It's so infrequent that I do something creative just for the hey of it. I need more of that in my life. This past Sunday, I took some portraits of my daughters. It's no easy exercise and I really try hard not to be monster mom when I'm taking pics of my kids. Totally not my strength to be cool and fun. But, I got them making funny faces and all sorts of expressions and in between those, I captured some sweet pictures of them. Obviously the baby was the hardest to take pictures of. She found a button and insisted on putting it in her mouth. Oh man... 

The days are long but the years are short. 

Conor's parents came for a visit last weekend. I overlapped with them for only a day and a half because I went on my first backpacking trip (!) with girlfriends (it was amazing!). Everyone had lots of fun together while I was gone. And I snapped a few photos from when I was around. We swam in the Spokane river. It was refreshing... 

We spent a day at Lake Cocolalla with my cousin and her daughter. I love these kind of beach days! We have so much fun and it's pretty easy to get out there! We loved playing in the water, paddle boarding and riding the sea doo. I love chit chatting with Jonica and Georgia and Maeve gets loved on. Holly and Greta tasted oreos and tried to guess the flavor. They enjoyed that game lots! 

This day totally wiped Greta out (she's still recovering from having her tonsils and adenoids removed), but I think it was worth it. 

Now I'm just really hoping the smoke goes away so we can wrap up summer with oomph! 

I really love swimming in a cold river on a hot day. I kind of like that shock to the body! This is such a good little spot to swim and it's deep enough to jump in. I was SO proud of my brave girl Holly for giving it a go! She jumped in once and then did it again immediately. And then went another time before we left! I also want to remember how generous and kind my children were on this day. They are great kids!

We went to Kootenay Lake a couple of times while we were in Yahk. It is such a beautiful lake and the kiddos were all pretty happy to play! Everyone enjoyed getting into the water and we had so much fun! Just look at the joy on Maeve's face as Conor tossed her! And holy moly, Conor is looking good! So glad he's mine! 

Holly spent pretty much the entire time floating around with her new peacock tube. So much fun! I'm so grateful!

PS: I can't believe how tall Holly is standing in front of me!