Two weeks ago, DH attended a Songwriters conference in Mt. Hermon, followed by a short business trip in Sacramento. He was enjoying the lovely weather and suggested we do a road trip when he returned. so, with less that 24 hours from that suggestion, he flew back and we headed out!
DH returned by plane at 8PM on Friday. We left at 3:30AM Saturday.
DAY 1/SATURDAY
Here are the boys all set for the journey. 'A' kept DH from Seattle to Centralia, maybe even farther (I fell asleep.)
One of our rest stops was a McD's that had this cool guitar table. Here are the guys giving it a go...
'A' actually had a guitar pick. HA!
Another rest stop picture...
It was late afternoon when we reached Sacramento. We checked into the Holiday Inn Express. Everything was going wrong that day with them. It was really bad. But, we all persevered and made it through the night.
'R' found this post and wanted his picture taken next to it...
The tradition of jumping from bed to bed...
One of the unfortunate things that happened while we were there was that the carpet cleaner company had set carpets on fire. This somehow disabled their whole computer system and they had no idea what rooms were occupied and who was in them. We had other guests entering our room a few times, and also phone calls that hung up immediately well into the night. We figured the front desk was trying to see if the room was occupied or not. Not a good day for this hotel.
On the upside, we got to visit with the fire crew. I told them we had just one night in Sacramento, what should we do? The told us to go to Old Sacramento, when the original town was built during the Gold Rush days.
There was actually a festival going on called "Gold Rush Days". We arrived as it was closing down, but we did get to see some people in costumes.
This is an old fire engine...
An old "paddy wagon"...
We had dinner at a fun Mexican restaurant, overlooking the street.
DAY 2/SUNDAY
The next morning (Sunday), we walked to the Governor's Mansion. After the Reagans lived in it for 15 years, it was turned into a Historic landmark and opened to the public. Unfortunately, they are updating it so this is all I got...
Here is what should be under there...
We drove about 30 minutes to a town called Roseville to attend the Bayside church. This is the church that Lincoln Brewster is the Worship Director for. We knew he would not be there because he was at a big festival in South Dakota, but we wanted to attend a service anyway.
It was pretty amazing. We had an usher show us around and help us get the kids set up. They have three services and all three services were packed to the rim, with 10 satellite churches within 20 miles of the main church.
The main sanctuary is straight ahead, children/youth ministry and a cafe on the left, not sure what was on the right (maybe administration?). The courtyard had a play area for the kids, a couple of nice fountain pools, and plenty of coffee and tables for relaxing.
They had a special speaker this day. He was very inspirational and a delight to learn from. You can read about him at Nick Vujicic/Lifewithoutlimbs.org
On the way to San Francisco, we stopped in Vallejo for Starbucks. There were two police officers. The boys went over to show them their new digital cameras we picked up for the trip (Fisher Price makes ones for kids, we highly recommend it!) We had so much fun with these officers. One of them placed his badge on 'A' to wear.
One of the officers gave 'R' his flashlight to "steal", and the boys reenacted to chase scene. Here is 'A' (the cop) chasing 'R' (the bad guy).
'A' patting 'R' down and reading him his rights (both boys know the Miranda rights)
The officer called dispatch and had one of the operators stand by for a "little voice" to come on. He directed 'A' and 'R' to speak codes into his walkie talkie. Both had a great time doing this. Dispatch responded to the boys enthusiastically. It was fun. Here is the officer telling 'A' what to do (or is it the other way around?)
The kids got to sit in the squad car...
'A' is showing the Code 4 sign, which I think means, "we are on a break"...
We rolled into San Francisco as the sun was beginning to set. I am glad DH was aware of all the tolls we would have to cross and was prepared for it. I would have been in trouble if it was left to me.
We were SO HAPPY to see this. This motocyclist was speeding (at least 110mph) and weaving in and out of traffic. It totally stressed me out. But, no sooner did we both say that we wished there was an officer around to nail this guy, that a motorcycle cop passed us. How often does this happen?
We checked into the Westin San Francisco Airport. We had the best view of the airport runway, but the rooms were completely soundproof. The boys spent a good amount of time watching the planes come in.
We would have stayed at this property longer, but the hot tub was out of order AND the indoor pool was not heated. This seriously cut the time DH and I wanted to be in the water, so we checked out after two nights to find a place that had a warmer pool.
DAY 3/MONDAY
The view from our window...
The boys really wanted to drive over the Golden Gate bridge, so we did that and then drove around Sausalito a bit...
