Independence Day in Alton

Cole ventured down to the little town of Alton, Utah to celebrate Independence Day with the Andersen Family. He made his debut in the annual fun run. Cole looks really excited after his victory. Will and I pushed him two miles into town. The first mile was all uphill and I felt like an old grandma pushing the stroller. Thankfully, the stroller propelled us forward in the second mile since it was all downhill. The Lehmitz family ended up in first place and we were awarded a Camelback!

Here is the happy family sitting on Grandpa Andersen's train. We took a nice little private tour around the town.

Cole with Great-Grandpa Andersrn.

We love going down to Alton for the fourth of July! It's great to participate in all the small town festivities.

Sibling Weddings

 Jessica and David Pratt kicked off the wedding season in May. They were married in the Oquirrh Mountain temple. We're very happy Jess has found someone who shares in her love of Star Wars and Nintendo. David seems like a great match for her in many other ways. He is a pretty easy-going, friendly guy who wants the best for Jess. The wedding turned out beautiful. We were a little scared because of the pouring rain before the sealing, but we had a nice cloud break and there were no need for umbrellas.

The sisters looking all cutesy.

Cole decided he was done taking pictures and just passed out.

 The bridesmaids trying to look sassy. Jess decided to follow in our footsteps and have the reception at Le Jardin.After the wedding, the newlyweds fled from Utah to live in Seattle. We miss them, but hope to make it up there soon for a visit.

 In July, Will's sister, Becky, was sealed to Sam Knotts in the Draper Temple. Here they are celebrating with Cole on their big day. In a couple of years, they'll be holding a little one of their own.

 All the siblings looking as happy as can be.

 The boys in their role as protectors. I guess they didn't do a very good job because Sam got her anyways.

I am enjoying having another in-law in the bunch. We still remain the most popular, but that definitely can be attributed to Cole. We're glad that Becky has found someone who makes her happy.

Blake decided to make it official in August with Lilia Jasmin Henriquez. We are so happy that Jasmin is part of our family on paper. They had a beautiful wedding at the Woods on Ninth. Jasmin did a great job decorating and the food was delicious! They spent days slaving away making tamales. Jasmin continues to make us laugh and is very good for Blake.

 We're glad that Jasmin came with Ana. She is such a spunky little girl, full of enthusiasm and energy. In this picture she is looking unusually docile and coy.

 You can't really see Bentley's mow-hawk in this picture, it kind of blends in with the background. Until recently, that was his trademark. Bentley is such a cute little boy. We're so happy to have him in our family. He has a passion for Elmo and loves to play with Cole. 

Ewww... kissing. Will and I do it best, but we don't like to publicize it.

Cole's Summer Collection

Cole visiting his name sake Great Uncle's grave site in West Jordan, UT on Memorial Day.

Hanging out in Mom and Dad's bed.

Eating toes on the changing table.

First time eating rice cereal.

Hanging out with Dad.

SecurityMetrics Summer Party

My company hosts two big parties a year. For the summer party, they rented out the Veteran's Memorial Pool in Provo, brought in some caterers and have a big pool party. I entered the boggle competition to win $500, but I had a disappointing performance and lost in the first round.

This was also Cole's first swimming experience, although he thought the water was too cold to be much fun.

Lake Blanche

To train for King's Peak, we took my dad hiking up Lake Blanche one Saturday in July. Previously, Will's only experience with Lake Blanche was snowshoeing in a storm. Needless to say, this time when we reached the top, he was actually able to tell where the lake was and he enjoyed his experience much more. 

Dromedary Peak above Lake Blanche.

Look at that beautiful reflection!

Cole is happy and fed, there's nothing like nursing on a rock.

Not the greatest camera angle, but at least we're all in the picture.

Photo Journal Summer Hiking Adventures

Avenue Twin Peaks--First hike of the summer with hiking group and Bff, Megan

Jack's Mountain with hiking group

Mill B North Overlook with hiking group

On the way to the overlook

Yellowfork with family

Megan, Ana, Jasmin, Sarah, and Cole

Bentley is a happy hiker

Awww... Cole and Sarah snuggling

Esther knows how to share

Snacktime up Yellowfork with Sausha and Esther

Walking at Lake Mary, one of the several Brighton Lakes

Cole and Esther braving the wind--Esther is doing much better

Lake Martha of Brighton Lakes

Lake Catherine--notice Cole and Esther gazing at each other. They are betrothed.