Chloe off with cousins

We took a pit stop at Tavia and Vaughn's beautiful new home in Caldwell, ID to stay the night on our way to Logan, UT.  Chloe, the lucky girl, was invited to stay for the week with the Kimballs.   She had a BALL!!!!  I love that the kids all love being with their cousins and it happens less often with the Kimballs so this was extra special.

She had a great week of swimming twice, playing with all the girls (and Calvin), and just getting to know her cousins better.

Chloe is counting down the days until our big extended Ditto reunion when she gets to see the Kimball girls again.  Our home was a lot quieter this past week with Chloe and Alysee gone!

Blisters, Sand, and Brotherhood

Two weeks ago Tyler had the opportunity to hike 50 miles along the Washington coastline with his fellow scout troop. Birch was able to join the last three days and took some AMAZING pictures!!! What an experience!!!! They were treated with the most beautiful coastline weather and only had one surprise rain storm one night (when most had not put up their rain fly since the weather had been so nice). I'm so glad Tyler and Birch were able to share this experience.

Nate heads off to Scout Camp

It's hard to believe this is Nathan's last year at Scout Camp -- Nate was lucky to have Birch head up with him for the first day and night of camp.  Nate worked on five merit badges and was able to complete them ALL!!!!!!

5 am - all packed up and ready to go

Nate was pleasantly surprised that the water was warmish this year.

Always whittling 

Wednesday night Birch went back up to camp with the Stake Presidency and played the guitar, gave a spiritual message, and fed the boys ice cream and brownies.

So happy these two can share this experience!

Boulder Cave with Buds!!

Something we've learned over the years is that hiking with friends is so much more fun for EVERYONE - the kids don't complain and therefore the parents actually enjoy themselves.  We were lucky to head to Boulder Cave with the Hartman family.  They moved into our ward about a year ago and we've all loved having them as besties!

Now that's a lot of kids!!!

Hiking back to see the hidden waterfall

Getting ready to head into the cave

I see the light!!!!

To make it more fun we walked back down to the cars via the stream

Fun little rock slide

The water was freezing but with it being 90 degrees it wasn't bad at all!

We just learned of a rock to jump off of at the entrance parking lot.  Now that I think about it -- EVERYONE but me and the baby jumped.  Guess that makes me a baby!  Birch and Nate were the first to jump.

Nate doing his famous twist flip

Chloe and Daddy

Tyler and Nate

Coop and Daddy

Coop

Alysee taking the leap 

Chloe went off by herself at the end.  Crazy girl!!

Everyone was a little chilly after jumping several times but quickly warmed up in the cars that were super hot from sitting in the sun.

So glad we were able to fit in a fun family outing before we all start splitting up for various camps the next few weeks.