Alcatraz...
We drove down the "crookedest street" in San Francisco. You see this street quite a bit in movies. It was fun to do, and a bit of a challenge in a minivan!
We walked Fisherman's Wharf...
The boys, with Alcatraz in the background...
What's San Francisco without a little revoultion? We ran across a union hotel strike. the boys were fascinated.
We had lunch at 'The Franciscan'. This place is incredible! A definite highlight for us! FOR LINDA...
After lunch, we took an electric car to Union Square and walked over to the Yerba Buena gardens...
This is a fountain/exhibit honoring Martin Luther King Jr.
You walk behind the waterfall. Here is one of the pictures behind the falls.
The view from behind the falls.
A different fountain nearby... DAY 4/TUESDAY
The boys taking a picture f the fountain in front of the Westin...
We drove to Newark and checked into the 'W' Hotel Silicon Valley. The property had the outdoor heated pool we were looking for! Because it was midweek, midday, we practically had the whole place to ourselves.
We drove through a neighborhood in Newark that had a small man-made lake that people could walk around. DAY 5/WEDNESDAY
I unfortunately caught a bug and spent all day in bed. The boys spent the whole day swimming.
DAY 6/THURSDAY
The 'W' has this "amenity" where you can drive an Acura for free. They even pay for the gas! So, we took the Acura on a day trip! The car was decked out with a fantastic GPS system, and satellite radio.
We drove to Mt. Hermom, a Christian camp, and walked around the property and hiked their trails...
One one of the trails, there is a lovely setting nestled among the huge redwood trees, called "Meditation Chapel". There is a bench that has a plaque honoring our own pastor's father...
If you can see in the trees, a fabulous ropes course...the boys can't wait until they are old enough to go on it!
We drove to Santa Cruz. This is where we chose to scatter Grandpa Al's ashes...
Santa Cruz has a boardwalk that runs along it. It was all closed up and quiet.
Pelicans...
'A' had a blast in the waves. He did not want it to end. 'R' was happier playing in the tidepool and sand...
Read this sign closely...DEEP FRIED?!?
We then drove to meet up with my friend Mary, in Sunol, and her son 'K' ('A's age). We hoped to play in a park, but it was so hot that my two boys wilted away immediately. We settled for sitting outside a convenience store with a cold beverage, until it was time for us to return the car.
We dropped off the Acura and drove from Newark to Redding, stopping for dinner on the way. We got to Redding at 11:30PM and checked into the Motel 6, (or as 'R' calls it '6'; like the 'W'...) All was well, until a HUGE fight woke DH and I up. All we knew was that there were alot of people involved and it was best we stay inside. The boys slept through it all.
DAY 7/FRIDAY
We left Redding at 8:30AM and drove home, arriving home around 8:00PM. We hit rush hour traffic in Portland, and Tacoma, but it wasn't too bad. Unfortunately, 'A' got sick and threw up three times in the car and two times at home. Corn dog. Not pretty. He was fine the next day, though.
We had a terrific time and would do it again in a heartbeat.
There is a walking trail behind my aunt and uncle's house, tucked up in some woods. DH, 'R', and I went for a hike back there.
Can you see the deer?
One of my favorite fellas :)
Two of my favorite fellas...
Gorgeous...
A Chelan lizard. gecko? salamander? newt? I'll stick with lizard for now...
Back at the house, good times in, and on, the lake!
'A', my brother Devin, and niece KK...
Uncle Devin taught 'A' and 'R' how to snorkel...
Boat ride with Uncl Art!
Boys town with DH, Uncle Art, Cousin Charles (who is going to be a Daddy!), and Brother Devin...
I love this picture of my niece, KK. She cleans up so nice, but that tomboy streak is never far away!
'A' fishing...
Every year for the 4th of July, we have a theme party. The theme is a state. This year, we did 'Hawaii', in memory of my grandmother who passed away in January. She loved going to Hawaii and went often.
This is a gorgeous Hawaiian bouquet that my aunt had shipped over from a small shop outside of Hana, Maui. We discovered this place when we had a "girl's weekend" in January.
Grandma Margaret and Grandpa Randy live on a lovely property in Sagle, near Sandpoint, ID. We had to cut our trip a little short, but we will go back soon. We all love it there.
'A' soaking up the morning sun on the deck...
Grandma and Granpa purchased
seven chicks. They are now "teenagers". The boys enjoyed watching them in their coop and following them when they were roaming the yard.
Grandpa and the boys...
There are a ton of crickets and grasshoppers. Here is one on a daisy.
