29 June 2014

Spokane

Mitchell's week in Spokane with cousins was a success (if measured in happy times and not in hours slept)! He loved VBS this year and told me he wasn't even scared - a big change from last year.
As per usual in school situations, he was reserved and almost stoic at times, but he absorbed a lot and has been singing his songs, doing the hand motions and telling us about his lessons ever since returning.
He also enjoyed playing with his cousins and we joined the melee for a couple nights together. While the boys had a quiet moment with Legos,
the girls did some swimming!
Ach, what a trio this will continue to be.
They were sitting quietly together as Jack read a story, UNTIL the camera came into view!
On Saturday morning, Grama came over while Bryan and I were watching the 5. There were a series of plays and singing, which she enjoyed witnessing.
The play was in 3 acts, and each had different costumes and was begun with a different VBS song. Here's Act I.
It ended in a tackle, which, according to Director Jack, Haylee was not supposed to be part of.
Act II.
And Act III. It was lively, to say the least. We appreciate Kim and Chad's willingness to take on the craziness of 4 kids for a week, and Mitch LOVED it!

26 June 2014

One on One with SJ

Mitchell has been in Spokane this week with cousins and Shannon has been enjoying being a single kiddo; soaking up the attention!
We went blueberry picking on Monday and she was such a good little worker! She hardly ate any while she picked and didn't want to leave until she had "a yot, yot, yot!". We managed to get just over 5lbs in a little over an hour. Two blueberry pies later, we're pretty happy!

We also wandered through a local lavender farm. Shan was enthralled with the bees and ran wild amid the blooms. No stings and a tuckered out girl - success!
She'll be excited to see Mitchie again, but she's certainly loved being an only!

22 June 2014

Seaside Sojourn

Bryan had his annual conference in Seaside this past long weekend and we joined him for a getaway. First stop, Multanomah Falls. Mitch's cape was a show stopper for all little boys aged 4-8.
We made it up to the bridge with no falls!
Wednesday night we reached the beach, and Mitchell took off!
Shannon, of course, was wet in about 30 seconds.



Thursday we spent the morning playing with sand castles.
And running from the waves!


We also checked out the aquarium where they enjoyed the touch tanks and really loved feeding the seals!
Who doesn't love a good nap?!
Friday Mitchell had a sore foot, so Dad wrapped it and he hobbled about (or was carried like a raja).
Dad joined us Friday afternoon at the beach for more sand castle construction.
It also involved a burial!
The cold salt water miraculously healed MBJ's foot. Whew.
Stories on the balcony before bed.
Saturday we went to Cannon Beach for the morning, narrowly missing the madness of the 30th annual sandcastle competition.
We picnicked at Ecola State Park and hiked on some illicit trails.
In our defense, we didn't know they were closed. The views were breathtaking, as was the steep drop-off...
Our best attempt at a family photo.

Fun on the carousel. On the second ride, Shannon told me, "I don't want you." She proceeded to choose a pig and rode independently. If only she felt so independent at 2:30am!

A solstice sunset.
We had a doozie of a ride home, with a semi accident closing the highway and adding a 2 hour detour into our drive. The winding roads made SJ carsick and she went through several outfits before finally napping. Mitch was delivered safely into Aunt Kim's hands in Ritzville to begin his week at VBS, and our weekend came to a close.

15 June 2014

Father's Day Crazies

Father's Day wouldn't be complete without a wild bike ride/cart push around the block. Here were Bryan's crazed companions.



Happy Father's Day!

14 June 2014

A Visit from the Greats

Great Grandparents Pobst brought Great Aunt Phyllis down for a visit and we spent a lovely afternoon together!
There was lots of play outside.
The kids and crew enjoyed watching Great Uncle Kevin's school videos.
Puzzle time with Gram and Phyllis.
And some Lego time with Grampa.Such a special family!

09 June 2014

Glory Days

We survived the madness of the last few weeks.It was crazy, emotional, and exhausting, but we made it to summer. We opened it up with a trip north.
My mom was selected by the graduating class to give the faculty farewell at commencement. She did a great job (not surprisingly). There was a 100 year reunion for all graduating classes and Dave spoke at that Saturday morning. Also did well.
Some backyard baseball at the Johnson compound.
Bryan organized an EHS baseball alumni game for Saturday afternoon. It was a big success, with 26 players playing, and dozens of fans. Here he demonstrated his "warning track power". Still looks pretty good in the pants, though!
Dave did the announcing and heckling, while Dad kept the score board. It was a family affair!
MBJ sporting his baseball attire.
He did a few turns as batboy and now believes he belongs in the dugout.
Here are the players - from 1968-2009 represented! Even years won this time, but based on the positive response, this may become an annual tradition. Ah, glory days!