Adulting Update

This one came home for two days. She then headed back to Bellingham with her best friend, Kylie, in tow. They are working on Orcas Island as camp counselors and then will share housing with four other roommates this fall as they both attend college. 

Not to be outdone, this one decided to propose to his partner! I don't think they have a date yet, but soon Bailey will be an official part of the family.

I love all these cute faces, even if I can't understand how quickly they grew up.

McCall Trip

We ended up in McCall for a few days this summer. We planned for swimming, paddleboarding, and lake time. We ended up with cold nights and comfortable days. Comfortable days that were too cold for swimming. We still had a good time.

The teens loved these glasses. I had to take pictures of them modeling the glasses, as they were so thick that their reflections were just a blur.

Sam put together an entire outfit. The glasses did not come home with us, but the camel hair suit jacket for $8 did come home with us.

We only had two kids traveling with us, but we still posed with the bears.

and with the otters.

It was too chilly to swim, but we did enjoy the sunset over the lake.

Michael made a cute little dwarf on the insanely tall bench.

There were plenty of deer to gawk at.

They were basically posing for photos.

Ice cream alley in the afternoon,

 and a hot dog roast in the evening, and we all were feeling fully content.

Weekend of Little People

Friday night we had this little loud one,

and this big, quieter one for a sleepover.

Saturday morning, the usual crew of my pseudo grandchildren were added to the mix.

Free and fun activities were found at the Boise Water Shed. 

Dams were built, water was splashed, 

and cousins had a lot of fun together.

Half way through the events there wasn't enough caffeine in the world to give me an energy boost. Four kids aged 3-10: how could anyone keep up? Then I realized that was the age spread of my own four monkeys. I don't know how I survived it! When we returned all the assorted children to their assorted parents, all I wanted was a quiet room, my knitting, and maybe a good audiobook. 

That's when I realized that I am officially old. Very, very old. I'm okay with that.
 

Lava Hot Springs - The Whole Clan in One Cabin

ATVs, hot springs, and family time. 

The view for those intrepid enough to ride an ATV to the summit.

The intrepid:

And the non-intrepid: 

Seventeen people, three days, three bedrooms but lots of beds. It was great (and exhausting).

Quick Visit

Who is the strongest?

 There were no losers in this battle.