Well, here we are at summer's end. We did experience summer, I'm pretty sure of it because I have pictures to prove it. Otherwise I might not believe it. I had high hopes for getting many things accomplished this summer, but that didn't happen. Okay, let me rephrase that, I got some things accomplished. I survived camping, VBS, and a road trip to Washington...with my hub and kids. Did I tell you that I have a lot of those? Kids that is, one hub is plenty.
In my summer review, I might as well go chronologically. I don't really have VBS pics, so I'll just highlight camping and our road trip.
When I went back to find our camping pictures, I was shocked at how few pictures there were. I thought, "What was I doing? Why wasn't I taking more pictures?" Then my memory was jogged by one of those reasons announcing she was "tinky" (stinky). Yes, for the record, I know this is a shocking revelation, but tent camping with a family of 10 is a lot of work, compounded by the F5 (Notice that I am giving them the same designation you give tornadoes? Apt, isn't it?). I describe camping as "lots and lots of work punctuated by moments of fun." And fun it really was with beautiful scenery and great friends.
The most common look for trip was "the dirty face." Lydia has that look down perfectly (though she might also be doing her Hitler imitation as well).
Our second trip was a road trip to Washington for a family reunion. We stopped to visit with friends along the way. A few were crazy, er, I mean, kind enough to let us stay with them. Our first stop was to former neighbors of James'. Gary set up a "water slide" for the kids which was a hit. We were amazed that they had enough beds for all of us. They generously hosted us on the way up and on the way back home.
Our next stop was to see a friend who James and I have known since our single days. He and his wife have four kiddos who were very kind about letting my kids invade their space. We were able to visit Fort Umpqua and hang out at the river.
Now, look closely at the next three pictures. Malachi performed some kind of magic trick. We had three cameras taking pictures of this group. We compared the pictures from all the cameras and still couldn't figure out how Malachi managed (after all the kids had been told not to do so) to take the wrapper off the candy bar and eat part of it without anyone noticing. (There was a very short time interval between pictures 2 and 3, just enough time for Doug to hop into the picture). May I remind you that this is the kid who can't remember where he's put his pajamas even though they are in the same place every night? I guess chocolate is way more motivating than pjs. (And lest you think we have two Houdinis in the crowd, Lydia is eating a cookie, not her candy bar).
Do you see the look of triumph on his face? Our best guess is that he put it behind his back and did it. One of the other cameras caught him with his hands behind his back. Still, pretty impressive.
Our next stop was to see some very good friends in Washington. We invaded their apartment and I believe it was still intact when we left.
While in the Seattle area, we visited the Big Four Ice Caves. It had been raining off and on, but by the time we got there, there was a very steady drizzle. We decided to geek out and wear the ever fashionable dollar store rain poncho.
It was an easy one mile hike there and back again, and our little Hobbits did quite well. It was a bit slow going, but no one was in a hurry. The scenery was worth the price of admission for sure ($5 for a permit to park). Along our walk, the broken trees and debris told us that it had been an avalanche slide area.
As always, pictures can never do it justice. It was breathtaking.
Here is a shot of one of the ice caves. People were going into them despite the numerous warnings to stay on the path. It was summer after all, and an avalanche zone. Ice could fall at any time. In fact, a few weeks after we were there, a family revisited the area to put up a plaque where their young daughter was killed four years ago by falling ice. She wasn't in the cave, but was standing some distance away waiting for her picture to be taken. I think she was one of the reasons for the numerous warnings to stay on the path.
Behold the nine walkers. If you didn't get that reference, you really need to brush up on Lord of the Rings.
As if the mountain itself was not reward enough for the walk in, the flowers at the end of the trail were gorgeous.
Here's the whole kooky family before heading back.
The reunion was next on the agenda. This is "Bob" with Bob, James' cousin. Years ago, Bob gave "Bob" that shirt and every reunion they get their picture taken together with the shirt.
My niece, ever so patiently trying to show Malachi how to throw a football. She's doing her part to expand the family as she and my nephew are expecting their first little one next year. We're glad someone else is growing the family for a change. Sheesh.
Four generations represented here: my other mom with one of her daughters with her daughter with her son. Got it? Love it!
Fun on the zip line.
Water fun
This little one turned 3 at the reunion. Here she is getting serenaded by a room full of family.
Okay, I love this "before the ride" and then "after the ride" shot. Must have been either one wild ride that wore her out, or one boring ride that put her to sleep.
Getting worn out was a common theme.
Here we are pictured with James' cousin Dan and his family. There have 9 kids (one was not present). When we took the picture, I said we should mix up the families to see if people could tell which kids belonged to which parents. Hard to tell, huh?
This shot is a scene that played out repeatedly on our trip. We frequently were asked questions about our kids, particularly the F5. Sissy is answering questions of the housekeepers at a hotel.
Our last touristy stop on the way home was to Crater Lake. Yes, we are missing a kid in the last of these pictures. She was sleeping in the car. I'll let you figure out who is missing.
Ever wonder what it looks like for a family of 10 to stop for fast food (I call it road food, because why else would you ever eat it unless you were on the road and desperate to eat anything)?
In addition to Naomi's birthday (and mine, insert old person joke here), we had two other birthdays this summer.
Well, until next time, we'll just be chillin' out waiting for fall!
