Bear Lake

We had a fun week up at Bear Lake with my cousins, aunts and uncles from my Mom's side. Tyler's favorite part of the week was when he got to drive my cousin Paul's boat. He let him honk the horn too.
My dad out riding on the boat. The water was a little cold for swimming although we did get in one day when it was hot enough.
We swam in the pool one day where we were staying. Our boys were a little cold though.
We enjoyed the famous raspberry shakes a few times. Here's Tyler, my dad, my cousin Dave, and my uncle Rich waiting for their shakes.
The Friday before Bear Lake we went up to Farm Country with my parents and Tyler was finally brave enough to try riding on the horse! He had to hold my hand the whole time but I was so proud of him for getting on.

Bryce's 1st Birthday Party

With my parents in town this weekend we celebrated Bryce's 1st Birthday a few days late. Here are some of the highlights:
The birthday cake: homemade chocolate peanut butter cake with fondant decorations. I kind of like playing with the fondant to create different looking cakes.
Bryce's was pretty neat about his cake eating and didn't eat very much of it either. I still think that Ferguson health nut gene runs strong in Bryce.
Opening presents: notice Tyler's excited expression over Bryce's shoulder.
30 seconds later look who is now holding Bryce's present.I thought a pool party would be fun in the backyard. The water was a little cold though and my temperature sensitive child was a little traumatized by it.
Nice in warm in a towel on mom's lap: Bryce's favorite place to be.
Tyler liked playing in the pool at least. Here he is showing us his muscles in his "muscle" swimming shirt.

Happy 1st Birthday Bryce!

As we arrive at Bryce's 1st birthday I can't help but have this feeling of "We made it!" As much as I love the infant stage, I'm excited for more independence for Bryce and more sleep at night! As Andy always says "They just don't come cuter." Bryce is full of his very own personality. I'm excited to see it develop over the next year.

I'm Finally Going Private

For years now I've been saying "I really should make my blog private" but never have. I think I'll finally do it this week so if you'd like an invite leave me a comment (I guess I'll see how many people actually read this thing anyway).

Blessing Day

My sister's ward building is actually right on the Oakland Temple grounds. Great place for pictures!

Anya had the prettiest dress made by her great aunt.

On Monday we kind of hung around and took some pictures at a near by cemetary with really big lawns and views. Here's a decent picture of all three Kippen grandchildren.

We had a great time visiting. Hopefully we can come again soon.

San Fransisco 3

At the end of the day we headed back to the pier to catch the ferry and watched the sea lions. Tyler really liked them, especially this big one on the end.

All of the site seeing really wore out the kids. They're suck good travelers though and just fall asleep anywhere.

The San Fransisco skyline from the ferry.

San Fransisco 2

We rode in a trolley car up to China town. The boys were pretty tired and Bryce slept through it.

This is the gate to China town.

We ate at a really good, authentic Chinese restaurant. Tyler kept asking the waiter for a bagel. Bryce liked the Chinese food though.

We got these special Milk Boboa? drink with tapioca in them. The drink is real sweet but they have these gummy, tasteless balls at the bottom that we didn't really like.

San Fransisco 1

On Saturday morning we took a ferry over to San Fransisco. We had great weather and really liked this city. This is Alcatrez, the famous prison that we passed on our way over.

The famous Golden Gate Bridge.

Tyler liked these pirates and the cool ships we saw on the dock.

Berkley Marina

Our hotel was right on the Berkley Marina. We had great views from both sides and there were lots of walking paths near by. We got out for 2 runs while we were there.

This is us walking one evening. Berkley is across the bay behind us.

Tyler got lots of energy out while we were there and was always pooped at the end of the day.

Redwood National Forest

My sister Sarah, her husband, Brandon, and little Anya.

The boys fell asleep in the car on the way there so my mom was nice enough to stay with them so we got to hike by ourselves.

California Posts

This weekend we drove to Northern California to visit my sister, Sarah and her family for her first daughter's baby blessing. This was the first time I've been able to see Anya. She's 3 months old now. We had a really fun weekend, site seeing, visiting with family, going on some runs, and eating good food. We're already planning a way to go back!

My boys liked their new cousin Anya. She didn't seem to mind them playing with her feet. Bryce's squealing did get to be a little much for her.

This was taken at Piedmont Park. Its a really cool park near their house with lots of shaded walking paths and a stream that runs through it.