Final Highlights of 2015

We have had a very full year indeed.  I feel so grateful as I look over the pictures from this past year and marvel at how much we have managed to fit into 2015.  Nicole enjoyed being part of a homeschool choir.  She loves singing, art and music.

Brandon had a great time going to prom and especially enjoyed wearing a Tux!  He felt a little like Gatsby.  

We worked literally from sun-up till the last traces of available light painting our house on the hottest weekend of the summer.  All of the kids chipped in tremendously and we could not have finished the huge job without their help!  They helped us save $5000 with their combined labor, so we bought a new big-screen television to thank them for all their work.

Our home went from a faded rust to much more modern colors.

We have loved having family come visit this summer and enjoyed Crater Lake with the Cluffs.  I finally made the hike down to the shore and was impressed with how fit Tyler and Susan are!

That hike was nothing compared to hiking Mt. McLoughlin a steep-sided lava cone that had a breathtaking view.  Nathan and I were in charge of the 4th year hike and were happy to make it up to the top with all the girls...though it was close!

I enjoyed a quick mother/sisters weekend to attend Cami's choir with the Utah Chamber Artists.  Happily, Nicole managed to make it to the lobby before she puked with the stomach flu!  Poor girl had to lie on a bench for the rest of the concert.

Nathan and I enjoyed the annual ICMA trip to Seattle this year.  We made the ride up to the top of the iconic Space Needle and enjoyed four bright, clear days.  We especially liked the sights, sounds and smells of Pike's Market.

We sampled lots of delicious food and managed to have seafood every day of the trip.

We loved have Jeff and Jen Cherpeski and their family over for Thanksgiving Break.  They joined us in some of our traditions and the kids had a great time playing together.

We found a gorgeous tree for our last Christmas with all of our kids at home.

I was especially nostalgic in being able to attend Connor's first Band Concert.  It brought back a flood of memories from all my performances.  I'm glad that he enjoys music!

After having almost no moisture, we finally have been blessed with huge amounts of  beautiful, wet snow.  Danielle and I got to build her first snow family and we made an awesome snow fort.

Danielle was fortunate to be a mouse in the Nutcracker, which was thrilling for her.  We enjoyed the performance, knowing several of the dancers.

This has been a rich year full of  wonderful memories and experiences.  2016 will bring many changes for our family.  I liked a quote that one of my friends shared..."Change is inevitable and happy is the person who embraces it."

Highlights of 2015- Camping Trip to Fish Lake

With all the chaos of completing my school, moving to Oregon, starting work and general busyness, our family didn't go camping for a couple summers.  We were determined to go this summer, though there ended up only being one free weekend.  Brandon had to work the first day, but he drove out the next day to join us.

This was the first trip that Danielle remembered camping, and she probably loved it more than all of the rest of us combined.

Nathan and the kids attempted to fish, but the drought has taken its toll on the water level and they didn't even get a nibble.

Still, our campsite was beautiful, and we got to hike a beautiful trail between Fish Lake and Lake of the woods.

We had a nice view of Mt. McLoughlin that Nathan and I hiked with the 4th year girls this summer.  We also had a nice view of volcanic rock interspersed with forest.

The best part of trip was the last night when we told stories around the campfire.  I didn't realize what an impact Nathan's nightly storytelling has had on our kids until I heard what great storytellers they are.  Even more, they love telling stories together.

Camping was always so much harder with toddlers and babies.  This was MY most relaxing camping trip.  This kids were all a huge help and pretty much self-reliant.

I'm so glad that we carved out time to make these memories.  Next summer I hope we can go more than once, but we will not miss camping for sure!  I'm so grateful for my wonderful family!

Highlights of 2015-Family Reunion

This summer I was in charge of the Frey family reunion.  I planned a trip to the Oregon Coast at Bandon.  We stayed at a Compound 10 miles from the ocean that had plenty of space for everyone to spread out and Queen size beds for all!  That was the best.

My mom said that it was the happiest weekend of her entire year.  This was also the last family reunion for a long while that we will have all the kids there, as Zachary is on his mission to Wisconsin and Brandon will be submitting his mission papers in the next few months. 

Despite the wind, I attempted to get a family phone with everyone.  We found a great rock for everyone to climb on and got some fun shots!

Fun......and Serious......

This was also my first time to the Oregon Coast.  I intend to take advantage of our new location and check out all the spots along to coast to find my favorite place. 

Even though it was a little cold the first day there, Danielle couldn't resist getting into the water.  The next day I didn't bring my camera, and the weather was sunny and perfect.  The kids pulled out their swimsuits and played in earnest in the water.

Even the older kids enjoyed the waves. 

I love the ocean and come to almost crave it the longer that I stay away.   I'm so glad that we were able to make such wonderful memories all together!