Roadtrippin with these people!
We are breaking in the McPhee minivan with a day trip to Leavenworth. It's one of my favorite day trips. It's beautiful up there, and today the weather was absolutely perfect. I was a little worried it might get cool in the mountains but it was quite warm. The kids even got hot enough after our hiking to head to the river for a swim. We hit the town for a little bit and did the tourist thing...bought candy...ate candy...and played putt putt.
The first one was take in 2013, and the second is today. They look like babies! I remember this day so well. It was on our way home from Wenatchee. It was one of the best days.
It's time for a road trip! Good thing Nana has a mini-van, let's break this thing in. Nana, Sarah, Ava, Noah, and Lucy all piled in the van, and Katie/Isaac followed in their car. We were Montana bound!
I haven't been to Montana since college, golf tournament, and this was going to be a fun adventure. Isaac's parents graciously invited us to come along and stay at their home for a week. The weather was perfect, house was fantastic, property was amazing, and the kids were in heaven. There was "golf," swimming in the river, exploring, playing with a very cute kitty, rafting, hiking, and more.
It was beautiful.
These two are the best of friends. Sure, they drive each other (and me) nuts...but they truly are friends. Love them.
Hiking!
River fun. The kids couldn't get enough.
Best. Picture. Ever.
These guys loved "Aunt" Judy and "Uncle" Dave. Calling them Mr. & Mrs. McPhee just didn't quite fit. Thankfully they were okay with the new names!
The kitty. Ava is very much an animal lover. She's her own little person, but we share quite a few similarities.
These two love their cousin.
This is how Noah does some serious bird watching. There were several wild turkeys wandering through the yard.
I love these pictures. The first one is such a flashback to my childhood. Seth and I used to sit just like this on the bow of our boat. The next one just warms my heart...too bad it couldn't warm Ava. She was SO cold!
Time to go home. Thanks McPhee's and Montana!
The drive home. 1) Noah had to pee. Bad. 2) A girl and her auntie. 3) He found a praying mantis in the ladies restroom!
I love Noah. On our way home we made a stop for breakfast. Here's the order he passed up to me on the way to McDonald's...
I love day trips. Longer vacations are great as well, but I really love just taking the day to adventure. Lonnie, Lorna, CJ, Jade, and Amaris were on vacation in Leavenworth, and they invited us to join them for the day! This is the best kind of trip because you have a great condo to change clothes, cook food, and visit with some great people. We went for a hike, to town for...what else...CANDY, swimming at the pool, and just playing outside the condo. Best day.
1) Jade is the sweetest. Helping Noah get the hang (or not) of rollerblading. 2) Creepy bear. Cute kids.
Leavenworth!
This was a big deal. My baby girl went on a trip without me, or daddy, for five whole days. She got on a plane (with auntie and Lucy), flew to Arizona, and had a marvelous time....all without me! I missed my girl, but am grateful for the time she got to spend with nana, auntie, and Lucy. I had a pretty great time with Noah while Ava was gone, but boy did he miss his sister. I didn't realize how much those two played together and kept each other entertained. Wow. He talked.....a LOT. It was a great few days with my little guy.
Meanwhile...in Arizona.....Ava the lizard hunter!
This is her sweet friend Lancey. They became fast friends on our last trip, and Ava was able to spend Sunday afternoon with her.
Apparently she was cold...in 90 degree weather.
Message to her brother!
1) Fierce Ava. 2) She never leaves home without Tiger. I wrote her a note to open each day she was there. 3) This little lady was busy! 4) Look at that face, she looks like her mama.
Park time!
Somebody didn't want to leave...
