Going West...

The boys and I headed west the end of July for a little visit. We were all so excited to see my parents, Aunt Sarah, John & Jen and most of all...little Zoe Renn!!

Jon was going to join us for the second week of our visit...yeah!! But before that, we had lots of fun at the Homestead with Buddy! He has grown since I saw him a few years ago.

John & Jen came out for a little picnic and visit so that we could meet Zoe and have a little fun!

Aunt Sarah was at the Homestead as well for the first few days that we were there. We had a fun day at a little lake near by.

John & Jen decided to take advantage of all of us being there to have Zoe's baby dedication at a park in Spokane. The evening started out windy, cool and we even had a few drops of rain :( But, the second that the service started, the sun came out and it was a beautiful evening...God was looking out for us!

It was so nice to all be together for this special day for Zoe, John & Jen!

We also visited the Riverfront Park in Spokane for a fun gondola ride, a walk along the river and a carousel ride! We even did a little crawdad "fishing"!

The boys also could not resist running in this great fountain along the river...so much fun for them!!

We did a few projects around the Homestead...stacked wood and helped a bit in the garden.

At the end of our week, we headed for The Dalles to see Daddy and visit with Great Grandpa Mick. This picture was taken along the Columbia River.

We stopped to play in the river a bit with the boys and did lots of playing at Grandpa's house.

We traveled along the beautiful Columbia Gorge and made a stop at Multnomah Falls for a little hike.

The boys thought the water fall was pretty amazing!

We made it to the beach!! It was a beautiful sunny day and the boys could not wait to get down to the water...the COLD water!! They didn't seem to care though!! After about 10 minutes though...they changed their mind!

So, the next day, we went to rent some wet suits and the boys (including Jon) were set up for a very fun day in the water!!

Like Jon says, "it is impossible for a fat man to look cool in a wet suit!" He said it, not me!! Anyway, we called him "Gru" for the rest of the week (in honor of the boys favorite movie...Despicable Me)! We thought he looked a bit Gru-like!

We pretty much spent the entire day at the beach the first full day that we were there. So much to do and see!

Lots of sand castles...

Waves to jump and try to out run...

Shells and rocks to find!!

We even saw a large flock of pelicans diving & feeding right next to to area where Jon & the boys were wave jumping! So fun!

We also had many visits with Great Grandma Jean. We had a few meals together and enjoyed each other's company. She was so thrilled to see how big the boys were. Josh was 1 the last time she saw him...wow!

Our last day there we ate at Mo's, did a little exploring down at the pier and went to Depoe Bay. We had to stop at the little candy store that I went to as a kid and bought a big bag of saltwater taffy! I have such fun memories of all those places and it was neat to take the boys to see them all too!

This was our final morning at the beach...

Saying good-bye is always so hard but I am so thankful for our visit to the beach and to be able to spend time with my Grandma Jean!

It was also time to say good-bye to my parents. We are looking forward to a visit this coming spring...can't wait till we see each other again!!

Josh is 5!!

Wow, we can't believe Josh is 5! It seems just like yesterday that we moved to Sioux Falls, with my big belly, ready to give birth in 1 short month!! I guess a lot has happened in the last 5 years...LOTS OF GROWING!!

Josh had his first "friends party" this year. We were having some unbelievably hot weather, so we thought having some fun water activities would be perfect! We pulled out the slip-n-slide, water guns, wading pool and some water balloons and had some fun!!

Jon had to get in on the action and was the biggest target...literally!! I think everyone had lots of fun and tried to stay cool!

We had a Lightning McQueen pinata (that was a bit of a disappointment)! They don't make ones that you whack with a bat anymore. You take turns pulling a string and there is only one string that makes the trap door open so that all the prizes fall out. I am guessing the pinata makers are afraid of getting sued if some little kid gets hit with a bat??? Who knows! Anyway, I don't think we will drop $20 on one of those again!!

After all of our water fun, we came in to the A/C for some cake & ice cream!

Then opened gifts!

Josh's friends party was a few days before the "official" day on the 12th. So, on the "real" day we let him choose where to eat. We were not surprised when his pick was Cici's Pizza. He has been influenced by his big brother I guess. And...he likes their Mac-n-Cheese pizza too :)

After that, we went to another favorite (of both boys), Cherry Berry, for some frozen yogurt...yummy :)

Then we had a few gifts from Jon & I to open!

So, after three parties, now it is time to enjoy some of the fun new toys! Mommy & Daddy like some of the new toys too!!

Thanks to everyone who made Josh's day extra special!!

4th of July Weekend

We thought this was such a beautiful picture of the river by the Frericks' house. I know, there was a TON of bad that came out of the flooding, but this sunset was sure pretty :) Like Anne said after it flooded a SECOND time in one summer...we might as well get out the water toys and enjoy it...we have lake front property! Now, that is making lemonade out of lemons!

We started out our time at the farm with Jon's 20th class reunion...yes, 20! Makes me feel old just typing this! It was nice to reconnect and to meet a few of his classmates. Also, to catch a few funny stories I have never heard :)

Josh's first order of business was to meet the newest addition to the Frericks' family...little Tiffany. He was so excited to see a puppy that he could pick up and hold!!
The next day was the Redfield 4th of July parade. Josh is watching the American flag pass by here.
The kids have their buckets ready for all kinds of candy and treats...ready, set, go!!

We had a beautiful day for the parade!

After the parade, we went back to the farm and Jon & Josh went to move some hay bales with the BIG tractor!

Little Tiffany came over to the Miller's and it was funny to see Jessie meet her for the first time. I don't think Jessie knew what she was...I think she thought Tiffany was too small to be a dog! She loved to play with Jessie's tail though!

We had our usual problem...mosquito's and heat. So, Margaret pulled out the fans to try & keep them both at bay. Josh liked listening to himself make goofy sounds in the fan!

Nigh time swing rides are the best!!!

We made smores' around the fire while we were waiting for it to get dark for our fireworks.

Tiffany and Jessie did not mind the loud fireworks all that much. We enjoyed another great show put on by Nathan & Katrina & Cassidy!

The next day we visited the Redfield Pool...

We celebrated an early 5th birthday for Josh at Anne's place before leaving the next day.

Josh is 5!!!

This is a cute little clip of Joe & Margaret singing an old tune about "Katie" (Katrina)! Sorry Joe & Margaret...I could not resist posting this...it is just to great not to share!!
(Be sure to pause the music at the bottom of the blog so you can hear it.)