And more pics

Franklin Falls More Pics

Franklin Falls Hike

My sister, Rebecca, came to visit with her husband and 4 kids for my mom's birthday. Happy Birthday Momma! We spent Saturday out in the mountains and hiked to Franklin Falls. Ok, maybe it was more of a walk to the falls, but it was beautiful and the falls were great.

MMMM and ZZZZZZZ

More Camping Pics

Camping at lake Crescent

After we got back from Spokane - as in the very next morning - we went camping with my friend Jen and her kids Tyler and Rebecca. I was pretty impressed overall with how good the kids got along, how great the campsite and food was, and of course how STUNNING the lake is. We scored a campsite on the lake, rowed in a boat around the lake, and spent lots of time throwing rocks :) The water was so beautiful. We went swimming and played with Jen's puppy. It was a blast.

More Spokane Pics

Spokane Pictures

During my hiatus from work.... we spent a few days in Spokane visiting my dad "Grandpa Bill." The drive was nice. I love warm summer clouds. When we left Seattle grey and rainy it was awesome to drive to sunshine. Gavin got to ride his bike - then Grandpa fixed it - so he could ride more... We played at the park on the toys and frisbee. We ate good food, painted a blue snake, and spent some quality time with Grandpa Bill. Love you, Dad!

Updates

Well, I have pictures to load... but a few stories to share first. Gavin and I have enjoyed 3 weeks of together time. We spent time with my sister and her kids in Oregon, Seaside OR Beach, my dad "Grandpa Bill" in Spokane, and went camping by Lake Crescent. A few favorite stories:

Driving back from Spokane we stopped at Subway and then were getting back into the truck. Gavin was mesmorized by the two men getting on their motorcycles. "Get in the truck, Gavin." "Get IN, Gavin." "GAVIN GET IN THE TRUCK." I repeated several times. Gavin turned to me and said "Easy now Mom, Easy now." I had to laugh - hysterically. We watched the motorcycle guys drive off then he could get in the truck.

Yesterday I told Gavin to make sure his lights were off in his bathroom and his bedroom. He said, "Ya mom because then I'll have more energy." This cracks me up because I know that I've mentioned we need to save energy... apparently I have a little more teaching to do.

We have a thing we do to keep Gavin in bed - if he gets out after his last hug and kiss he gets a spanking and I throw away a toy. Last night he was understandably excited about his first day at school today. He had trouble staying in bed. As I spanked him and picked out a toy to throw away he started in hysterics "That's a toy Grandpa BILL gave me!" I felt horrible - (I try to pick out something that is either broken or he doesn't play with) I had to give him one more chance - he keeps the bug by his pillow if he gets out again he loses it. And he stayed in bed. We very rarely have going to bed issues. I was really glad that I didn't have to throw away his toy from Grandpa Bill. Not sure why I was so amused by that - but I was very amused.

Yesterday we were driving around and talking about things he would learn at school. Gavin said "Mom, two words start with E - Ethan and Elephant." He cracks me up.

Anyways - I've enjoyed being a stay at home - vacationing - mom. But grateful and excited to get back to work and thrilled about Gavin's new school.