Harvesting strawberries in Grandpa's garden. A major highlight for the boys is deciding what to eat for dinner in the garden that night. They pick the veggies/fruits and take them directly to Grandma to prepare. They are very proud of their lettuce picking.
Feverfew...
The boys love to go on the utility trailer and use it as a "stage" for performances...
Grandma gave us a deck of 'yoga for kids' cards. We spent every morning doing different poses. Here are the boys doing what I think is called the "partner bridge"...
We got a few lessons in. There is nothing better than taking "class" outdoors!
Grandma reading to the boys. It was a story about a man who was a printer for the newspaper. He was deaf, which was common for people working the noisy printers back then. We had directions in the back of the book to make the newspaper four square hats the printers would wear to keep the ink off their heads. In attempting to make these hats, we have come to realize that newspaper pages are smaller then they used to be; who knew?!
We went to an alpaca farm From the Heart Ranch, and got to go into the pens where some of the alpacas were hanging out. There is a gazebo of sots on the property and we had our picnic lunch there.
After visiting the ranch, we went to see where Grandpa Randy works. He is a craftsman for a custom timer frame company. They use wood pegs instead of nails. It truly is a beautiful skill.
The boys liked spending time with the shop cat who is always covered in a fine layer of sawdust. (good fiber...)
Grandpa in front of the shop...
After the visit to the shop, we drove to Bonner's Ferry. I had never been to this sweet town. We spoke with one of the sheriff's, ate some ice cream, and looked around in some of the shops. There seems to be a good size Mennonite population there. I saw quite a few women in head coverings.
Ama came up for a visit bearing gifts, a Badminton Set and Croquet Kit!! We immediately broke out the croquet, gave a lesson on not using the mallets like an axe, and proceeded to knock some balls around.
It brought me back to when I was a kid. It also brought back memories of the times I would trip myself up in the wickets!
My cousin, Terry, and his wife Ann, came up for a visit and brought their two children. We spent the day together visiting and catching up. Here are pictures of the newest addition to our family.
My MIL and FIL (affectionately known as Dado and Dada) threw a joint birthday party for me and my SIL (AKA Ant-ee Sara). Esperanza (Dada) created and incredible dinner. Ice cream cake for dessert; who could ask for more?!
DH belongs to a Worship band. The other families with us on this trip contained the drummer and the female singer.
The drummer and his family were at a deli and in speaking with the owner of the deli they learned that not only did he own the deli, he also owned a seafood market and ran a ministry teen center. On Wednesday nights, they had an "open mic" night for worship musicians. DH, Steve, and Lisa got to play with other people living in Ocean Shores.
Playing ping pong and foosball in the teen center...
The center had about six video stations with different games on each...
So, do you remember the enticing post I made about holding tight for some great pictures to come from our trip? Well, here they are...
After eating dinner with all of our friends the first night at a restaurant, while driving to the condo, we decided to stop at the grocery store and pick up some items for breakfast the next day.
Turning the car around, we noticed the fire station had their ladder truck out. We decided to stop and let the boys take a look at the truck ('R' wants to be a fireman).
While we were walking around the truck a fireman came up and began talking to us. He offered to let the boys sit in the truck...
We enjoyed talking to him and he asked if we wanted to go into the station house and look around. We met four other firemen. (Here's where it gets good...) The Lieutenant asked if we wanted to go for a ride in the fire truck!! We got to ride around Ocean Shores and while on the road back to the station house, they ran the sirens and lights!
Everyone got to talk to each other through the headsets...
THEN, when we returned the Lieutenant asked if we wanted to watch them do a drill1 So, two firemen were timed in getting in full gear, extending the ladder on the ladder truck as far as it goes, rotating the ladder and the basket all the way around, then lowering the ladder to ground level.
Here is the Lieutenant explaining what is going to happen...
The drill...
One of the firemen walked across the ladder...
THEN, took a picture of the boys in the basket!
Next stop, the ambulance...
The Lieutenant took us back inside to see the blueprints for their new fire station...
Group shot. What a great night! (The picture is of their Captain, who die last year in a surf rescue...)
We spent Mother's Day week on Ocean Shores, with two families who are friends of ours. The weather ranged from sunny and almost warm to blustery and rainy. We were able to fly kites, swim in an indoor pool, play cards, and enjoy each other's company.
The boys taking the road less traveled with Christine...
DH and 'R' flying the Ladybug...
'R' fell in the ocean, but had a good time doing it!
