Where did summer go?

Oh my. I saw yellow leaves on the lawn this weekend and I almost cried. I'm not sure where our summer went but it's gone by fast. I think all the plants are starting to give up on summer too. We've had so much rain lately that my garden is now a mushroom garden. This wouldn't be bad but I don't know if I can eat them or not. They just take up space and get all squishy after a few days. Even the pretty flowers aren't so pretty anymore and look soggy and ready to just die. The only plants that looks like they still want to grow are my tomatoes. They are still green and I'll have to harvest them before they will ever ripen...

But enough of that! Here are a few glimpses of what made our summer so special ---

Birthdays!

We enjoyed going to many birthday parties this summer -- including celebrating Landon turning seven!

Jack's birthday party where the frosting turned everyone's tongue black! Such fun!

Kier's birthday which was extra special because they moved about 1 week later -- out of state.

Ajax's birthday which was a very skull dugger of a time!

And, Landon's 7th birthday with all sorts of friends.

Camping Trips!

We love to go camping in the summer and it started early in the spring with a trip to Denali and then to Homer before the end of May! Our longest trip was an 11-day trip to Southeast Alaska and Canada. Our last "summer" trip was up to Eagle Summit and Chatanika. We aren't done yet --- we still have some 'fall' trips before the snow falls.

Camping on Homer Spit with Sheri, Kahlil, Ajax, and Tom. Boy, that was a cold trip!

Camping in Juneau with the Wilson family (again!) and Tom too! Not as cold as Homer but still gray skies :)

In Canada, canoeing with Tom.

On the Chatanika, fishing for Grayling.

Scenery!

Our summer was also filled with beautiful places -- from Alaska, Canada, and Colorado.


Friends and Family!

Of course, no summer would be complete without activities that involved friends and family.

Ajax and Landon.

Tessa, Kalena, and Landon enjoy a soak.

Kalena is ready to take care of baby Will.


Kier and Landon at Denali Science Camp.


Cousin Tucker, Karyn, and Kalena check out fish in Denver.

G.G, Kalena, and Landon after a fine visit and fine food at the Pump House.

All stacked up! Grandpa Ed, Granny Bev, Landon, and Kalena in Colorado.

Thanks to all that made it a great summer! We look forward to playing with some of you this fall and winter!!