Hike to Cecret lake

In preparation for grandma and grandpa O'Dell coming to visit we wanted to do some fun things with them. We decided to go on a hike that Spinney has wanted to go on. I thought it would be perfect for the kids since we haven't gone on many long hikes. I wasn't sure what to do about Reyen and before I could ask any friends about borrowing a baby backpack Mike bought one. Here he is testing it out. Reyen liked it.

We got up and got ready to go on our hike. We didn't get there until around 9 and were directed to an overflow parking lower than the trail head. Apparently the parking was full up ahead. This being our first time we didn't know what to expect. After finding out we would have to hike to the trail head we decided to try it. All the kids carried their own backpack with a bottle of water. They were really excited.

We soon learned that this hike was full of wildflowers. I don't know if we would have seen this beautiful sight on the trail head but it was gorgeous. I didn't take my camera and was really wishing I had.

Reyen wasn't a big fan of being in her backpack and after a little while wasn't too happy.

We stopped along the way and let Reyen out, changed her diaper, had a snack and she wanted nothing to do with the backpack.

Boy, do I love this man! He is my best friend and the one who is always there for me. He carried Reyen all the way and never complained.

Such a Beautiful view!

All the kids were having fun except for maybe Elsie. She didn't like all the exercise. 

We finally made it to the trail head but since my baby was whining and we had already hiked almost and hour I was ready to get her back for a good nap in her own bed. I told the others they could go on ahead and I could drive up and pick them up but we all turned around there. 

Along the way Camden had to go potty. He tried a lot of times to water the flowers but was too scared with people along the path. He was finally able to go after many tries. Rylan was his cover.

Reyen finally fell asleep on the hike back. She snoozed for maybe 15 minutes.

When we got back to our cars we had a picnic before heading home. It was a lot of fun. I hope we can go again and next time see the lake. At least we will know what to plan for and I grateful we got to see beautiful flowers Jesus made.

Summer fun: Home depot, blanket, library,

Rylan's baptism

On July 25th, 2015 Rylan entered the waters of baptism. He was suppose to get baptized 2 months ago but he wanted to wait for grandma and grandpa O'Dell to be there for it. 

I can't believe this young man is getting so big!

Rylan wanted a picture with his favorite sister Reyen. I think she is everyone's favorite right now.

I just love this kid. He is such an awesome helper and works hard. He helps me with dinner and even watches Reyen for me.

Rylan asked grandpa Wilcox to baptize him.

Rylan was a little nervous about what was actually going to happen in the water so Grandpa went over it with him. It was so cute to watch. He did a wonderful job and didn't have to do a second dunk.

Rylan got baptized with his cousin Gracie from New York. We had a lot of family come and support him and Gracie.

Jennylyn's mom did all the programs and they turned out so cute.

Rylan asked grandpa Wilcox to baptize him and grandpa O'Dell to confirm him. It was such a sweet experience and I am so grateful for all those to made this happen and helped out. Rylan was so happy all the Wilcox family was there and grandma O'Dell, grandpa O'Dell, Keith, and LeDawn. Two of his church leaders even made an effort to come and that really touched him. Rylan really wanted to do his own baptism but when we told him not all could make it he was willing to be baptized with his girl cousin. It turned out really nice even when we started late because of of traffic on the way. Just grateful no one in the family was involved in the accidents. We had dinner after the baptism and it was so nice to have it at grandma Wilcox's house. Enough shade and room for everyone. Uncle Dave and Aunt Becki make amazing pizza. Thank you all for making this day special for Rylan and Gracie.