The younger boys enjoyed watching T.C. skateboard in the parking lot...
They also enjoyed watching M.C. play video games on the computer...
Lisa, flying her kite. She was really good!! (I am not...)
Playing cars in the sand dunes. This is 'R's all time favorite thing to do...
How cute is this picture?! JH is getting ready for the pool!
We decided to join DH for a business trip to Vancouver/Portland. We had such a fabulous time! Here are the highlights... Day One SpringHill Suites -Indoor Pool for swimming and free breakfast The Old Spaghetti Factory -first time for the boys Big Al's Bowling - Coolest bowling alley ever! We had a blast !!
Day Two Vancouver Police Department-East Precinct - There was a park and attached to the park was the police station. 'A' idolizes policemen and wanted to go inside to say 'hi', so we ended up chatting with 'Corporal Ford' for about 20 minutes before going to the park to play. Prince Caspian- 'A' and I loved the movie. It was a little long for 'R' Cha Taqueria and Bar- We walked around Portland's Alphabet District after dinner. I love that neighborhood.
Day Three and Four Country Cousin's Restaurant- This is a favorite road trip restaurant of DH and mine. Their door crows at you when you open it. A first time for the boys. Great Wolf Lodge - OH YEAH!! The boys were completely overwhelmed for the first few hours, but we ended up having so much fun, we decided to stay an extra night. This is a chain, so if there is one near you, check it out. We ate in the lodge restaurant for all our lunches and dinner because the food was so good. Magiquest - This was in the hotel. 'A' was completely immersed in it. 'R did OK, but his attention span was not quite there yet.
Our own 'R' turned four last week. We began the festivities first thing in the morning, when he saw the balloons on the couch. This his him within five minutes of awakening...
The boys wanted mohawks that day. This picture does not show the hair well, but it was too cute to not post...
We had cupcakes and ice cream at the homeschool co-op later that morning. That evening, we decided to surprise 'R' by taking him to Chuck E. Cheese. He say it and yelled, "Chuck E. Cheese!". Then, he saw "Denny's" and yelled "Denny's" even louder. We were laughing and asked him where he'd prefer to have dinner and he actually said "Denny's". We couldn't believe it! What child picks Denny's over Chuck E. Cheese?! Ours, apparently.
We still went to Chuck E. Cheese because DH had never been and 'A" would have been a wreck. 'R' was not disappointed.
That weekend, we had our whole family come for a party. Even Grandma Margaret and Grandpa Randy drove from Idaho to attend the party and spend the night!
'A' and Antee-Sara being silly
Uncle Devin being silly!
Dado and Grandpa Randy
KK and 'R'
Oh, boy, a fireman hat! SCORE!!
The adults play a roaring game of 'Apples to Apples'..
DH served on the Worship team for all three services on Eater. Later, that afternoon, we went to our pastor's house for a potluck dinner.
Our pastor's wife (and our friend), Ann, has a terrific sense of humor. She offered up her microwave for the festivity known as "Peeps Jousting". Everyone gets a Peep and names it. (Mine was Petunia). Each Peep is impaled with a toothpick and two Peeps are placed face to face in the microwave. The microwave is turned on and as the Peeps swell, their toothpicks stab each other. The first one to deflate, loses. (Petunia went down in the first round...) Winners get a new Peep and advance to the next round. First round competitors...
Our gracious hosts, including Brian's girlfriend Sarah, visiting from California...
Sue and Ann
'R' and Mimi
Pastor Mark and 'A', showing off his bounty!
'R' found money in his eggs. He kept saying "I'm RICH!!"
OK, back to Peeps jousting... BEFORE
AFTER
The crowd anxiously awaits the results of the match...(note: they are all staring at the microwave; DH is shouting encouragement to his Peep)
The Finalists!
The Grand Finale - A Peeps Pyramid....BEFORE...
AFTER...
Ann showing 'R' how to fling a well aimed monkey at her son, Brian...
DH's birthday was celebrated with Dado, Dada, and Antee Sara at Azteca. We had fun being together and enjoying the tortilla bar, celebratory beverages, and yummy food!
Dado showing off the stylish comb Antee Sara picked up at the Japanese dollar store...
Taking advantage of this great weather, the boys and I went on a hike. It was such a great day for it!
Here we are at the beginning...
'A' being the leader (his favorite place to be)...
The warm up for the hike. Throwing rocks...
Exploring "caves"...
'A' loves to climb...
Pretending to be panthers...
More rock climbing...
Hooray, 'R'! That was tough!
More "cave" exploration...
