4th of July

This year, my 4th of July started out bright and early.  I traveled about 30 minutes to a neighboring town to run in a 5k road race.  My friend from work ran along with me.  

We did great - by great I mean we finished the race and only walked for a little bit in the 3rd mile.  Our finishing time was 36 minutes 19 seconds.  

Next, I went home, showered, and Grandpa Wayne took the kids to a spot near our house to fish.  

 4th of July was hot, but being by the water to fish was fun!  

Caden and Dad waiting for a bite.

Allyson caught one!  She loves to show off that she can hold the fish by herself.

 Look at the expression on his face - this is one of the bigger ones we caught.  

 Holding the fish by himself - showing off the size.

Allyson is working on taking out the hook by herself. 

We have quite the little fishers on our hands.  They love going to this spot, as there isn't much waiting, you put your worm on, cast off, and within a short time, you have a bite.  Such fun!   

Sibling Love

They really do love each other!  

Water Fun

Caden had a friend over for the afternoon, and they kept busy playing outside with water and playing Wii!  

The boys played very well together and were good sports to let Allyson in on some of the fun.  

Summer Ball

This Summer, Allyson played girls softball and Caden played Boys baseball.  

I love this picture.  It shows her true feelings of the game.  (* note shoe untied and visiting with the coach*)

 Allyson's softball team

Caden batting...

 Caden as catcher...

 Caden's baseball team.  

Renaissance Wedding

Broc's sister got married in early June.  The wedding had a renaissance theme, and guests were invited to dress accordingly.  

The kids were asked to be in the wedding.  

 Our family - all dressed up

Grandma Mary and the kids

Submerged by Dani Pettrey

Submergerd by Dani Pettrey (Alaskan Courage Book 1)

WOW!  This book was a spectacular read from page 1!  I loved how I was able to follow the story line, easily, while the book held my interest all the way to the last page.  I love a good romantic suspense book.  Add to that Christian Fiction, and this book is the perfect combination of my favorites. 

Baily Craig returns to her home town in Alaska after vowing to never return.  She has a past she has moved away from, and has changed her life around for the better.  Baily thinks the people that knew her in Alaska  still think of her past.  Forced to return to her home town in Alaska after her aunt dies,  Baily has no choice but to face some of the people in her past.  She only hopes to face them quickly, tie up some loose ends with the death, and get back to her normal life.  

While in Alaska, some mysterious things happen, that Baily learns the death of her aunt may not be so accidental.  When Baily was younger, she and her aunt Agnes enjoyed studying Russian history.  Aunt Agnes taught Baily many things about this history during the time Baily lived with her.  

One particular person that Baily is fearful to face while back in Alaska is her ex-boyfriend Cole.  After overcoming that fear, Baily and Cole find a way to work together.  With Cole's expertise in diving, and Baily's knowledge in Russian history, the two become forced to work together to  find out more information about the death of her aunt, and how the other mysterious things are related.  

I can not wait for book 2 to read more of this series!  

Thanks to Bethany House Publishers for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.