Picture Dump September-early October

Starting School

This year for the start of school we all sat down to set goals as we usually do.  We decided to take a piece from Grandpa and Grandma's recent letter as our "family motto" for the year.  I have been tasked to get it in "vinyl" because then we can be reminded every day.  Our motto is  "obedience brings blessings.  Exact Obedience brings miracles"  

I cannot believe how big our kids are getting.  Shelby started 9th grade, a freshman.  WOW.  When did that happen.  Jacob started 6th grade and is not longer in elementary school.  Rachel is in Kindergarten.  She is so excited and happy.  We could all sail to forever on her happiness.  Jarom is enjoying a new babysitter and is talking up a storm.  His newest phrase is Grandpa gone.  Here are a few pictures from the morning.... 

I don't know what happened to the picture of Jacob.  ......

 

Summer Fun....

 June 15th:  Mom and Dad Andrus got their mission call and opened it at Aronic Priesthood Training Camp (My dad loves being with the young men and loves that camp site).  They left today Aug. 6th for Charlotte North Carolina.  They are so excited.  They have been counting down for a year.

 July 4-8th family Reunion:
We started with the 4th of July celebration at the small town we grew up in.  Complete with breakfast, fun run, parade, softball games with Grandpa Andrus and Ben, and fireworks later in the evening.  What a great first day.  We then had professional pictures by Levi Sim,  which turned out beautiful but we are still waiting for the digital copies.  We then headed for East Canyon.  The kids played and played and played.  It was wonderful.  The setting was perfect.  The creek was right behind the campsite and the kids played like we did when we were little.  Perfect.  Jarom earned the name Squishy Ninja because the kid could disappear faster than we could keep up with him.  He usually was following the big kids somewhere.  Funny kiddo..  a VERY peaceful and delightful time.  Mom and Dad Andrus had the little kids dress up in pioneer garb and we did a mini trek with stops along the path they will take for their mission.  It was a fun and exciting way to bring a little family history into the reunion.  With stops in Rock Springs with "buffalo" shooters (marshmellow shooters), Omaha NE to visit Uncle Kay and learn about the children's great grandparents.  Then to St. Louis to talk about our pioneer ancestors, and the gospel.  then to Nashville where we sang songs and finally arriving at North Carolina where mom and dad will serve.  Fun times.  All to soon it was time to say goodbye.  So hard when some live so far away.  We miss our Arizona  and Rock Springs cousins when they are gone.

 

Then Joshua's 3rd birthday memorial:

And finally:  Good bye grandma and Grandpa

Northern California- Redwoods Nat'l Park

Our little family just got back from a wonderful 8 days in Northern California.  We were a little early for the tourist season there making it magical and very private for our little family.  There were people around but for the most of the time we could do what ever we wanted together.   We were able to rent a 4 bedroom home in Crescent City, CA for the week through VRBO.  (Vacation Rental by owner) it is less expensive/or the same price as hotels and our family of 6 with different ages need the space in a home.    Derrek went with his family when he was young and has wanted to go back every year when we discuss vacations.  After 16 years of bringing it up I am so glad we went.  There is nothing to put you in perspective as a 1000 +year old trees in a huge grove with ferns and nature everywhere.  Enjoy the pictures.  A definite must do again as our little kids will have a different experience as they age....  
By the numbers:
8 days
3 National Parks
2,446 miles
1500 year old trees
5 scenic drives through the ancient forests
10 hikes through groves and ferns and elk
3 days on the beach freezing and loving the water,sand and surf
1 temple seen
1 morning at the beach at minus tide with tide pools
1 perfect 4 bedroom rental home with kitchen
4 kids
2 adults
0 fights and tears

The disgusting van after 16 hours of the return trip...... PS. I-80 is a LONG LONG DISMAL ROAD

Pretty amazing time