Our first break, AKA "picnic"...
They are taking turns "rescuing" each other...
More rock climbing... Yay, A''! You did it!!
Our second "picnic"...
'A' helped 'R' climb the big rock on the way back down. I was halfway pleased he wanted to help his brother and halfway petrified that 'R's face was going to be implanted in the rock!
I thought it would be fun to take the boys to the zoo. We had not been in a long time, and decided to go. I chose Monday, and invited "Dada" (Esperanza) and Ant-ee Sara to join us.
Oops. Wrong Monday. President's Day! All of Seattle decided to visit the zoo! (That's not entirely true. The other half went to the Aquarium, according to my friend.) But, after a 10 minute wait to get in, it really wasn't too bad. I am just spoiled at usually having the zoo to ourselves. I ran into three friends and their families, (Jen D., Larena, and Colleen). It was a treat seeing them there.
The weather was perfect! Not too hot. It felt so good to be in the sunshine.
I LOVE this one!
Enjoying the sun...
A highlight of the trip. Placing coins in this. The boys called the coins "sufers" and watched them surf to the hole.
Find the human. Hard, I know...
We left the wet, dreary days of Washington and headed for the pristine snowlands of Idaho! Grandma Margaret spoiled us with six days of incredible cooking, Grandma and Grandpa treated us to a horse drawn sleigh ride, and we got to play everyday in perfect snow!
Grandma and boys...
'A' and 'R' received easels and art supplies for Christmas from Grandma and Grandpa. They loved drawing pictures and making up stories while drawing.
We went to the same place as last year for the sleigh ride, Western Pleasure Guest Ranch. There was much more snow this year and everyone received fallen snow on their heads from branches. It was gorgeous and what I hope will become a family tradition.
'A'... Grandma and Grandpa before... Grandma and Grandpa after...
DH and 'R'...
After the ride, 'A' decided to walk in untouched snow. He ended up getting stuck and we had to get him out.
Wild turkeys visit Grandma and Grandpa's house!
Sledding in the backyard...
Grandma giving the boys a piano lesson...
The boys were excited to open their stockings Christmas morning, then head to Seattle to spend Christmas Day with Dado and Dada.
Esperanza surprised us with stockings of our own at their place! She even custom decorated and personalized them!
Esperanza made this darling little nativity scene for her mantle
Esperanza and a pretty wood box from Fabio
Dado and Dada
Antee Sara
Esperanza made a delicious feast for us. I want that chicken recipe...
(Please note the dusting of snow in the backyard. We were blessed with snow on Christmas! This does not happen in Seattle!! :))
'A' and 'R' received a game from Auntie Yaya and Uncle Artie, called 'Hulabaloo'. They love it and can play it without my direction...it's a good thing :)
We attended our church's candlelight service on Christmas Eve. The boys sand two songa and wre adorable. I could not get a decent shot...'A' is top center, and 'R' is just below him.
After the service, we all drove to my mom's condo for a delicious dinner and lots of presents!
Last year, kind of out of necessity, we moved into the Westin Bellevue for three nights after spending five nights with no electricity. We enjoyed our time so much we decided to repeat this year!
The boys loved jumping from bed to bed...
The first night, I got to enjoy appetizers and dessert with our MOPS Steering Team. It was a nice evening!
Two of my favorite Jens...
The Team, minus three...
A beautiful art piece in a mall attached to the hotel... Another view...
The hotel is next to the Bellevue Art Museum. We had lunch in their cafe and looked at the free exhibit on the first floor. This is a piece in front. From a distance, it looks like a purse.
'A's birthday was on the third night. DH upgraded us to a new room that had an amazing view, and sitting room. Ama spent the morning with us and gave 'A' walkie-talkies and games. Here we are playing 'Trouble'...
My cousin, Terry, joined in the fun before going to lunch with DH...
The view from our new room...
Seattle in the distance...
Our friends, Kenny and Karen, joined us for 'A's birthday dinner at Manzana. They gave him a book that a mutual friend wrote, and this 'Pete the Pirate Parrot'. The boys love it!
View from our room at night...
The Westin had these live orchids all over their lobby. They are gorgeous!
I have to say, the Westin really went above and beyond to make our visit special. I called beforehand to order a bottle of champagne to celebrate our 13th anniversary. The concierge suggested chocolate dipped strawberries. OK. Then, when I said that we would have our boys with us, he suggested milk and cookies as well. (Gulping, and seeing how this was racking up financially, I said 'OK'). I asked if I could pay over the phone, and he said, "this is a treat on us, Happy Anniversary."
