The Fam

The weather in Yakima was a little more pleasant than it was in Seattle. There were more opportunities to play outside, and our children took full advantage of the outdoors whenever they could.

 Elizabeth always seemed to attract the animal crowd whenever she was outside.When the weather cooperated we tried to get some family photos taken too. We also had to work around many schedules which made it difficult at times, but we got it done. We even had a few photo bombers.

We couldn't leave without a photo of Mimi and Papa with some of their grandkids.We also attempted a family photo with all the grandkids and siblings. Can you imagine pulling all of these chidlren away from their favorite activity to pose for a photo?

They were a little reluctant.

It was always difficult to capture a decent shot of these boys because they were always on the run, literally.

But, this little girl was all smiles.

I think the sibling photo turned out pretty well, no? Until next time. . .

Who Needs to Go to the Park?

This is our newest little niece, Julie. She's already 1 and we just met her for the first time when we were in Washington.

This is our nephew, Lawrence, who is now happy and healthy. You would never have known that he just fought cancer, last year, and won!

The Make-a-Wish Foundation gave him an entire playground, so he pretty much has his very own park! We finally made it over to play and while the weather was kind of crummy, but the kids had fun anyway.

Well, almost everyone had fun. Anna wanted someone to push her on the swing.

Once Nikara was on swing duty all was good again.

Lawrence also got a few John Deere toys.

He's certainly ready to help his dad on the farm with all of his tractors.

Julie loved to just sit and wait for a ride.

There was a lot of climbing. . .

and sliding. . .

and digging to be done.

My brother-in-law has his own hay business. If you have super-power strength eyes you can probably see my Lutheran Stud and Dustin taking target practice with Dustin's newest gun.

Work and Play On the Farm

When we arrived in Yakima there was a lot of work that needed to be done. There was no time to just sit around.

The children went right to work gathering all the walnuts that had fallen to the ground. Those poor squirrels have no idea where all of their nuts went.

I have no idea how many pounds they picked, but I came home with several walnuts!

Did you know that walnuts look like this before they are ripe? Kind of cool, huh?

My two little girls have a fear of dogs, but it didn't take long before Allie and Elizabeth became BFFs.

They were given a short break to enjoy some walnuts, although they had to figure out how to get them open.

A wheelbarrow full of walnuts! 

Elizabeth also made friends with the cats that were everywhere.

The lawn needed to be mowed desperately.

But then, this happened. Smoke is bad news.

And then, this happened.

While that was happening, David was playing on the other tractor. "Look, Mom, I'm airborne!"

Thomas played with fresh cut grass. My allergies are flaring up just looking at him with that grass.

Straps (or bungees) can make everything better.

There was a little time to play around after the walnuts had been picked up.

Rebecca (she's just 1 1/5 inches shorter than me) has grown like a weed making things that seem simple a little more difficult to accomplish. ;)

Allie was so patient with all of our children. She put up with a lot from them.

Gator rides were always welcome fun on the farm.

Camping?

Did you think I was finished blogging about our vacation in Washington? Nope. Isn't that just the coolest rope swing? The kids now want one at home, and so does Jared.

We met up with some of Jared's old school buddies and their families.  It was the first time we got to meet this little cutie. Look at those eyes and his beautiful bald little head.  I love it!

We had a little camp out, only we didn't actually set up any tents and sleep over.

  We roasted hot dogs and made burgers.

We had no problem keeping Anna entertained.

Elizabeth was also easily entertained.  She kind of did her own thing and found her own toys? Yep, just her size.

 

Not only was there a rope swing, but there was a zip line for all to enjoy!

I just loved this pic and had to include it. 

 

Thomas wasn't so sure of the zip line, but once he went down the first time he wanted to do it again...and again. 

  I have no idea, but they are pretty cute aren't they?  Jared's friend, Dan was kind enough to bring cherries for everyone from the fruit company at which he works.  The kids loved them.  Can you tell?

David had fun hanging out.

  Rebecca has really long legs so they all ducked.

We adults even gave it a try. It was so fun that I think we'll have to go back again the next time we're in town, so watch out Gary and Nikki. 

Gary, Jared, and Dan haven't changed one bit.  I should find a photo of them from high school.  :)  You can check out the rest of our camp out photos HERE. You can also check out the zip line video below.  We had a blast.  Again, I have no video skills, so you'll just have to bear with me.