Shan's First Field Trip

Shannon's class went to Riggs' apple orchard today for their first field trip. Shannon was pleased to have Grama Allstot accompany her.

She was so excited that this was her first morning at daycare drop-off without tears. Sad face and clingy arms, but NO TEARS!

She's also sporting her new locket. It's one of mine from childhood and now has a picture of the two of us together. She tells me it makes her feel safe. Great - let's see how far we can ride this magical locket...

Being on the bus was a big, exciting deal. Mitchell's done it many times, but Shannon not so much.

A hay ride in the apple bin with Grama close enough to touch.

A lift from Miss Colleen to get the perfect apple.

Aaron showing the kids how to do an iodine test to check for apple sweetness.

Fresh-pressed cider from Lisa.

Happy girl (almost). She was worried about returning to school, but pleased to learn that the day was done. Hopefully, too, her sadness and stunted social life at school and daycare will come to an end.

A Final "Summer" Weekend

The kids and I joined my parents and their church at Tall Timber for a quick weekend camp. The weather was beautiful and I'd forgotten how gorgeous the setting is! 

 We explored the Napeaqua River and saw spanning Chinook, traipsed through the meadow, played on the toys, and happily spent time outdoors and away.

 There were many boys at the camp - only Shannon in the girl category. Mitch was a good, calm kiddo and didn't get caught up in too much of the madness.

 We spent an afternoon along the White River, skipping rocks, playing with frogs, wading, and enjoying the company.

 The frogs were tiny, but captivated the younger crowd.

 Here Mitch and Shan create a frog playplace with Jack.

Dad and Mark skipped some serious rocks p the river.

Meanwhile, Bryan and Joe enjoyed a Seahawk game in the sunshine.

The 'Hawks pulled off a win in the final 31 seconds! It was a happy - and exhausting - finish to our summer events. Now, it's time for autumn to set in (and the grass to stop growing!!!).

Shan's First Day of Preschool

Shannon has been struggling with the adjustment to life in Ephrata. She misses her old friends and Lorry, her daycare provider. She has been crying a lot when I have to leave her places and has spent nearly every night for the past two months sleeping in our room in a nest on the floor. To put it mildly, she is having a tough time. So, today was her first day of preschool...

She was overjoyed to get to wear her new backpack! It was the first morning without tears before we left home. In fact, she declared, "This might be the morning I don't cry!". She did, though, as I dropped her off at daycare. Only a bit. Preschool was a bit hard, too; she was sad. So sad that she skipped snack and didn't come home bubbly to tell us about her day. 

She also wrecked on her scooter after school, resulting in a scraped forehead and a bloody nose. She is getting lots of encouragement and is trying to come around to her new norms. In time I'm sure she'll be fine. For now, our fiestly little blonde needs some prayer, and lots of love and cuddles.

Labor Day Weekend

We spent Labor Day weekend with the Johnson family at the Lake House for the 5th consecutive time. Beautiful weather and a good escape.

Jack and Mitch are so capable now. We were able to watch as they headed off solo in the kayaks. Clark and Meriwether!

There was some good swimming. The water was warm-ish and most of us got in once or twice, 

Finley included.

The girls spent A LOT of time in the hot tub. They loved it, but Shan is now covered head to toe in a rash as a result and looks like a bearer of the plague. A pox at the least.

As is becoming the norm, the two youngest enjoyed time together in their own imaginative world.

Brief pause

and they're off again!

We had the usual for Rachel's  birthday dinner celebration - and also relished a Husky win!

She's 31-derful! And we enjoyed some time with her beau this weekend, too.

This really was the year of fishing.

They did a lot of it and mastered some new skills - like taking the fish off the hook.

Shan liked to have the net ready.

Kevin was gracious and let Mitch catch his biggest fish early one morning. It was hilarious to watch him run around caring for the needy little fisher people!

Jack also found and caught a darling baby turtle.

Being the first up means we have to leave the house. So the kids and I went for a walk to see the horse. Then we paddle boated through the mist and found a heron.

Also played a lot of baseball. 

Grandpa was "eternal pitcher" and the boys were always eager for a game.

The field had quite a slope - first to second was a real uphill struggle!

We enjoyed our last dinner on the deck.

And closed out the weekend with smores by the fire. Always a peaceful place - and so much nicer now that it's 3 hours closer!