Then, upon check in, the front desk manager gave the boys each a bag of chocolates and the Kids Club bag full of goodies.
THEN, after finding out it was 'A's birthday, the manager had the front office staff sign a card and sent up two pieces of cake, milk, and a teddy bear for each boy!
We spent Saturday with my Dad and Stepmom at their beautiful home in Olympia.
My brother, Devin, and niece, KK...
'R' and Grandpa Gary...
Devin and niece, P...
Grandma and Grandpa with A and R...
We were spoiled agian this year with gifts. The boys received (among many other things) a castle with these fabulous knights and a dragon. They have been playing with it nonstop since we got home.
After a full turkey dinner, we all rolled to the living room floor...
My cousins held a holiday party. Our whole family from my Dad's side enjoyed each other's company and marveedl at the gorgeous new kitchen and bathrooms my cousins just completed.
Re-defining "Ebony and Ivory". This is me and DH (just back from Maui).
My Aunt Dee, my Grandpa Jerry, and my Dad
The youngest cousins
My cousin, Anne, and her son, 'H'
My cousin, Terry, (Anne's DH), and his mom, Dee, (my aunt)
Today was the first day of Advent. We have never celebrated Advent before, but as we grow in our faith, teaching our boys about the true meaning of Christmas is priority.
I have the book, "Christ in Christmas: A Family Advent Celebration". Each Sunday in Advent, there is a family time that includes a couple of songs, a prayer, a passage from the Bible, a decotional, and a family activity.
Tonight, DH read Isaiah 9:2-6
We sang "Away in a Manger" and "Jesus Loves Me"
I read a devotional and we talked about a few od the Christmas traditions we like:
'A' likes the presents
'R' likes candles
DH likes the angel candle thing where the candles heat a little windchime that rings bell (Our other one broke; I need to get a new one.) He also likes putting up Christmas lights and decorating the tree.
I like playing Christmas music, and opening one gift on Christmas Eve (new PJs).
We also talked about what we can do as a family to keep the true meaning of Christmas alive. We plan on participating in Advent, and 'A' said to continue praying.
We did an activity where we were all together in our dark bathroom. I then lit a candle for each of us. We talked about how it felt to be in the dark versus having light. Which was more helpful? How darkness can never vanquish light, and even the smallest amount of light can always vanquish darkness. How Jesus is the light in our lives.
There are short readings for the rest of the week until next Sunday...
Dado, Dada, and Great Aunt Elvira came up for dinner and to decorate our home for Christmas, (actually, they thought they were just coming up for dinner, but we had more in mind!!) We had a great time decorating our tree and going through all the special items reserved for this season.
Elvira brought gifts got us. She gave me the pretty yellow scarf I am wearing. She gave DH a framed piccture of him dressed in a poncho and hat (it is soo cute!), and she gave the boys each a Hot Wheel type car and two clip on cows. They loved they cars and were fascinated with the cows once they realized they clip to things. Here is Dada dancing with the cows...
'A' putting the cow on Dado's nose...
Dado and Dada brought up a couple of books for the boys. Here is Elvira reading to them..
Decorating the Tree...
We put this nativity scene up for the first time. This was my grandparents and it was passed on to us. I love having it. This means so much. I pray it will survive our family, though. One sheep disappeared for a few days and resurfaced under a cushion. The shepherd was knocked off and broke in two. Fortunately, I had superglue and it looks perfect. The boys keep taking down the angel andlaying him on the table, "to give him a rest."
Family photo (includes Mandy and 'Little Guy'. Josh took the picture.)
We had my mom, brother, and nieces to dinner to celebrate my mom's (Ama's) birthday. I made my current favorite appetizer, the carmelized onion apple bites, chicken baked with lemon, garlic, and herbs, wild rice with apple and herbs, and broiled asparagus. For dessert, I made our traditional birthday dessert that has been in the family since my great-grandmother, a white cake with chocolate-peanut butter frosting, and vanilla ice cream.
Tuesda,y I took the boys to a local company that has a bunch of inflatable toys to play on. We met up with friends and the boys played for almost two hours. They had so much fun!
'A' coming down the big slide...
'R' climbing a ladder...
'R' sliding down the big slide...
'J', 'A', 'S', and 'R'...
After KidzBounce, we went shopping. The boys found a Venus Fly Trap and got all excited. We had studied these a couple of weeks ago, and they are fascinated by them. So, we have one. I fear it won't last too long here. From what I have read, this is not their ideal environment. We'll see...
