and Grandpa Yorgason's pool. This night, we went around 9pm so it was beautiful outside and the pool felt so good. Becca and Jakes's family went too, and my kids loved having races, water fights, playing colors and jumping of the diving board with them.
Not sure what the deal is with the tube, I think he thought it made him go faster in the races. You can't see the other kids lined up next to him, with my brother Matt trying not to get his hair wet. If you know Matt at all, this is not a surprise...getting in the pool trying to get as little wet as possible :)
Our poor little Avery got so sick after the McCall trip. The day after we got back, she was running a fever all day between 103 and 104. She was absolutely miserable. I went out and ran errands, and she just laid her head on the handle of the cart, moaning, not really even crying, just an "I'm miserable and please help me" kind of moan. (BTW, it was after I got home from errands I realized her fever was so high...I'm not that mean.) The day after, she woke up throwing up and did so about every 20-30 minutes for a good 5 hours. I felt so sad for her. We changed so many clothes and did so much laundry! She was so upset every time because it got her jammies dirty. She didn't really have much on her tummy because the day before she felt so yucky that she didn't eat anything. But she was so thirsty, she kept begging for a drink. The logical side of me said no because it hadn't been long enough time since the last throw up. The sensitive side gave in and let her drink whatever she wanted. I knew it was going to come right up, but the poor thing was so tired and thirsty she just didn't understand how to wait. It was a long couple of days, but once she decided to rebound, our spunky little Avery was back!
We had such a fun time for the 4th of July this year up in McCall. We went to McCall again with my family, and the weather was perfect!!! Most of our time was spent outside, the kids got along great, and Grandma and Grandpa Yorgason were generous as always to everyone and made us feel so welcome. We also got to know Annette a little better. She is marrying my brother Chris next month, and it was fun to see them, get to know her more, and even take a few engagement pictures (almost 700 to be exact)! The fireworks on the 4th were good as always. Up there, you can sit out on your beach or drive your boat out on the lake to watch the fireworks. We usually build a fire, set up chairs, roast marshmallows, do a few fireworks of our own while we wait, and then enjoy the show over the lake. They are always so fun to watch every year and listen to them echo off of the mountains. WARNING: There are lots of pics, some with more explanation than others. Enjoy.Avery playing out at the beach. Most of our time was spent here with the kids.
Avery modeling her new swimsuit...I just love it!!!
Ryan took Avery out on the boat. They both look a little tired here, and as soon as her life jacket went on she screamed her little heart out. However, 10 seconds out of the dock she was out cold and slept the entire time. All she needed was the mimi in her mouth and blanket in her arms. By the way, she never sleeps anywhere, never has, so this was amazing!
Ryan getting ready to take both kids out on the boat.
Caden and Gabe on the beach before the firework show started. Ryan and my brother Dave brought fireworks up that we watched while we waited for the big show over the lake. Notice their life jackets...they wore those day and night, in and out of the house. They said it made them superheroes.
Sure, Avery's happy here with her sparkler. Fast forward 10 seconds to when it goes out and she sticks it in her mouth - OUCH!!! It had a toasty little end on it that singed her tongue. The cousins ran fast to get her ice and she was over it before too long.
We brought up cheap glow sticks for the kids. They were a hit, even after some of the little ones bit through them and their mouths were glowing in the dark. A few got lost after being buried in the sand, but everyone was happy for the cheap thrill.
Chris feeding Avery Smores. She may look a little skeptical, but she loved them. We roasted marshmallows at the fire while watching the fireworks, then put them between chewy Chips Ahoy...yummy!!!!
Avery loved eating lunch outside. A little baggie of grapes and a princess cup...who wouldn't be happy with that?
The little superheroes strapped themselves together. I'm not sure what kind of power they said this gave them, but it worked. These two got along the whole trip!
What's a trip to McCall without a little project to work on. There was so much snow this winter, that it damaged the fence around the deck. Ryan here hard at work trying to repair it.
Ryan and Avery out on the jet ski. 
The kids had several fun water fights. We found these great water blasters at the dollar store and loaded up. 
One of the funniest things from the vacation was going to church in a barn on Sunday. I'm waiting for a picture, so I'll post it soon of it, but the church up there is under construction so they were meeting at the bishop's barn. We had to drive about 25 minutes to get there, drive down an old dirt path up towards the mountains, and there it was in the middle of nowhere. It was kind of fun. They had it organized so well, chairs set up, people directing the parking, water coolers outside, outhouses...it really made me appreciate the pioneers. This was so much nicer than what they ever met in, but walking in the dust in our church clothes, sitting in dirt with kids, not wanting them to get dirty, trying to hold everything on our laps so it wouldn't fall to the ground, not wanting the kids to get down because it was such a mess...we have it really good today.
Here are our latest ultrasound pics. Can you believe how real they are?
