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The day after returning from Pine Valley, we had our own Apken mini-reunion (our BIG reunion is this week). Chris' sister, Laurie, and her husband drove up from L.A., and we were their first stop on a trip across the state! We loved hanging out with their two kiddos: Grant and Kaylee (our first time meeting baby Kay!). We had a GREAT time.  Grandpa with the two "babies" at the French reunion (Lake Easton) Too chilly to actually swim Paige LOVED baby Kay: Paige and Grant were buddies.  They loved hanging out back. Going for a ride in Aunt Laurie's car Park time! This girl had her tongue out ALL the time! So cute! A drive up to Uncle Matt and Aunt Dani's to swim We are excited for a chance to hang out for four whole days in Lincoln City this week!

Prepare yourself for a gaggle of photos...these are the rest from our amazing week in Pine Valley.   Lots of eating...for the kiddos it was mostly popsicles! (Thx Camille! Love this pic) Enjoying the rocks in the backyard Snuggling with Grandma...who doesn't love that girl's crazy hair? A day at Veyo pool...my girls have a love affair with the water Brynn and Grandpa Food at the pool is always a highlight! Paige doesn't know how to eat ice cream fast enough...we aren't used to actual HOT temperatures! Grandma and Aunt Rochelle organized a craft project each day.  This is only evidence of a few. Painting bird houses Making stepping stones Scavenger Hunt! All the kiddos and Grandpa after discovering the final scavenger hunt prize! With only a few stop signs in the entire town, let's just say the seat belt and car seat rules are REALLY lax...aka nonexistent. My parents' fun new toys! I guess we are turning into ATV people.  After a few days, Paig...

I keep my blog void of any super personal details, but it's late and I've thrown caution to the wind. I've been going through past entries of my blog tonight, reminiscing about all that's happened in the last three years. I have a lot of thoughts swirling through my head...one of which is a feeling of satisfaction at documenting our family and my girls as they've grown. How else would I remember the details of Paige giving up Purple B , or how I moved back in with my parents for a month after I broke my arm, or how Brynn was a cuddler from the second she was born. Time has a way of fading the details and I'm grateful for the moments documented in cyberspace forever. Our life is in a bit of chaos at the moment, but I'm sure in another year I will look back and see how life just kept on going...it wasn't that bad, and we managed to see through the difficulties and just enjoy our family and the time we had. My grandpa turned 95 last week. I talked to him on...

The highlight of our trip to Pine Valley is the Annual 24th of July celebration.  The breakfast, band, races and games at the church provide a morning of fun! I ran these same races and participated in these same games when I was a girl.  Life is so fulfilling when you see it come full circle to your own children. JOY! The locale for the morning festivities Aunt Erin with Rylan and Brynn (love this photo).  Erin didn't come until Friday, so the kiddos were anxious to spend time with her! My Grandpa plays the tuba in the band (isn't he adorable!).  Brynn wanted a closer view of the action. Let the games begin! Paige Brynn with her cousins Rylan and Graham Yay Brynnie!! The girls with their Cracker Jacks Licorice/kiss game Water-balloon toss with Grandparents. Paige is about as good as I am. The WINNING bubble! Rubbing it in a little... Trying to get all the young grandkids and great-grandkids in one shot (impossible) Left to right: Faye, McCorm...