Tree Emergency!

Lots of wind here of late...

 When we returned from a quick trip to town, there was a huge limb down in the park!

The kids were captivated as Tobin and Frank managed to cut the limb from the tree, with a major crash and no major injuries. It was a lovely impromptu neighborhood service project, with folks from 6 houses coming out to help cut brush, load trailers, stack firewood, and clean up the debris. 

Lionhead Camping

Camping with cousins is a favorite childhood memory of mine - all the trips blur together into happy snip-its of dirt and adventure. Our kids got to add to their memory collection with a trip sans parents to Priest Lake.

 They went to Lionhead Campground and had a spot with beach access right at their tent door. Not too shabby!

They enjoyed some kayaking

and lots of fun around the campfire.

 The weather was usually great - with one thunderstorm exception during an afternoon.

 Mitch found and added to a sharp stick of death. Yes, he brought it home.

 They "bathed" in the lake and enjoyed the freedom to play and be dirty as much as possible! Mitch and Jack shared a tent and the girls slept with the adults.

 So much beach time! When asked, the kids proclaimed swimming to be their favorite part.

 There were log "rescues", 

happy playtime,

 and LOTS of jumping off the dock!

  Such a fun spread of ages right now.

 They went on hikes

 and perfected their silly faces.

These two look so grown-up!

 

 While the waterfalls they looked for never materialized, the hike was deemed fun nonetheless.

Hammocks and silliness for a lunch/snack diversion.

The mosquitoes were ferocious, the inside jokes were abundant, and the kids were so happy.

Thanks to the LaVines for including our kids in this summer adventure and an escape from the routines of home. It was a joy!

Anniversary: A Study in Selfies

The LaVines took our children camping for four nights at Priest Lake, leaving us alone for the week. 

We started with milkshakes in Spokane, after dropping the kids off. Then we went for a walk through Browne's Addition before driving home on Highway 2.

 On Tuesday we did yard work, saved kittens from predatory owls in our yard, said good-bye to the AK travelers, and then drove to Chelan. We stayed at Campbell's and enjoyed time at the beach, eating al fresco and walking around the loop. It was lovely.

 Wednesday morning we went to breakfast and enjoyed a walk in the early heat.

 Then we rented a jet ski! We drove all the way to Field's Landing (we think it was about 20 miles) and oogled houses along both sides of the lake. It was a bumpy ride, but much better once I figured out how to hang on!

 Then I drove. (Insert wicked cackle) Bryan realized why I'd been so freaked out as the caboose - and he only had to bail off once to save us from capsizing! We enjoyed the toy, but did not need the full 4 hours of our rental!

Dinner on the veranda at Campbell's was lovely. 

 Then we went for another walk... This is Bryan's Zoolander face!

 We enjoyed our getaway. It's been a long time since we were away from home and without children. Cheers to 14 years of marriage!

Father's Day

Father's Day was a lovely, sunny Sunday in June. Perfect!

  Bryan got to play ball with his kids - which makes his heart swell. We enjoyed a lazy morning at home before going to Johnsons for BBQ.

 Shan has started Anne of Green Gables. Be still my heart.

Kevin and Rachel came down and we enjoyed time together on the patio, as well as some games and much laughing. 

We closed out of day of dads with Allstots coming over for dessert and swimming. Bryan and I have been fortunate to have two amazing fathers (here's mine at age 30!). Both are examples of hard work, faith, integrity and humor. We love them! Bryan is a wonderful father, too. Our kids have no idea how lucky they are! 

School's Out for the Summer!

This school year will not soon be forgotten. The distance learning was hard and emotionally draining. Our kids did so well with getting their work done, completing their chores, and being relatively self-sufficient while Bryan and I continued to work from home.

 We went to Grant for lunches some days, the kids enjoyed their online class meetings, and their teachers were good about staying in touch. Mr. Evenson even stopped by with some certificates.

Amber and I did home visits with our kids during this final short week. We had 52 students, and we went to 50 of their houses for year end photos and good-byes. It was exhausting, but so worth it.

 When the last day came, we were ready! They've grown a lot this year, in many ways.

 Happy and healthy and ready for summer!

Mitch will be at Parkway in the fall and Shannon will be entering 3rd grade. Cheers to summer vacation!

Fishing

The kids got an urge to go fishing and they have been humored!

 The first outing was to Oasis Park, which is open just for youth and seniors. Mitch caught a 19" trout!

 Shan tried, too, but was not successful. However, the kids had fun with Grampa A...and enjoyed the snacks!

 The next outing was with both grandpas and they went to Park Lake. This time, Shan caught the only "prize" - a pair of shorts! 

 The third outing was a return to Oasis with the Allstots. The kids worked extra hard to get their school work done a day early so they could enjoy themselves!

Mitch caught and released a little bass.

Then Shan caught a trout. Something was up with her pole and she and Grampa had to pull the fish in hand-over-hand. It was quite the story...

which resulted in a happy fisherwoman! 

Her trout was 16" and she was so pleased. Both kids helped their dad prepare and smoke the trout, which the kittens are loving! 

Fish on!