These are just some of my favorite pictures from the summer. Trampoline tricks, shell hunting at the beach, and Sweet Caroline. This post was made for those of you that can't bear the idea of reading the next four new posts.
Livi celebrated her birthday in Utah this year, it was a lot of fun. She started her day by opening presents from mom and dad, then we picked up their cousin to go to build a bear, all of the kids got to build a bear, they had so much fun. (the yellow decor does not allow for very good pictures though). Then that evening she was spoiled with more presents and a swim party at the PG pool. Livi has the sweetest temperment and she is so loving ( she really wanted a pet this year but we can't commit yet) Happy Birthday Livi. We love you!
We went to the zoo with Aunt Robyn and cousin Sydney as our last trip with them before they move to Berkley. We already miss them so much, but we had a lot of fun that day! Then it was off to Utah again. We went River rafting down the provo river with the whole fam. I haven't done that since I was childless and it had some pretty rough parts as grandma and grandpa Ricker will attest to, they got tipped out of their boat along with Mindy and Benson and I still feel guilty for laughing so hard!!! The next picture you will have to look hard but that is Rigdon way up high on the rock. He made it almost to the top so I had to run down the trail to get the BIG picture. He is a great climber! Lastly we got to go to Aunt Sarah's baby shower, I feel lucky to have been there for that and can't wait to meet their new addition.
Rangi and I celebrated 9 years of married bliss this summer, I couldn't love him more! The girls are partners at the beach because Rigdon has turned into an ocean shark, he loves being in the water the whole time, you would think he would get cold for how skinny he is. Farewell to Roxanne this was her last day with us this summer.
We made a trip to Arizona for my mom's graduation. Way to go mom! She set a goal and worked hard to accomplish it, we had a lot of fun in Arizona, my grandparents and uncle from Maryland even made the trip so it was fun to see them. Next we are off to Hollywood to eat at the world famous PINK'S Hotdogs and get some PINKBERRY yogurt and see the sights. Lastly you can see that Rigdon thought it would be funny to pour some cold river water on Rangi, but Rangi got the final word. It was pretty funny and they both came out laughing.
The following posts will simply be "the best of summer" seeing as how there is FAR TOO MUCH to catch up on at this point. We started summer in Utah for the Strawberry Days rodeo carnival and other fun events. 
When I got home from girls camp Rangi let me know that he had a surprise trip planned for me (and because we have his sister Roxanne here to help that made it possible to leave the kids.) We left on Friday around 2:00 and started driving when we stayed on the 210 until we had passed all the freeways I assumed we would be taking I asked where we were going, he told me to Ventura. When we got there I asked WHAT we were doing... here it is... we ate dinner that night (CPK) and stayed in a hotel the next morning we woke up early to catch a boat that was taking us to the channel Island- Santa Cruz. Once there we kayaked all around the island, it was awesome!!! We saw tons of huge colorful starfish, 2 jellyfish, tons and tons of dolphins and seals, fish of all colors, pelicans that were not afraid of us, sea caves and tunnels, and huge sting rays all over underneath us and remember that is what finally killed steve erwin so I was a little nervous. All in all it was a great trip very fun and relaxing. FYI The channel Islands are a group of islands about 20-30 miles off the coast of California, that is where an indian girl was left that inspired the book island of the blue dolphins and they are a national park.
Seriously, I know I am married to him and I am a little biased but he is the best dad and husband. The first picture is of him carrying Rigdon up the hill so he didn't have to unstrap his board (which went on for hours!). Teaching Livi his secret golf swing and look at the smile on his face dancing with Caroline! When it is HER wedding their expressions might be swapped. We Love you Rangi. Also to my own dad I love you, and give you credit for showing me what to expect in a husband. Thanks!
