What a fun couple of weeks we spent in WA this year. It always is, of course! My Mom goes to GREAT lengths to make it special and fun filled and I'm so grateful that the kids have such a fun tradition to look forward to. I know it's draining for my parents to have house guests for 2 weeks! Ha! And draining to plan so many excursions among so many people! But somehow she manages it every year.
Highlights include:
Preparing to send Noah off on his mission to West Virginia! So grateful that even Blake could fly up to be a part of Noah's farewell. Both Adam and Noah spoke and it was a wonderful meeting full of the spirit. Afterward, the entire family enjoyed Uncle Jason's home-made pizza! I enjoyed watching Jason put it all together and trying to glean more tips and tricks to make my own home-made pizza! He is a pro for sure. It's always fun to gather at Jamie and Jason's house-- we take big group photos, play St. Peter and ping pong and eat yummy treats. The kids run around like crazy people because there are SO many kids to tend to and play with.
Rainer's baseball game in Tacoma. So fun to take up an entire couple rows of bleachers and eat garlic fries, dippin' dots and ball park hot dogs until you feel sick to your stomach. About 7th inning- we've all had enough and hit the road. This is our second year going out and it's been super fun for everyone.
We love spending one on one time with each of my siblings and their families. It is one of the highlights of our trip! With Jess and Mike- we enjoyed strolling around the biggest Bass Pro Shop EVER and then bowling in their aquarium bowling alley. Round Table pizza buffet afterwards, where Evelyn enjoyed chatting with Mike and Jess about life and growing up and church standards and seminary! Mike's a seminary teacher and always has a lot to say. The two of them are awesome at connecting with Evelyn and I'm so grateful to them for giving her so much attention and love. It's not easy being a teen!
On Dave and Jen's day- we enjoyed meeting at Lake Louise and going jet skiing! For sure my kids favorite FAVORITE thing to do in WA is jet ski and tube around the lake. I brought over goods from the German bakery-- pretzel bread, hot honey mustard, cheese and salami and of course House of Donuts! We spent all afternoon boating and paddling and jet skiing on the lake and had such an awesome day.
The Ol' swimming hole! Another amazing tradition! Riding the ferry over to Anderson Island's swimming hole. The kids had fun "fishing", swimming out to the dock and sliding/jumping off. The adults had fun lounging in the sun and chatting all afternoon.
Playing cards, and dolls and beading with Grammy and Papa-- one of the best parts of any vacation is just relaxing at home and enjoying the company of your family. The kids had a blast playing Phase 10 with Grammy and Papa. They also enjoyed crafting with Grammy and Anna even talked Papa into playing "dolls" with her!
Adult Mexican dinner out! Fun night of chatting, laughing and stuffing ourselves silly! Evelyn had so much fun being included on our night out.
Blueberry and blackberry picking! And then making blueberry pancakes and blueberry pie!
Sequalachew Hike in Dupont with the entire family! Love when Aunt Michelle and Uncle Aaron are able to come down and hang out. This day was super fun hiking and hanging at the beach and then eating teriyaki and visiting the Military Museum whilst doing a scavenger hunt with all the cousins.
Dodgeball at the church! We typically spend one evening at the park playing outdoor games. This year that didn't happen due to inclement weather- however, we enjoyed an evening of dodgeball at the church every bit as much!
So many fun memories and wonderful adventures! Thanks Grammy and Papa! Until next time!
