I woke Kendrick up from his nap so he could get ready to play with his cousins, and this is as far as the poor kid made it. Don't you want to just poke that cute little belly-button?
Lydia helped make some delicious chili for a school project. She's getting so mature, it breaks my heart.
And then we headed outdoors.
The weather in June was so wonderful. Total bummer that the older kids were still in school. However, the younger kids and I took full advantage of the warmer weather and beautiful places to visit.
One day we went on a bike ride along the cedar river. The kids weren't too sure about the bike trailer at first, but they settled in.
Throwing rocks in the river is always Kendrick's favorite part. Ivy was content to sit on a rock until she sort of fell in and then she was crabby and crying the whole way home.
To take a break from all the crying we stopped to play on the bridge halfway back home.
More rock throwing ensued before we finished our trek back home.
Another day we went with our friend to pick fresh strawberries.
I thought Kendrick would enjoy it a lot more than he did. He basically followed me around and chatted instead of actually picking anything.
The scenery was gorgeous, the weather was great, and the strawberries were delicious.
When the rest of the family was available we went outside to play as well.
A family night at Kanaskat Palmer and another evening at the park. Ivy loved trying out the swings.
Ammon participated in a rain gutter regatta at scouts and we cheered him on.
Ammon didn't fare so well at the beginning of the races, but he didn't win a couple later on.
It didn't help when Ivy ate part of the sails of his boat.
Lydia performed in another piano recital.
So proud of this girl and the work she puts into her pieces. My heart bursts when I hear her perform.
Lydia works on her piano and Kendrick works on his abacus.
This boy loves to learn. And Ivy loves peekabo.
She especially loved squishing her eyes as much as possible.
We attended another year of the Maple Valley Days Parade.
Collecting candy and waving at the marching band and other parade participants kept the kids busy for the morning.
This June I finally had the chance to hike a popular nearby hike: Rattlesnake Ridge.
Our Relief Society started a small hiking group for ladies and I jumped on that in a heartbeat. This time only Tanilee and I were able to go, but it was a blast. We had heart-to-heart discussions and at the top we marveled at the wonderful views.
I couldn't believe it took me this long to get to this hike since Rattlesnake Lake is one of our favorite destinations. However, I was glad I didn't have kids with me due to the high ledges.
Hiking with such rewarding views with a good friend and no kids is probably my favorite activity.
Ivy started pulling herself up along the furniture and we cheered her awkward success.
I went on another hike with another good friend, Wendy. This time we climbed PooPoo Point early, early in the morning so we could get back before our kids had school and husbands had to leave for work.
More hiking and therapeutic chats with great views.
Like I said, my favorite activity.
Lydia and Ammon finally got out of school for the summer.
Ammon wrapped up second grade and Lydia finished fourth. Here's the side by side from the beginning to the end of the year.
I took my parents, Kayleen, Lydia, and Ammon on another hike up to Teneriffe Falls.
The beginning of the hike was smooth and easy-going. Eventually, we hit some rocky terrain dotted with purple foxglove plants growing out of the side of the mountain.
Pictures don't really show how it looks at all. It was very pretty and foggy. My parents had a hard time with the rocks, especially with both of them recovering from injuries. I forged on ahead with the kids while they headed back. I was determined to make it to Teneriffe Falls.
It wasn't the most amazing waterfall, but we made it and spent some time watching the water trickle down the rocks.
After our fill of the waterfall, we turned around and tried to catch my parents. We were surprised how far ahead of us they had made it.
We eventually caught up with my parents and finished the hike together.
About five or six miles long, the kids enjoyed the hike and my parents were a little traumatized because of their injuries. I think the route was too unfamiliar and unexpected, otherwise they would have been fine. I loved it because I was out hiking yet again.
Ivy and Kendrick were left behind so that also made it way more fun.
Ivy and Kendrick did join us on our next hike. It's actually more of a walk around a lake, but we joined a kid's hiking group for the summer and so it was just right for all the little ones.
We've walked around Deep Lake before, but it was fun to have others with us to explore the plants and trees.
The kids found and played with a snake, watched little fish in the water, and then we ate lunch and played on the playground on the shore of the lake.
Are you tired of hiking yet? Because we were soon back out there on yet another one.
This time I took the kids with my parents and Kayleen and we hiked the Green Lakes hike. This is one of everyone's favorites.
Following the river, not too much elevation gain, gorgeous lakes and scenery equals a family favorite.
We stopped to eat lunch and skips rocks along the river.
That stick Lydia is holding was the issue of quite a moment of drama. However, the stick was rescued and we were free to continue on.
Ivy loves to ride in the backpack and fell asleep for part of the hike.
Kendrick was seriously wearing out on the way back. My parents took turns holding his hand to keep him going and distracting him with questions and games. He also refused to pee outside, despite multiple attempts. He told me to just drop him off at home so he could use the toilet, hahaha.
It reminded me of when my dad did the same exact thing with Ammon when he was the same age on this same hike. I love these people.
Four miles of hiking and hours of fun outside wear these boys out.
And that wraps up our hiking in June. Such great times and so much fun outside. We now usher in July with a patriotic Ivy.
