Fun times....

We've had quite a mix of weather, some wind/rain and some beautiful sunshine :o). Rain or shine, we've been enjoying the lake and family and friends! Reggie and Ainsley are much more into the water and sand this year and have stayed out for several hours at a time :o). Grandma has got them out in the deep water, attempting to work on their swimming skills! We've also explored the woods and went to the creek to make a boat, but it was dried up, so we walked down it and they went through a "tunnel" under the road. They thought that was really cool. Reggie always has ideas of things he wants to build and do and we happened to see a tree house and now he wants to build one of those (the problem is we end up doing all the work!) Let's just say they are REALLY tired at night!

"Helping" grandpa with his back exercises:

Yesterday afternoon, we visited Jane, Lilli and Amelia. It was great to catch up and see how the kids have grown. Amelia was 3 months old last time we saw her, so she has really changed! As usual, the kids had lots of fun and we had a nice time visiting :o). It is amazing how kids pick up right where they leave off (I guess we aren't much different). He's played with all of his friends as if no time has passed! Kellen, Abby, his second cousin, Sarah-they all just love to play.

We stayed at Liha and Wade's last night and the kids are having lots of fun. We took advantage of the high speed internet and video chatted with Ryan this morning. It was good to see his face and Ainsley was in heaven! Yesterday, it was drizzling and they wanted to play in the yard, so we put on their raincoats and Reggie was directing everyone where to go and what to do. They had so much fun and we had so much fun watching them. What goes on in those little minds????? Today, they decided to go "sledding"!

Sledding video: go to arrtwade.blogspot.com if you get this by e-mail

Reggie helping the girls get dressed up:

We are heading to grandma and grandpa's tonight for some more fun with them :o).

Trip back home

Well we made the trek back home all 900 miles worth.... We left on July 2nd around 11:15am and arrived at the Lake around 2:15am the following morning.. The kids were great and they only asked "are we there yet" 50 times or so.. But, really, they did wonderful and we only had to turn on the DVD one time which was right before bed time. We only stopped a few times for much needed gas and also once for dinner. After we got through the mountain pass (Mt. Shasta was so beautiful) we stopped in a small town for dinner.

McDonald's was the choice and the kids were happy to receive their happy meals with their toys.. After dinner Trina took them for a walk/run around the mini mall that we were in to burn off some cooped up energy. I would have joined them but I'm still nursing my torn Achilles.. After dinner the kids put on their pajamas and settled in for a long ride.. From that point the trip went pretty quickly and at 9:30PM they finally went to sleep.. Around 1:00AM we stopped at the 164th street exit just south of Everett to get gas. Of course, both of the kids woke up due to the bright lights in the gas station. They were so excited they stayed awake until we arrived at the Lake. Once we arrived, we hurried into the house threw the kids in bed and went to sleep... JULY 3rd - It was wonderful as we were able to sleep in thanks to Grandma and Grandpa. Aunt Liha and Uncle Wade arrived that morning and cousin Maggie and the kids were so excited to see each other. The 3rd was the day to clean up the house and get ready for the 4th of July party. Everyone was hussling getting things ready except for me as I was still handicapped.

JULY 4th - The Lake was buzzing, the weather was wonderful and we were expecting 50+ people to join us for a great celebration... After we got up and around it was time to go to the Lake Cavanaugh Parade.. Ainsley decided to walk through the parade with her cousin Maggie and Reggie decorated his bike and peddled through...

After the parade the kids got to see their friends as both Cathy and Laura (friends from Kirkland) decided to make the trek up to the lake. Laura just had twins, so to have her up at the lake was special. Reggie got to hang out with Kellen and Abby and Ainsley got to hang out with the twin babies... After a long day of playing in the beautiful weather it was time to hunker down and watch the fireworks show... This year was different for me as I'm usually the one putting on the show. But, because of my situation, I was sitting down watching the show this year. I must say it was great... A big thanks to Keith and Wade!!!! Attached is a video showing the grand finale...