I've been reading recently about a family who lost their infant daughter to a tragic accident that has really changed my perspective on things. Maybe it's not so muh a changed perspective, but a very stronger reminder and reinforcer. You can read about it here. This little girl was the niece of a friend of mine and my heart has ached for them the last week or so. I've read each day, hoping the mother would post again, often adding pictures that tell a story by themselves(which my friend took most of them...she's an amazing photographer). Her insight into the whole situation is amazing to me. She has taught me about being a loving mother and wife. She has taught me to hold my kids a little longer at night, to speak kinder and more lovingly, to remember what is important in life and that most things can be replaced...they're just not worth getting angry over. If you have a moment, read her blog. I think you'll be touched just as I have.
So, surprise to many of you who didn't know. We are expecting baby #3 and we found today we are having a boy. Ryan knew all along, or at least was hoping, and he was right. I've been so lucky to be free of sickness, and although we had a few scares early on, everything now is well. We are due Oct. 16th and realizing that it not only means one more body around the house, sleep deprivation, more noise, but it also means where do I put him?, we need a new car, etc. My trusty Honda Accord will need to find a new home, and we look forward to a bigger car. Caden is excited. Avery loves babies. And Ryan and I hope for the best. Caden and Avery were each on opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of everything one could imagine, so we'd be happy somewhere in between with this one. If you know any cute boy names, please pass them along. We definitely need help! 
This year we went to Utah for Memorial Weekend. We usually stay in Boise and get together with all the Yorgason's on my dad's side, but we decided it would be nice to be in Utah this year. The kids traveled great on the way down...better than they ever have. We didn't leave Boise until about 6:30 on Friday, so it made for a late night getting in around 12:30 in the morning. Of course, my kiddos held out strong like they always did and didn't sleep a wink in the car. Thank heavens for DVD players!!!Ronalee and Jeff were nice as they always are to have us over for swimming and BBQ on Saturday. Unfortunately, it was too cold to swim, but we got quite a lot of volleyball and four wheeling in.We went to the cemetery on Sunday to see Ryan's father's grave. Paula just picked out the tombstone and we thought it was really nice. Notice all the trees around in the picture, it is the most peaceful spot there with an incredible view of the valley and even Cougar Stadium. Avery was quite content eating her peanut butter and honey sandwich on the tombstone...is there anything wrong with that?Kelli and Andrew came over after. We actually saw a lot of them that weekend and it was fun to see so much of them.Monday, we had to make a stop at Brick Oven for lunch. Why don't they expand? I know they'd be a hit anywhere - at least we make it down there a few times a year for their yummy root beer and salad bar.It was a fun weekend. The kids traveled great, probably better than I, and it was a nice relaxing weekend. We must have been quite a site on the road. Caden playing Ryan's palm pilot, Avery watching movies on the DVD player, me watching movies on my ipod, and Ryan listening to music/watching shows on his. So much for good quality family time :)At the cemetery
Caden and Kelli
Andrew and Caden
Avery being silly Avery...trying on Grandma Paula's glasses
The kids with Grandma Paula. Notice the candy necklaces around their necks - they were supposed to last the trip :) Avery's made it about 3 minutes...Caden had good intentions, but who can stop after one bite?
When Avery ran out of necklace, she went for the toes...surprisingly, they kept her entertained for some time
My sister Becca's kids came over the other day. I love it when little kids get together because they are so creative in their play. Lately, all they want to do is dress up. My sis in law Lucy just brought over some dresses for Avery, thank goodness, because all we have to dress up in is old Halloween costumes that consist of 2 or 3 things. They get pretty bored with that. Nonetheless, the kids pulled out the dresses, Caden put on a black "thing" from his pumpkin costume 3 years ago (yes, it was plenty short, but he doesn't mind) and they told me they were getting married. How cute was that. They even pulled out some white roses from a little bouquet I have so the girls could have their flower. I love their creativity.
My sister in law Kami just created a new Etsy site. She has an amazing talent, and I love the things she's added so far. Soon she'll also be adding some of the cutest hand bags. I wish I had a picture to post of one, but they'll be coming soon. Below are just a few samples of what she has to offer, but she can do anything you want if you don't see something you like. Just click on an image to see it larger. Her prices are totally reasonable, the quality is great, and like I said, she's willing to do anything you want if you contact her. If you have favorite colors, styles, designs...whatever, she can do it. I've had a binki clip like these for both of my kids, and I love them. Also, she's made many, many bracelets for my little Avery and I loved putting them on her. I've added her site as a link on my sidebar, you can click here, or click on the title. If you like what you see, add her as a link on your blog to spread the word.Bracelets for girls
Binki Clips
Avery and her friend Maren Wycherly
Not sure what the deal is with the tube, I think he thought it made him go faster in the races. You can't see the other kids lined up next to him, with my brother Matt trying not to get his hair wet. If you know Matt at all, this is not a surprise...getting in the pool trying to get as little wet as possible :)
