July 4th!

We decided to hang out in our new house for fourth of July this year.  We figured a 30 minute drive home at 10 or 11 at night was not going to be fun, and we just wanted to be home.  The day before we worked out plans for my friend Cindus to come over to hang out with us too.  We ended up with her fun blow up toys, way too much food and of course lots of fireworks.  It was actually a really fun day!  They came over about four and stayed until 11.  We ended up with Cindus, her son Trenton, her boyfriend (Brian) and his two kids (Riley and Tyler) and Cindus's mom (Judy).  We hung out in the backyard munching and playing on all the toys until about 8.  The neighbors had music playing, the sound of fireworks was everywhere... it was a blast.  Carson had a rough time from the moments the fireworks started.  There were a lot of big booms and he does NOT like those.  He really struggles with the loud noises,we spent the evening trying out different ear plugs/ear muff combinations and going in and out of the house, bouncing between Mommy and Daddy.  Poor guy.  

 Dillon showing Trenton the best way to get in the pool!

 Kayda and Riley

 Carson hanging out with Judy.

 Look at him fly!

 Hang time!

 The pool looks a lot smaller than I remember it.  I guess they've had two years of growing since we last used it...

 The adults were having fun trying to use the slide... It was a challenge!

 Cindus and her Brian

At around 8 we took off to the front for fireworks... the camera died shortly thereafter.

On a side note:  I met Cindus at new teacher orientation in 2005.  We were great friends until shortly after I had Kayda, then life got busy.  We randomly touched base with each other over the next couple of years then lost touch completely.  Then we move.  We ran into each other at Herfy's (yum) and low and behold she and her mom live a couple of blocks away.  One of those things that makes me glad we moved here. 

More Lincoln Rock

Jennifer sent me some of the cute pictures she got of the kiddos.  I wanted to share!

Our little biker

On our camping trip Carson was OBSESSED with bikes.  He was constantly trying to get on brother and sister's bikes.  Ethan had a 12 inch wheel bike and I was looking at it going "Hmmm... I wonder if Carson could ride that..." So today while we were running errands we decided to try it.  Now I have been a bad daughter.  Grandma and Papa G were planning to buy the kids swim lessons for Christmas, yes I said Christmas.  Unfortunately timing just hasn't worked out for me to get them started.  (I'm hoping to get them started next week).  Anyhow.  They are now less expensive than we had thought so Grandma and Papa decided they could buy him a bike as a "You're mom took forever to get her act together so here is your Christmas present" type way.  I know, mom fail.  So the end of the story is we went to the store.  He got on the bike, immediately started pedaling and wouldn't get off the bike.  He rode up and down the isles for 15-20 minutes while we shopped and then as soon as we got home guess what he wanted to do again!  He's in love and oh so proud of himself.  A big THANK YOU to Grandma and Papa.  He is SUPER excited and LOVES it.  Not even two and riding a bike.... crazy, just crazy.

Lincoln Rock State Park

Thursday we headed off on our one and only camping trip this year.  We went to Lincoln Rock State Park with friends Jennifer, Rene, Ryan and Ethan.  

Hanging out the first evening after dinner!

Ryan and Kayda became best friends fast.  Ryan decided that he got first dibs when it came to Kayda.  He has grand plans of marrying Kayda.

"Please go swimming with me Daddy!"

Carson did not like that water (at least not with the life jacket on)!

Making a "harbor"

Bazooka!

Popping a wheelie with Jennifer!

Ryan is in the green, Ethan is in the red!

"Ah this is the life!"

"Should we jump?"

Then the kids are thinking about it too...

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 On Saturday it was stormy so we decided to check out the farmer's market (tiny and NOT recommended) and then we headed to Rocky Reach Dam.

 Had to get Kayda with this depiction of the falls since it was all horses!

 Checking out the fish swimming the fish ladder!

 Making electricity to light a lightbulb!

 There's the dam!

Owl Soda Fountain and Gifts.  It was delicious.  The milkshake was probably the best I've ever had!

We decided to take the trailer straight to Grandma and Papa G's so that we didn't need an extra trip.  Carson was on the lawn mower in minutes and Grandma decided to take him for a ride.  All three kids with her.... that's some serious skill!