My Birthday

I'm skipping ahead because I'll get the rest of our CO trip pictures next month when we go back to CO. So, on to my birthday. For my birthday last week we decided to go pick some fruit at a local farm. It's something we decided we liked doing while in WA and were excited to find out that Bakersfield is filled with u-pick farms also.
The boys in the wagon on the way out to the blueberry fields...there were no blueberries, so, we headed for the orchards for pluots, nectarines, and peaches.

It took us a while to actually find some fruit, a lot had been picked over, then we realized we're not as good at picking tree fruit, it's harder to tell when it's ripe...I'm sure we'll learn. We at least picked a few peaches and a few nectarines, the boys had fun! And that's what matters right?!?!?
Andrew decided he wanted to pull Ben back in. It was getting HOT!!!
But, they decided they wanted to take a hay ride around the farm. We will be going back, they have always have something in season.


After a good lunch and a nap for Benjamin we headed to the pool. The boys have absolutely fallen in LOVE with the water. Now to get them to put their heads under the water....

Tiny Town

On June 30th, We hit the road and headed to CO! Yes we did!!!! 25 hours in the car later we headed up at my parents house and then the boys were up early and ready to GO! So, we headed up to a place called Tiny Town. A little town of little houses and a little train. The boys LOVED it!!! I think they rode the train 5 times!

Andrew saw the caboose and just HAD to ride in it!!!Benjamin had to get in on the action of riding in the caboose!

A childs prayer

As Andrew was saying his prayers tonight

"Heavenly Father....help me to make new friends in Bakersfield. Please bless that there will be a park by the school to play at. Please help me to remember to play with my Lego's at quiet time tomorrow because you didn't remind me this day. etc etc... "

I know there was more to it, but these were the parts that especially stood out to me. I love his prayers, he is so sincere!!!

Snoqualmie Falls

Last week we (the boys and I) decided to head to Sammamish to visit Kenna, a good friend from my HS days. While there we decided we'd head over to Snoqualmie Falls, which is only a few miles from their house. We've been in WA now for 3 years and have visited Kenna many times and have even ridden the train that goes next to these falls but have never actually visited them. Andrew LOVED the view and Ben couldn't take his eyes off of them. Lucky for us Kenna knew a secret way to the bottom of the falls so we didn't have to hike down with all the kids. Just wasn't prepared for it that day. The view from the bottom is even better than the top! View from the bottom of the falls.

Benjamin at the look out near the top of the falls. They're higher than Niagra!!!
Kenna and I with all the kiddos. Ben, Andrew, Bryce, Lilly, Jayna, and MaKayla. Thanks Kenna for a fun day. We love you and we'll miss you but I'm sure our paths will cross again.

Wildwood Park

One of the things I wanted to do once more before we left WA was go back to this park. It's so cool! I don't even know why they have a playground, all the kids play in the little creek that runs through it and they spend the rest of the time running up and down the side of the hills. But, it's fun and the boys LOVE it! We asked a few friends to go with us and when we showed up there was this!! Thanks Gardners! That's a pic of me, Andrew and Ben there at the bottom. This is Andrew hanging out with Andrew Gardner and Abe LeBaron, I had to catch them before they took off up the hill.

Benjamin playing with Kelli..in the water of course.

Amy had her older girls set up an Easter egg hunt for the kids. Here they are taking off up the hill in search of EGGS! Goes to show you that you can have an Easter egg hunt NO MATTER what time of year it is.

I couldn't get Henry to look at me, but here is Henry LeBaron, Benjamin and Ava Gardner. Actually sitting nicely together. It didn't last though.

Playing in the creek.

Look! Some one is playing on the playground...it's Layne and Kelli!
Thanks guys for a great going away party. In the words of Andrew "It was the best EVER!!!"

ICE CREAM!!!

It's happened. My boys eat ice cream! What started with push pops last month when it was really HOT has turned into actual ice cream in a bowl!!! Last week after picking Bob up at the airport we headed for Cold Stone. All Andrew wanted was chocolate ice cream with sprinkles. He was in HEAVEN!! It actually took him 3days to finish it. Then the other night we were talking to Bob on the phone and he told Andrew he was going to head to Cold Stone. Andrew told him he couldn't because "we need to go there as a FAMILY!" We've only been once and it's already been decided that Cold Stone is a family treat. When Bob told him that if he goes enough now (he goes almost everyday) then we will be able to get FREE ice cream. Andrew decided that was OK as long as we would take him when we went to Colorado next week.

Benjamin's ALL about the ice cream! He wanted to carry it home. Then couldn't get enough of it.

Pure delight!!

Our Yard

So, a few weeks ago Bob was home and with him gone I haven't payed much attention to our yard. Well, our neighbors had and called the owners of the property, we then got a call. So, when Bob was supposed to be home relaxing with his family, he was doing this instead....Yes, the 'grass' is really tall, but that's also a BIG hill! He was so EXAUSTED. We were VERY grateful for the Mecums across the street for loaning us their lawn equipment.