Birch Bay: 31, 10 & 1

 31, 10 & 1 are the number of times each of us has spent with the Moller Family at Birch Bay (BB as it will be known in this blog). We spent the first week of August up at BB at the cabin that Jeff and his family have been going to for 35 years (approximately). This is the family vacation that Jeff looks forward to every year and every year we make sure that we can have the time off to spend with the Moller's. It was very important to us that Jenna experience BB; so she to, can have the same fun memories as Jeff. 10 years ago I got to jump in and get a taste of the Moller family. It was very intimating to be around a family that is so close and has so many memories...but somehow I survived and now I get to make my own memories with them.

It was especially important to us to go this year because Kailey and Elise were both going to be there. They (along with Jenna) are the next generation of BB attendees and we felt it was important that they begin the strong bond of being Moller cousins. 

Cousin tradition to take a picture in birth & height order by the fence

Kailey (2), Jenna (7 months), Elise (2)

We spent the week going on walks, playing on the beach, swimming in the kiddie pool, having a bonfire and playing in the yard. Jenna is a baby that likes routine (for the most part) and she did really well and even slept all night most the time. This was especially nice since we were sharing a room with Krissa and Kailey. Both the girls did great!

Jenna's friend Makenna came for a visit

First bonfire and marshmallow

Another year at the Bay is in the books and we are already looking forward to next year! I am so lucky to be a part of this family and love that I am included in this family tradition. I know Jeff loves sharing this tradition with Jenna, just like his dad shared it with him.

Larry & Jeff 1981

Our attempt to re-create Jeff's favorite photo

Summer is Tiring

We made our 4th trip to the Valley this summer last week and as usual we were busy visiting family and friends. I had a wedding shower, bachelorette party, rehearsal dinner and wedding all within the week. It was so nice spending time with my high school friends and getting to go out with grown ups. Thanks to my wonderful babysitters during all of this: Grandma Myrene, Grammy, Papa, Uncle Wes, Auntie Ashley, Great Grandpa & Great Grandma Carlson...all helped out over the several days I was busy. Jeff, Jenna and I were exhausted when we got home. I realized that summer is a lot more busy than I thought.

Here are a few pictures from the week:

Makena & Jenna

Interested in the crab

Visiting Great Grandpa & Grandma Carlson

Jenna telling Grandpa how important Sophie is

Love that tongue out

Play date with Nolah

Meeting a new friend A.J.

Relaxing with Oskar

Great Grandpa & Grandma moving in

Yum Starbucks

Bridesmaid in Marcie & Brandon's Wedding

The Happy Couple

It was a great week and we are happy to be home...until next week when we go to Birch Bay with the Moller's! Then we are taking a summer break and staying home :)

7 Months Old

 I can not believe our little baby love bug is 7 months old already. She is growing up so fast. I remember one night when I was in high school my mom coming to my room to say goodnight and telling me that she couldn't believe her baby girl was 16 already. At the time I didn't really get why she would be sad that I was growing up so fast. Now I do. I know it's silly to want your baby to stay little forever...but I do :) I want time to slow down, but I guess that is not the way it works. So, Jeff and I will have to enjoy every day with our thumb sucking, love to stand, can't live without sophie the giraffe, eating, bath splashing, rolling, sitting, curious, precious miracle girl.