First Day of School

Even though we school at home, we had to take First Day of School pictures. Tate had his first day of kindergarten at home. Katiree had her first day of First Grade! They are wonderful students!

Randall Cabin - Labor Day weekend

We used to go to our family's cabin every Labor Day. We resumed that tradition this year. It was a beautiful weekend up near Mt. Hood. We spent a lot of time playing outside, walking the trails around the cabin to Zig Zag River, Still Creek, the "Wobbly Bridge" (pedestrian bridge over Zig Zag) and up to the top bridge over Still Creek. We spent more than a fair amount of time throwing rocks and sticks into the river and creek.

I love the scenery and the people walking in it! God's beautiful creations!

This is the "Weather Station". If the rock is dry, it's sunny. If it's wet, it's raining. If it's swinging from side to side, there is an earthquake. If it is under water, there is a flood. Quite humorous, I must admit!

Kezia loved walking by the water. She was so happy to be outside!

Throwing rocks...

 and more rocks... 

Katiree and her daddy.

 Dipping feet into cold Still Creek - brrr.... (after throwing rocks)

 We went to the Bonneville Dam and Fish Hatchery. It was so exciting because the salmon were in the fish ladder. They could jump really high!

Kezia was so excited to chase birds. All the little birds... she couldn't understand why they didn't want to come to her. They kept flitting all around her and she would chase after them.

 

The kids fed the rainbow trout and then tried to get the ducks to come eat fish food out of their hands. The ducks ate the fish food... just not out of their hands.

We were blessed with beautiful weather and a wonderful time together as a family!

San Juan Island

We took our kids camping for the first time. I know.... this is a tragedy. Katiree is 7 and hadn't ever been tent camping! There was always this apprehension of camping with a baby. But, we got over it (Kezia is 17 months old, so it should be fine, right?) and had a WONDERFUL time!


We took the ferry to San Juan Island. We had to get in line for the ferry early, so we spent a bit of time outside the car looking at the water and Mt. Baker (in the distance).

Once on the ferry, we checked out the decks. Yes, it was windy out front. (Can you tell by Zane's expression?) He wanted to know when we could go inside.

Tate, on the other hand, could have tent camped right on the front deck. There was so much to see... he didn't want to miss a thing. However, even from an inside window, we were able to see a whale and a sea lion! It was so exciting!

We set up camp and got on swim suits. Our camp site was right above the swimming area and they were all excited to swim in a lake (which we did daily).

The other excitement was for roasting marshmallows. And crescent rolls. And hotdogs. Tent camping at its finest!

Zane let Kezia love on him. Usually Kezia tends to pick on Zane (what is it with that?) so he was a bit apprehensive. However, this time she just loved him and liked sharing the camping chair with him!

Brushing one's teeth and rinsing with water is so much more exciting at a campsite!

Weird pictures, I know... but you'd never guess how thrilled they were to brush their teeth outdoors, use water from a spout and spit into the bushes!

We spent one morning at Lime Kiln State Park, hoping for the chance to see Orcas. They were further away at the time, so we didn't get to see them, but we still enjoyed exploring the park.

 

 

I loved the color of these trees. Katiree and Tate cooperated for pictures. Zane - he just had fun at my expense! Peek-a-boo, Zane!

The next day we explored the beach near Cattle Point Lighthouse. There were tide pools that gave us the opportunity to see sea anenomes, small crab, hermit crab, barnacles, limpets and snails. 

 

Kezia liked the beach a lot. She liked it so much she had to taste the rocks. And then cry because Mama told her, "Yucky. Don't put the rocks in your mouth!" 

We ended our trip by tie-dying shirts at the campground where we stayed. It was just a little something to remember them by! We LOVED our time... and could have spent a lot more time there. On the ferry ride back to Anacortes, we even saw a porpoise! What a great experience this camping trip was for each of us! Memories made that will last forever!

Fair and Family

We go to Bellingham mostly to see family. It's a bonus when the Boise family (Great Grandpa, Aunt Linda, Aunt Julie) are there as well! They usually go to Bellingham for the Northwest Washington Fair. So... we get to enjoy that, as well!

 Kezia's first ride. She loved it as long as Mama was sitting on the horse with her! Katiree joined us for this as well, but was a happy camper going on all the "big kid" rides. Ugh... Mama's tummy would probably not handle those too well anymore! So, Auntie Chanda and Daddy got to do the big rides!

 The boys enjoyed the carousel too, but later they also joined in some of the big rides.

 Auntie Chanda and Kezia at the fair!

 Great Grandpa Smitchger with one grandson (Travis) and four of his great grandchildren!

Great Grandpa with his daughters (Aunt Linda and Janet/Grandma) and the Armstrong crew.

Just a Fave....

Travis took a picture of Kezia and me at the fair. I love it... had to share!

The Demolition Derby - Lynden, WA

It's Demolition Derby time!!! Everyone was looking forward to this. Grandpa, Aunt Linda, Travis, Katiree, Tate, Zane and I were all going... well, that is until Grandpa got toppled by a 1,200 pound steer and ended up going to the doctor's office instead. We were sad he couldn't join us... but if you ever get to Lynden during the Northwest Washington Fair, the Demolition Derby is a show to behold.

 

Travis, Zane, Katiree and Tate await the start of the first round! The cars are lined up for them to see!

 Katiree picked this purple and pink one as a favorite. Hmm... wonder why!

 The boys liked this green one (Might this have to do with the fact that it sort of looks like Chick Hicks from the movie, "Cars"?)

Let the smashing begin!

 Katiree was amazing at picking winners. She picked 3 out of 4 winners for the 4 rounds. However, this nervous, anxious look is what we noticed as she watched them pound away at each other. The relieved look and the excitement when her "pick" won was also priceless.

The boys were much more relaxed than their sister. They were thrilled to see the cars crash! We had a wonderful time at the Demolition Derby!