We started the day helping watch the MOPS Steering Team's children while they prepared for the MOPS meeting. I had the kids re-enact "Going on a Bear Hunt". They had a great time and I need to find some more storybooks to act out for future reference.
After that, we met with my friend, Sundy, and her two kids, 'T'(age 4), and 'E'(age 1.5) at Fall City Farms. Sundy also homeschools and their theme for the week was 'Fish'. Fall City Farms has a trout pond and we went fishing! (First time for me (as an adult) and the boys!!) In total, we caught two trout and five blue gills. The pond was also a pen for two sheep and a goat. The goat was very curious and wanted to be involved with whatever we were doing. We had to shoo her away many times. It was pretty cute.
This was such a day that needed to be captured on film, but neither Sundy nor I had one! There were artists scattered throughout the farm having a workshop and the boys enjoyed going from person to person, complimenting them on their artwork. One woman let the boys paint on her canvas and after fishing, she gave the boys a small canvas to paint.
We had a (very) late lunch at Isadora's, a cool, funky bookstore/cafe that makes HUGE sandwiches. A little dessert at Snoqualmie Falls Candy Factory, and we headed home.
We attended the Puyallup Fair Saturday with Grandma Julee and Grandpa Gary! You could not have asked for better weather. The Fair did not seem too crowded, either. It was an ideal day... (Thanks, Dad, for the pictures. They turnd out terrific!)
This is a picture of me and 'A' on the sky ride, overleooking the whole fair.
An aerial view of the fair...
This is called Mutton Busting. Kids under the age of six try to ride a sheep for as long as they can. It was pretty entertaining. 3 out of 4 kids backed out when they got on the sheep. Did my boys participate?
Oh, no...they both have a pretty solid sense of self preservation.
RIDES....
RIDES...
AND MORE RIDES...
We were able to witness an incredible event. A cow gave birth! There was quite a crowd and I could not see anything, but we put the boys on our shoulders and they tried to tell us what was going on. My Dad was able to get these pictures by holding his camera up high over his head.
You cna see the man pulling the tethered calf out by his legs...
The boys first experience with cotton candy. They both loved it! DH had quite a project cleaning 'R' up, though...
Grandpa Gary and Grandma Julee..
The boys wre a little timid of 'Plasterman', so he came off of his perch and talked to the boys. I thought that was pretty neat.
That's one big pumpkin!!
The boys and I met my grandfather, their great-grandfather, for lunch and a walk at a nearby mall. We had a nice visit and walk. The boys got some new shoes and showed them off to everyone.
We drove to Sagle, Idaho (near Sandpoint) to visit Grandma Margaret and Grandpa Randy for a weekend. It takes about six hours, and the boys were wonderful passengers.
We visited a place called 'Wolf People' in Cocolalla, Idaho. They have a pack of wolves that stay in a compund near their store. They bring a few at a time to the store so people can see the wolves up close. Here is one of the adults and some of the cubs.
Here are the boy dipping their feet in Lake Cocolalla. The boys preferred to call it 'Lake Apple Juice' because that's what it looked like to them...
Back at Grandma and Grandpa's house...
I asked 'A' to get his shoes. He comes back after a few seconds and said he was afraid of a bug on the door and could I come and help him. I went to the screen door, and saw this: Just as I was about to tell 'A' not to be afraid, we hear a big buzzing sound by the window (very close to 'A'). 'A' lets out a huge scream and goes running back to the part of the house where DH and Grandma were. I looked and saw THE BIGGEST DRAGONFLY EVER!!!
I managed to get 'A' back into the room and help me move the dragonfly outside. We (the adults) tried not to laugh because 'A' was so traumatized, but it was pretty funny. He is such a "city boy".
Shucking corn grom Grandpa's garden...
A shot of their five acres...
The boys, with the produce they picked from the garden...(Did you know that cucumbers actually have little 'spiny whiskers' that you wipe off?)
A lovely salmon dinner on the deck...
Grandpa playing the white wolf!
One of the major highlights for the boys was getting to ride on Grandpa's tractor!
'A' said: "Look, mom, now I am a real tractor driver!"
OK, so it has its challenges, but for the most part, I love our life! Not only do I get to enjoy my children everyday, but my husband as well! DH works from home and takes breaks to play with the boys or have lunch with us.
Recently, we decided to go for a family walk. We were able to go out midweek, midday, and enjoy an empty trail. 'R' scoped out the blackberries right away.
"A' being silly...
