Some boys have all the fun. . .

Story behind this picture:
We were visiting Grandma over spring break, and Jackson had this dress on over his head, but that's as far as he'd gotten; so, basically it was draped over his shoulders.  He was carrying a suitcase when he announced to me, "Mom, I'm going to Las Vegas."

I then did what only a good mom would do and helped him put on the dress, took this picture, and then took a video of him retelling his plans.

Jackson only seems to go through his dress-up phases when he's visiting his cousins. . .hmm. . . I wonder why that could be. . .  (wink, wink)



P.S.  The Vegas reference is much less funny when you know that's where his Daddy was for a conference, and we were going to meet him there in a few days after this "incident."

Aug. 3, 2010: Lake Padden

Lake Padden

 

Seriously, why don't I live here?  I love green, green, green!

Matt took pictures

We ate lunch, and then the birds cleaned up for us.

The kids played at the park

Matt took family pictures for my brother, and Jackson thought he should be included

Sibling Love

We took a very short walk and enjoyed nature.

Yes, we all love nature in my family!

We found a dock, and the kids tried to play in the water

My perspective

Matt's perspective

Matt's first attempt at getting the shot. . . I was hoping for something more eventful. . .

We really had fun!

Aug. 1, 2010: Bellingham

When we found out that Matt's younger brother was getting married in Seattle, we were ecstatic because we finally had the opportunity to keep our promises to my brother and Matt's friend (who live in the area) to visit.  My younger brother lives in Bellingham, and I just loved it there!  The first evening together, we took a short walk on this fantastic trail next to their house.  Remember that I said I loved berries?  Well, on this trail are wild blackberries.  They are everywhere (not motorcycles)!

(from left to right:  my brother Nathan, his son Payton, me, Jackson)

(Pirate Payton:  This kid is a hoot!)

(Jada smelling the flowers)

(Payton, Jada, Jackson)

Jackson loved having kids to play with, and Jada and Payton were the perfect playmates for him.

And this is Shaylee with her dad holding her.  This baby is so smiley and so sweet that we almost put her in our suitcases to bring home with us.  She loves everyone and is so social. 

The "Water" Park

This weekend, Amy and Debbie (two of my sisters-in-law) were both in town.  On Friday after Amy had driven all day to get here, she picked up Debbie's three youngest, and we met up with her and her crew (her kids plus Debbie's), and Ken and Amy and Annie.  We all went to a park nearby, which is a perfect place to go on a hot summer's day.  Who needs to pay for the pool when you've got this park?!

Here you can,

1.  Wade in the water.

 (Face it. . . you can't resist them either!  From left to right: Aaron, Taylor, Richie, Jackson)

2.  Climb the water fall.

Aaron wants YOU!

3. Taste the river rocks.

 Yeah, those aren't grapes she's munching on! 

  Amy and Livvy

4.  Sit on the grass and eat your hat with Annie.

Panaca Recap:What it Looks Like

This is what it looks like when you are entertaining your six year old in Subway while Daddy and Grandma are getting food (meeting at the switch point -- there is no Subway in Panaca).

Yup, we took pictures with my camera, but Jackson got the best shots of all.

This one shows my best qualities, don't you think?!

The Parking Lot:

The picture of meat on the wall. . . mmmm. . .

This is what downtown Panaca looks like and has for 30 years, with minor changes (you'd only know them if you've been around there that long).

This is what it looks like when you ride in Grandma's car to the Panaca Spring to go swimming together with your cousins and aunts and uncles.

 (Jackson and his cousin sharing a seat on the way to the ol' swimming hole. Riding in Grandma's car is the best!)

This is what it looks like when everyone is getting ready to get in to the Spring.  It's a warm spring. Yes, you have to brave the fish, algae, and muddy bottom, but in the morning it is crystal clear and warm and worth it all!  Again, enjoy the AMAZING PICTURES I got (sarcasm. . .).  Honestly, though, the people in these pictures are some of the best!

This is what it looks like when everyone is getting out of the Spring. . .

This is what it looks like when you're playing "War" with your cousin who is 10 days older than you!

This is what it looks like driving back to Panaca from the cousins' houses in Caliente. (Shh, don't tell anyone I took the picture while driving!)

This is what it looks like when you fall asleep in the middle of getting your pajamas on because you're EXHAUSTED from having too much fun with your grandma and cousins.

Yeah. . .I didn't take great pictures, but we had a blast!  It was nice to have a break from chores, making dinner, and paying bills (or at least thinking about them). . .

Cousins!

Last week I got to do one of my most favorite things of all -- be a favorite aunt and babysit a couple of my nieces! Jackson loved having a couple of buddies all day, too.

(Jackson with, according to him, his Best Cousin Madi)

Cute, cute Livvy!