Cabin Fever

Well I posted lots of pictures, but it's really hard going through almost 3oo and only picking a few. Here are some of the best. We had a great trip, just the right mix of relaxing and playing. We had a beautiful cabin near the lake and it actually fit all of us pretty nicely, which is saying something because there are 18 of us. We jet skied, white water rafted, played on ATV's, visited Yellowstone, Bear world, played games and hung out. I asked the boys for their favorite parts:
Noah: Old Faithful, rafting, and the hot tub.
Addie: seeing Grandpa and Grandma, riding the Rhino (ATV), and he said all of it was fun.
Every night the boys stayed up late and got up early and had a blast. I myself will really miss the way Idaho made my hair look...sigh, why do I not live where it's dry. But really we loved the chance to be with the entire family. We will definitely remember Meagan's awesome dust beard, Mike's back two splashes (even with Mike working against us, we still totally soaked you guys), the hot tub for amputees, and tons more. So Melissa...that's what I think about the family.

Happy Fourth!

We had another really great fourth of July! We went to the parade, complete with very freaky clowns including one riding by playing an organ...scary!, then headed over to clock tower park for pony rides, bounce houses, and lots of other fun things for the kids. They also got to see their friends there so that was a big bonus. Next we went over to my Mom and Dad's for a family BBQ. We played some rock band, courtesy of Michelle and Aaron, also volleyball in the backyard. Of course my Mom, Michelle and I beat all the guys no problem. Katie and Addie played with the bubble machine, which she really loved. To finish off the night we went over and set off some fireworks with friends. It was such a fun time, the kids loved the fireworks with the exception of Katie, who liked the looks of them, but thought they were too loud. We had a great time and felt thrilled to get to celebrate the greatest best nation that God has given man on the face of the earth...hee hee that one's for you Jason. But we are so grateful for our country and our families and friends. We are so very blessed.

Hee Hee

So tonight Katie and me are playing while Jason and the boys are out at soccer. Katie is running around and she stops near our time-out chair in the corner of the room. She points at it and says, "Addie's."

The Children's Museum

On Tuesday we went to the Children's Museum in Tacoma and the kids had a great time playing in all the exhibits. They had a fun rock climbing wall and little scooters to ride. They did painting and play dough and they also had an exhibit on farm to grocery store. Katie loved all the bins of play fruits and veggies and loved putting them into her basket. Afterwards we headed over to the deli for some pizza, followed by a trip to the really cool fountain across the street.

Saturday at the Lake

On Saturday we took the kids down to the lake. We had been waiting for warm enough weather so they could get in and swim. We had Doritos, oreos, and lots of sand toys so you know we had a great time. The lake wasn't too crowded, surprisingly, and Jason and the kids had fun swimming. Katie loved the water and the dogs that were all over the park. The weather has been beautiful here and we are really enjoying our summer.

Daddy Love

What are the things that Miss Katie loves? Her brothers, bathtime, dinnertime, doggies, and too many other wonderful things to mention. What is the thing she ADORES more than anything else? Her Daddy.

Katie loves loves loves her daddy. Whenever she hears his voice or the garage door opening because Daddy's home after work she starts yelling, "yea yea yea yea Daddy Daddy Daddy." She runs for the stairs and when she sees him she just starts screaming she is so excited. Whenever he is around she wants him to hold her and she is always just kissing him on the cheeks. I guess we now officially have a daddy's girl over here.

The Wildlife

Today we had a great time at the zoo. We had perfect weather, the animals were feeling energetic, and the kids were amazed. It was a really fun trip and I think part of the reason is just that the kids are at such great ages. They are interested and able to walk and spend a long afternoon out without getting grumpy or tired, for the most part. That includes Katie who just loves being out and about, especially if she's being strolled and drinking a juicebox. One of the first animals we saw were the otters swimming around and spinning in the water. When Katie first saw them she was so happy to see the water she kept shouting water. Then she saw the otters and was watching for a while and said, "meow?" The boys really liked watching the whales and walrus swim around. The walrus was putting on quite a show, getting really close to the glass, so close I was sure he was thinking Katie looked like a delicious little seal. We all really liked the sea horse exhibit and the monkeys, elephants, and tiger.