Junio y Julio

We have been having a great time this summer! We have enjoyed lots of family time and vacations.  In June we flew to Michigan for a weekend visit.  

We spent a day at Lake Michigan

Mom and Dad Judd

Rachel and Tyler on top of the dunes

Dead fish found near the nuclear power plant

 

 Rachel's aunts and cousin Christie threw a baby shower that Saturday at Grandma Bonnie's house 

They made a cute baby buggy out of fruit!

The guests

 Rachel was able to re-connect with good high school friends

 These flying lanterns were a fundraising event for cancer patients of Olivet.  

 

 It was great for Rachel to see all her Michigan family and friends!  It was a short visit but it was a lot of fun! 

Tyler was promoted to First Lieutenant with a very nice ceremony mid-June.  Tyler has made a positive impression among his co-workers and superiors and they had a lot of great things to say about him.  We are very proud of Tyler and all his accomplishments!!

We were able to participate in the Army sponsored couple's retreat at the beautiful Glen Eyrie estate (neighboring Garden of the Gods).  It was a very enjoyable day and we loved the tour of the Victorian style castle as well as the rose garden. 

There were many Garden of the God type red rocks to be seen around the estate

This fireplace was imported as a single rough block of marble. It was carved in place and the house built around it

The rose garden gate was spring loaded shut so you couldn't accidentally leave it open and let deer come in and eat the blossoms

At the end of June, Rachel's parents and cousin Justice stayed with us for a few days before they headed to New Mexico.  We took them hiking in Cheyenne Mountain Canyon and we saw a movie together.    

The fourth of July was a ton of fun as we traveled to Washington and Oregon.  Rachel was thrilled to be able to meet both the Carson and Christensen side of the family.  We also enjoyed all the time we could spend with our nieces and nephew.  

We never pass up an opportunity to use our water proof camera!

Sophia with Granddad Carson

Daniel with Grandma Carson

Selfie!

Photo bomb level: Expert

The Beardy Bunch

All the Carson side Grandchildren (minus our little guy!)

The family was nice enough to throw another baby shower for Rachel at Aunt Myra and Uncle Reed's beautiful home.  

We had such a good time! We also snapped a few family portraits while at the family reunion. 

We took the opportunity to have some couples photos taken too. This will be the last time our family only consists of 2 (.5) people!

Just for fun, Tyler's idea for an awkward family photo. 

We now are just awaiting the arrival of Baby Boy Carson (we still haven't decided on a name) who is expected to make his appearance next month - even though Rachel feels like he could be born any day!  This summer really has been great and we have loved spending so much time with many of our family and friends.