Where did summer go?

I hate to even blog about this...because most don't get a summer with their families...but it is always so sad to me when summer is over. I LOVE spending time with my girls and hubby, catching up with friends and family, and traveling. We have done so much this summer but I guess I am greedy:-). I have about one week left until I am back at work...so we went to the zoo today. The girls had a great time!!!

The girls got to groom a goat...they were beyond excited!

The elephant was in love with Malia...

I have never seen anything like it in all of our visits to the zoo!

The girls were fascinated by the shark tank...we spent a lot of time in there!

New York, New York!!

Aaron and I were able to go on our first real vacation without our girls. Through the help of our incredible family, we knew our girls were in great hands for the 5 days we were gone. We packed everything you could possible imagine into those days...and still managed to get more sleep than we get at home!!!

Aaron and I got to go to the Natural History Museum...

it was incredible to see all the exhibits!

Aaron and I rode the subway everywhere in NY...

it was an incredible part of the experience.

If you like to people watch...there is no lack of entertainment in NY.

We called this gentleman the pigeon guy.

For obvious reasons...and this is after about half of them flew away because of people walking by.

Yankee Stadium is pretty incredible...even if you are a Mariners fan!

This is the twin towers memorial they are building...

part of it is scheduled to be finished by Sept. 11th.

This is us on Wall Street at the Stock Exchange on the day it basically collapsed.

I think Aaron is one of the only people smiling on this street. :-)

This is the infamous St. Patricks Cathedral.

I am lighting a candle for Michelle and praying for healing of her heart.

I took this picture from the top of the Empire State Bldg.

I can't believe how beautiful the view is!

Aaron and I on top of the world!

Not sure where this was taken...just joking. :-)

This was our first night in NY and of course we went straight to Times Square.

Summer Fun!

We went on our annual vacation to Chelan and had a blast. My girls LOVE being with their cousins!

Happy girls!

Having Fun!

Swimming!

Our annual side trip to CWU!

It's a Wonderful Life!

Life has been going great. Our girls are getting bigger and more independent...yet they still need us. The perfect ages with the perfect balance. Both girls love coming to school with me to see the students. They weren't even embarrassed to be seen with me during Fast Forward to the Future day :-)

Recently, I got to tag along with Aaron as he had a shoot in Eastern Washington...it was incredible to stop by and meet Anna Lee. She is the daughter of my dear friend and college roommate, Brenda. It was such a gift to meet her when she was only 2 days old!!!

Our growing girls....love it!

Ava loves to dress up....she has my fashion sense! :-)

Family dinner at my brothers house....the kids loved making their own pizzas!!!

Happy EASTER!!!!

Easter is such a celebration! I remember a time when I was so fearful that we would not be able to have kids (remember...it took a year and a half to be lucky enough to get pregnant with Malia!) and now I cannot believe how blessed we are. Our girls are very different but both incredible. Malia is 4 and Ava is 2...they are best friends. I particularly love this pic because I realized how big Ava's hair really is (although I swear I tried to do it.)

The girls woke up to find out where the Easter bunny had hid their baskets...Ava's was in the closet and Malia's was in the dryer...that tricky bunny! The girls then got their Easter dresses on and we went to church.

Our silly girls!

Malia is quite the drama queen...don't have ANY idea where she gets it from!

The girls needed more sand for their sandbox...what better colors than purple and pink? They were sooooooooooooooooooooooo excited!!!!!!!!!!

Ava's 2nd Birthday!!!

Ava had a wonderful second birthday party at the YMCA! She loved doing all of the gymnastics, playing on the toys, but mostly she loved seeing her family and friends.

Malia and Ava both wanted to take their picture in Ava's chair.

Ava loved her sleeping monkey from Auntie M, Jerry, Dre, and Jazz. It was so great because I remember when Jazzy had one just like it! Opening gifts.

Grandpa decided to do the teeter totter with Ava.

Ava and Malia loved this trampoline floor!

Ahhhh....Gabby is such a cutie! Love her and her parents (my cousin, Cory and Sara:-)

So happy that Carrie and Becky made the drive!!!! Love these ladies! Can't wait to meet Carrie's little girl, when she gets here. :-)

Suncadia 2011

We have started the best family tradition of going to Suncadia and renting a house. It is incredible to spend the weekend together doing great things. The best part is always just being together!

Malia loved ice skating with her cousins!

Grandma Shell and Malia petting the horse.

The grandmas took the girls on a carriage ride...they loved it!

Working on a puzzle!

Ava loved playing in this box with the canned food...it was hilarious to watch her stack them up and knock them down!

Malia loves collecting rocks...she couldn't seem to get this one to budge though!

Family fun!

Out for our family hike!

The cousins!