Roller Coaster love/hate relationship

We took the kiddos to the Hood River County fair tonight and enjoyed some janky rides, questionable food, and even more questionable carnies - it was definitely a night full of 'culture' and people watching! All things considered, it was a super fun time and everyone was in an unusually jovial mood (given how late in the afternoon/evening we went). Lots of laughter and jumping up and down with excitement and anticipation. Barker and Kingston agreed, the roller coaster was their favorite ride, although Barker also stated, "but it's a little scary too, because you never know if it is going to come off the track around that BIG corner." Here they are before it got started...

...and after the first time around...

...then after a few more times...

...as they neared the last few times around, Kingston got brave and went 'one-handed' whereas Barker, at this point, (I think) was psyching himself out about the darn thing going rouge and off track...

When they got off Kingston said, "Yay, yay, yay, that was soooo fun can we do it again!?!" And Barker said, "uuuuuuh that was a little scary, I mean I did have fun, but it was still kinda scary to me."

It's amazing how much these two change each and every day - they always keep us guessing and on our toes...with lots of laughs in between! 

Tender moments

So it was one of those days where these 2 rascals just couldn't get along. Every word, gesture, and activity ended in some sort of whine/tear/squabble combo (probably had something to do with the heat) and it felt like thee longest day. But then this happened. This sweet little moment where they partnered up to coddle and soothe Mr. Spike. He snuck out of the backyard and was 'missing' for about 3 hours. When we finally found him and made it back home, he was beyond exhausted and thirsty from running amok and playing in the near 100 degree weather. So here they are taking turns snuggling and giving him a 'check up' to make sure he is a-ok. My heart literally melted.  I guess they aren't so bad after all :)

Bonds were made

A couple more moments from our fabulous weekend...

(Barker and Amika)

(Kingston and Bella)

Cousins in da Hood!

It was a 4-day party and we loved every second of it!!!

We played hard and slept harder! Can't wait until we get together again. We already miss them and are planning out what we'll do for our next adventure. Thank you Krystle, Ashley, Tristen, Isaiah, Amika and Bella for the the most amazing weekend!!! xo

Time-out push-ups

All was well while we were having backyard naked sprinkler/pool time...until they decided it was a good idea to pick apples and huck 'em at each other. Do the crime, do the time. Still working on form. 

Livin' on the edge

These 2 just get nuttier everyday. One swinging with 'no hands' and the other who insists on spinning upside-down... How they kept their lunch down is beyond me! 

When your stuffies "keep you up all night"

You transfer 'em to Daddy & Mommy's bed, and have a slow, relaxing morning.

It's tough being a "stuffy daddy" but somebody's gotta do it!!!

A gaggle of boys

Banking some hang time with some of closest pals! What a fun day of dirt digging, plan hatching, insect finding, monkey bar hanging, hide-and-seeking, and bike riding!! Always a blast with this crew!

(Atticus, Barker, Phinnehas, & Kingston)

Trading underdogs

Over a bottomless barrel of giggles!!

'hot tub'

Boys made quick work of firing up the 'self-regulated' jets in their 'hot tub' today! 

Rowena

Found a new (not so secret) secret spot for swimming, bug catching, snake hunting and adventuring! It got the seal of approval because Spike finally learned how to swim today!! He can now full on jump in and fetch sticks that we throw - even the ones waaaaaaay out there! (Not just the ones that land in knee deep water). SO MUCH FUN!!!

Tamanawas Falls

We hiked the Tamanawas Falls Trail today! Didn't quite make it to the grand finale big water fall, but we saw many smaller ones along the way that were pretty awesome! Between the 2 boys, 1 dog, and 1 mama - 2 members had a bathroom emergency... Luckily one emergency was Spike and was a fairly easy clean-up.  The other emergency said (and I quote),

 "Mom, if anyone comes up the trail and sees me, just tell them that I'm a statue. A really colorful statue that kinda moves a little bit. I don't want anyone to know it's me here having diarrhea in the woods."  

Other than that, it was a fun time! ;)

side note-

definition of humbling: parenthood! 

4th of July

BBQ picnic in the park with our favorite pals! 

...and even a 'girlfriend' for Spike!! What a perfect day!!! Happy Birthday America! 

Family time in Couer d'Alene

We had an early 4th of July celebration in Couer d'Alene this year!

There were so many cousins to play with that we

only get to see once a year, so we didn't waste any time

by being shy - we got right down to the

important stuff...like a bouncy-house water slide!

(Kiera & Barker)

(Gracie, Kiera & Barker)

(Gracie, Ava, Kiera & Barker)

(Kingston & Henry)

What an spectacular way to finish out a fantastic week! 

Oh boy are we going to have so much to talk about

when someone asks what we've been up to this Summer!

Thank you to everyone for a most wonderful vacation. 

Our hearts are full as we reflect on how blessed we

are to have such as amazing family!!!

xoxo