Thursday, September 22, 2011

Yellowstone Getaway

We had a super trip to Yellowstone this year. We were lucky enough to go with Grandma, Granddad, Uncle Brian, Aunt Tonya and Cousin Eric. We all stayed together in a townhouse. The kids loved waking up and playing with Eric before heading out for the day...and were spoiled staying up late to play with him after being in the car all day.

Grandma bought a new long range scope. We were all lucky enough to be there for its first use. We spotted 2 wolves and watched them play and relax in the sun. Ethan was so excited that on his turn the big black wolf stood up in to better view. We knew he saw it!

The falls, geysers and weather were amazing. We caught Grand-the largest predictable geyser's eruption, as well as Castle...a long going geyser show.

Ethan proudly became a Junior Ranger. He was a trooper and completed more than the required number of activities. He bravely repeated the Junior Ranger pledge and LOVES his badge. He's worn it several days since our trip. Today included.

Our little family loves Yellowstone. I'm not sure we'll ever tire of going. Each year we see new things and have super experiences. It's a great place for us to be together!

Thanks for the fun Yellowstone. We'll see you again soon!

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Take Me Out To The Ball Game

Daddy missed our last ball game this summer because of a work meeting so we HAD to go to another with him.


We got free tickets from Bob's office so we headed South to the Pony League Team and cheered on the local birds.

The kids each got to keep a foul ball hit into the grass...both were very excited!




We had a super time until the rain came...rained out after 1 1/2 hours. We made it to the car just before the clouds opened up and soaked the place...in all, the night was a HIT!

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Roughing It

After our last camping trip we really felt like we were roughing it. No hot water, no cousins to play with, no one else to cook our food and no near by potty in the middle of the night.

We did however have lots of fun camping with our little family. We played games...thanks Gram and Papa.


Went fishing. Avery got her very own fishing pole for her birthday and wet a line for the first time. She's not the most patient fisherman, but loved having her own pole and held it proudly in the water.


Daddy was a patient guide as he taught Avery the ins and outs of fishing.




Ethan has become quite a fishing fan. He asks to reel in the line in hopes of hooking a fish and is always willing to hold his catch and toss it back in the water.


We "skillfully" popped popcorn over the campfire and devoured more s'mores than we probably should have.




Our neighbors joined us for the campfire and treats. It was great to have the company and share our beautiful little camping spot with them for a while.

We were sad to see the weekend end, but even Avery knew she needed a shower!

Monday, September 5, 2011

Family Camp Out

Three trailers, one motor home, one large tent, six packed cars, 2 double sized campsites, and 22 people...a lovely weekend camping. Thanks Uncle Bill!



It was a fun filled weekend of good food, s'mores, campfires, playing with cousins, and an Eagle Scout Project.



We were lucky enough to camp 2 nights and spend lots of time in the great outdoors.



The kids were super sleepers, each in their own sleeping bag between our cots.



We had such a good time we decided to do it all again the next weekend...just the 4 of us!

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Muy Authentico

Last week the kids and I whipped up an authentic Mexican dinner. We made our own salsa with veggies out of the garden. Then we made our own tortilla dough and pressed, rolled and patted out our "tillas for the fajitas.

Bob's requested we have handmade tortillas every time...




I had such great helpers it just might happen...again....once.

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Build A Bear With Grandma

Grandma gave Avery a shopping trip to Build A Bear for her birthday. It was so fun for Avery to have Grandma all to herself.

Avery loved choosing her special new friend...





Gave her new bear a loving heart...




Bathed her bear....






and picked out a Tinkerbell outfit to finish up.






As long as she was holding Grandma's hand she was
loving it!



Her birthday bear is Avery's new best friend. As soon as her nap was over one day she went right to play with Tink!