The Pacific Northwest

Ian has been working in Portland lately so we thought it would be fun to take a trip to Seattle over Labor Day weekend.  This was one of those trips where we had researched a bit before, but didn't have any specific plans for housing, activities, etc.  We just explored.  The first stop was the quaint town of La Connor.  We stayed at the historic La Connor Channel Lodge.  This was our view.  

We ate at the Nell Thorn Restaurant and ate the most delicious Salmon.  I still dream about it....

We spent some time at Deception Pass.  

The views were incredible.

We literally ate our way through Whidbey Island on this trip, frequently stopping at farmers markets, produce stands, and cheese factories.

When we had eaten ourselves sick, we took the ferry back across to Mt. Townsend.

Ian found a Bed and Breakfast for us to stay at near Mt. Townsend that was a working farm called the Solstice Farm Bed and Breakfast.  It wasn't anything fancy, but the couple who ran it were very nice.  Breakfast was from their farm - eggs benedict and lamb sausage.

Ian was very excited to show me the farm and all the animals. 

We eventually made our way down to Lakewood where Alana and Steve have just moved.  We had a lot of fun seeing their apartment and picnicking along the coast.

We spent some time at American Lake near the army base up there jet skiing and kayaking.  

Alana and Steve were definitely more adventurous than we were on the kayak.

We had a fun day in downtown Seattle as well.  The Space Needle offered the best view of the city and lunch there wasn't too bad either.

We spent some time at Pikes Place Market.  Around the corner, is a place called bubble gum alley.  Seriously gross!  We added a few more pieces of gum to the wall.

Anderson Family Reunion

July brought the Anderson Family Reunion.  My own immediate family did a short reunion a few days before the big extended family reunion.  We tried to pack as much fun as possible into a few days.  

We played at Jordanelle Reservoir near Park City, Utah.

We celebrated Brent and Kris' birthdays.  Couldn't ask for two better brother-in-laws.  I was especially loving Brent's t-shirt with a deer on it:)

Ian got much of our family to raft down the Provo River!  We had a few harrowing experiences but mostly had a blast.   

I was so happy to get to spend a whole week with my adventure buddy!  

The extended family Anderson Reunion was held near Park City, Utah.  All 112 members were able to attend except for one cousin and his wife who had just had a baby a few days before and a cousin on a mission for our church.  Ian and I helped cook the 4th of July breakfast. 

We played family reunion games.  This one is Minute to Win It.  

My sister Whitney competing in cup stacking.

My dad and Uncle Todd grilling up burgers for the BBQ that night. 

Ian and I feeling patriotic.

The two people (Grammy and Grandpa) who started this family.  So glad we got to see them again.  They have created one great family!

The 4th of July program eventually turned into a dance party.  Ian was a favorite dancing partner of the nieces because he would swing them around.

We traveled that night to see the fireworks in Midway, UT.  We were in Colorado last year for the 4th of July and because of fire restrictions, no one was able to set off fireworks so it was extra fun for me to see them this year. 

More cousin time in the pool.  

Sisters.

Waterslides with nephew Jordan.

Brother-in-laws.

For those who don't know the Anderson family, our family reunions have become more like corporate events.  Each of my dad's siblings takes a turn putting it on.  It is a few days packed with fun and memories.  Most everyone (we're talking over 112ish people) is able to make it for at least a  part of the reunion.  I have so many happy memories of family reunions growing up and time with cousins.  It is a time to remember where I come from.  I will always be proud to be an Anderson.

Evan and Valerie's Wedding

Evan and Valerie were married in the Los Angeles temple on July 20, 2013.  They make such a great couple and we are so glad Valerie is part of the family now!  Their wedding day was perfect and a little extra special.  Here's why...

The man in the middle of this picture is Elder Cardon or so he has always been known to the Finlay family.  He is one of the elders who taught Ian's parents the gospel and baptized them into our church.  They have stayed in touch and has been to the sealings of many of the Finlay kids.  Elder Cardon taught the Finlays the gospel, but the Reeves family first introduced the Finlays to the gospel about 23 years ago.  Because of their influence, Ian's parents joined the church.  Now, 23 years later, their daughter Valerie married Evan and were sealed in the temple.  Needless to say it was so special to be in the temple with all of these people knowing how they have influenced each other's lives.    

The nieces and nephews were so cute dressed up.

The Finlay Fam.

Brothers.  

The reception was beautiful.  Since Valerie has spent a lot of time in France, a macaroon eiffel tower was made.  

I got to help these ladies do the flowers for the wedding.  We took a few trips to the LA flower market and had a great time putting the arrangements together.  

Cousin Convention 2013

Growing up, Ian's grandparents would take all their grandkids on vacation and call it a cousin convention.  Ian and his cousins have so many fun memories of these trips.  This year, the cousins decided to recreate the cousin convention.  We met at Lake Tahoe.  Here is the whole groupie that was able to make it.

I felt right at home at Lake Tahoe as it reminded me of the Colorado Rockies.  We enjoyed several great hikes.  

I love this picture of Ian.  He is truly in his element outdoors.

  

I fell in love with kayaking.

We tried the stand up paddle board.  It's harder than it looks!

Ian also did some cliff jumping with the more daring cousins.  

A picture of the ladies.  (Most of Ian's cousins are girls and we have a great time.)

Thanks Finlays, Crumps, and Fergusons for a great CuzziCon 2013!