More of Luther Burbank

On Wednesday we were trying to figure out what to do. The kids wanted to stay home but we made them get out of the house. We were going to try a different park but they all voted for Luther Burbank Park again. 

Ball tag, the beach and blackberries. 

 

Fairy Houses

It was fun having Annika here so Darby had a girl to hang out with. Annika was so wonderful with Darby. We had to go to a few soccer practices and every time we went, Annika went straight for a tree. Then they made a fairy house out of rocks and sticks. 

Blackberries & Swimming

Brad had to work so Karl and I were left with the planning of the days. He wanted to take them hiking, maybe to Poo Poo Point. I was on board with the idea but apparently we were the only ones who wanted to do that.  Honestly, the kids would have been completely happy to stay at home but Karl and I were anxious to get them outside and away from the house. 

The kids voted for Luther Burbank because it had a good park for playing ball tag. 

After running around the park for an hour we decided to walk to the beach.   A much longer walk than I remembered.  Thankfully there were LOTS of Blackberry bushes along the way and the kids enjoyed picking them. 

The kids played in the water then covered Annika & Ryker in sand.  They both ended up with Mermaid Tails.  

Karl and I were anxious to get back to the car since it was WAY past lunch time.  But it took another hour since the kids kept picking blackberries and then decided to fill their water bottles with them.  We used them to make a blackberry pie that evening. 

 

Patient Appreciation

Karl, Annika and Ryker came to town and we couldn't be more excited.  We do wish the rest of their family came too but we will take it.  

As soon as they arrived we took them to our Orthodontist's Patient Appreciation Picnic.   I know they aren't patients but the office staff already said I could bring them.  

It was a good way to get outside, get some lunch and have a little fun. 

These two!  I don't even have the words to describe all the feelings I have about these two.  I am flooded with memories of the two of them as babies and all the adventures they have had together.  They are both such great kids!   

After a couple of soccer practices we went to the Issaquah Brewhouse which was a restaurant we have visited a few times with the Welke family.

Backpacking

We were able to find a weekend to go backpacking with the Hodo Family.  We weren't sure where we were going to go and finally settled on Pete Lake.  It was the same place Brad and I went just a few weeks ago.  I wasn't too excited because I was hoping for something very different.  But this just seemed to be the best. 

The hike in was about 4 miles, mostly flat.  For the most part the kids did very well.  Bo & Ollie were both complaining about heavy packs by the end of the hike.  I can't say I blame them. 

 Once we found a spot we happily settled in. 

Our first day was beautiful.   Little did we know that we would have a downpour that same night. 

Around 3:00 in the morning it started raining.  It was dumping and didn't stop until 9:00.   I laid in our tent wondering if it would leak and then what in the heck we would do with a rainy campground.

Thankfully, Brad set up a tarp and Dan set up another one so we were on our way to drying out. 

We also had to lay out all our gear.  Thankfully the sun came out and dried most of it up.

 

Through all the rain the kids had amazing attitudes and hardly stopped with their adventures. 

They whittled sticks, played Rush and hung out by the campfire. 

 

 We had such a great time and I can't wait until we get to go next year.

Drying out all our gear.  It looked like a giant yard sale.