This summer we spent the majority of our vacations at the beach. We did a different activity each time to introduce our kids and eachother to different things every time. Here's a bit what we did.

I went away on a little retreat of my own. It was amazing.

The second week into school, Kai decided to fly off the zip line at a park and break his wrist in two spots....4 weeks to go until cast removal. He also thought he hadn't seen the doctor enough in a weeks time and got bit by a stray dog, while getting off the school bus. No stitches could be administered, so butterfly tape, a little antibiotics and time will heal this wound.

We did a ton of swimming as well this summer. All the kids had a blast. Kai also learned how to swim on his own this summer. 6 years old! I am so proud of him and his determination and will to not give up.

We stopped by in Newport to see the sea lions. We also had to get some taffy and sea foam candy!

This is us with the Newport Bay behind us. It was gorgeous every time we went to the coast. It must have been a record.

Little Valerie was so adorable and the kids loved having her around. At times we had to limit the arguments as to who would hold her first, play with her and to limit the smothering.

We hit the sunlight just right this morning and got a great picture of our shadows. Sahaan, Sadiyah, Kolbie, Micah, Kai, me and Becky (with Val in pouch).

Micah thought it would be a blast to bury the kids in the sand dunes. They loved it and boy did it make for a fun load of laundry!

Kai holding sweet baby Valerie before leaving for the beach trip.

We went on our beach trip the first week of school, so here is Kai on his first day of school. Ms. Webb's class. He is already learning so much and is now probably going to be ambedextris (sp?) because his writing hand is broken, and his left hand writing and drawing is actually amazing.

We also went to the zoo with the cousins this summer. Who knew they had a farm at the zoo too.

My two little eagles in their nest.

How do you measure up?

Sauvie Island was our beach at home, when we didn't want to travel all the way to the coast. It made for some fun water time in the hot weather.

Sahaan and I got to get away on a little vacation of our own. It was the coolest trip we've taken in a while together.

You never thought you would see anyone walk on water again...right? Look again. JK! Luck with the camera. :)

We went crabbing for the first time and while catching the crab we also caught a starfish. The kids were very excited.

Sahaan and I watching the kids play together in the sand.

My good friend Becca and I got to go away with no children. This was her first time with out her baby girl (1yr old) and it was so fun to shop, scrapbook and talk with out interuption or distraction. Thanks Becca for going with me.

Sahaan, the biggest family member, holding Valerie, the smallest family member.

So sorry folks, didn't rotate the picture before downloading it, but just tilt your head and you can see me and my little man.

Here's are cheeze head, baby girl, lil' mama.

Kai and Kolbie enjoying Jamison park in downtown Portland. It was crazy hot that day!

Us at Council Crest park, above OHSU hospital. It is an amazing view up there, and the kids loved hearing their echo in the center of the park.

After having 9 days over 100 degrees we decided to go swimming alot at grandpa and grandma's house. So the whole family and friends got together and stayed cool in the pool.

Taliyah, cousin and niece.

Taliyah and Kolbie, 2 months apart in age.

The cousins, Taliyah, Kai, Daylen, & Kolbie.

Daylen, too cute, I know.

Kolbie and I.

The kids and I in Lincoln city at the beach.

Our gorgeous pre-teen, Sadiyah. They grow up too fast.

Lincoln city beach.

My 3 little sailors.

Newport Bay.

Japanese Spider crab engulfing my children.

Sahaan and baby girl.

I love staring into this fish bowl....:)

Kai was amazed by this octopus. It's like "DOC OC". Only he could compare it to something out of Spiderman.

The shark ate my family...........AAAHHHH!

I got them back though! So this is us almost up to date. More pictures to be coming soon. Off to see my best friend, her new baby and then the pumpkin patch....Stay tuned.