The boys...(fleece again...)
A huge ant hill...
Anyway, whenever I feel overhwhelmed and start looking at the "yard" on the other side of the fence, thinking of "greener" pastures, I remember that my pasture is just fine. The flexibility and family time we have is worth so much!
Yesterday, I took the boys into Seattle to play. We parked at the Seattle Center and met this pig in front of Channel 9/KCTW:
We walked to the Seattle Monorail. Here is a picture of us waiting for the monorail. The Space Needle is in the background. (Note the fleece jackets in August. Grrr...)
We rode the monorail to Westlake Center and me tup with Dado and Antee Sara for lunch (I am disappointed I did not get a picture of all of us together.) Dado is serving on jury duty downtown and we were lucky to get to meet him for lunch!
After lunch, we walked to Pike Place Market. Here's Antee Sara with the boys:
We enjoyed fresh made mini doughnuts...
...and listened to the fish guys sell their fish.
We hiked down the Pike Place Hillclimb...(and took the elevator back up!)
This is a picture of 'A' and 'R' in front of the water fountain by Westlake Center. Please notice the look of panic on 'A's' face, not fully trusting that I won't make him walk trhough the fountain (there is a path you can walk through.)
The monorail trip back to Seattle Center...
The boys went on some rides at the 'Fun Forest' in Seattle Center...
...and we spent some time enjoying the International Fountain. 'A' almost made it down to the fountain, but he decided not to.
Here's some water a little more their speed. On the way back to the car, we walked through a passageway that had half of the walkway layered in water, the other half was dry (this is done on purpose; kind of like a horizontal waterfall.) We stomped through this and got nice and wet. 'A' tripped and fell and got wet and 'R' decided to support his brother by laying down.
We spent two nights at the KOA Campground in Leavenworth. This KOA is great for families because it is secure and safe. Our site was by a big, grassy field, and the kids were able to run all they wanted.
Here is 'A' and 'R' playing in the sprinkler...
We played along the river. Here is 'W' after she decided she had enough of that cold water!
April, A1, and A2, on the river
Roasting hot dogs, a requirement of camping...
This KOA has a playground for the kids to enjoy...
We went to Smallwood's Harvest. They have a little field of wood cut-outs for the kids to play with, a very nice mercantile, and a petting zoo.
Interesting to note: We had a bag of carrots to feed the animals. I held a carrot for some chickens to peck at. A couple pecked at one end, but they barely touched it. Then, I went to a pen that had the funniest looking long-haired goat and a llama. The goat smelled the carrot and would not eat it. The llama smelled the carrot, grunted and me in disdain, and would not eat it. I tried to get them to eat it a few times, but they wanted nothing to do with it. I could tell, though, that they wanted to eat something. So, I turned the carrot around and the llama ate it without complaint. Picky, picky...
Leavenworth has a fantastic public community pool. One third of it is a kiddie pool. We spent a few hours playing here...
Sliding down the frog tongue water slide...
A1
First round competitors...
Sue and Ann
'R' and Mimi
Pastor Mark and 'A', showing off his bounty!
'R' found money in his eggs. He kept saying "I'm RICH!!"
Yay, A''! You did it!!
Grandma and Grandpa before...
Grandma and Grandpa after...
Another view...
My cousin, Terry, joined in the fun before going to lunch with DH...
Re-defining "Ebony and Ivory". This is me and DH (just back from Maui).
My Aunt Dee, my Grandpa Jerry, and my Dad
The youngest cousins
My cousin, Anne, and her son, 'H'
My cousin, Terry, (Anne's DH), and his mom, Dee, (my aunt)
My stepmom, Julee, and cousin, Robyn
Robyn and boyfriend, Dan
Me, with my Auntie DeeDee
My Uncle Bob and my Dad
Here are the boys playing the 'CakeWalk' with two of their good buddies (also homeschooled. btw)
(Anxiously waiting to hear their number...)
(My friend, Jen, and her family. Sorry. Could not get rid of the red eye. It would erase Pete's entire face!)
(Two supers! )
'A' and 'R' with our new Associate Pastor, Mark. 
'A' coming down the big slide...
'R' climbing a ladder...
'R' sliding down the big slide...
'J', 'A', 'S', and 'R'...
Just as I was about to tell 'A' not to be afraid, we hear a big buzzing sound by the window (very close to 'A'). 'A' lets out a huge scream and goes running back to the part of the house where DH and Grandma were. I looked and saw THE BIGGEST DRAGONFLY EVER!!!
