More Fun With Family

While they were here, we also went to Riverside Park, the splash pad at Manito Park, the lake in Coeur d'Alene, and "Pig Out at the Park" at Riverfront Park. Although the weather was a bit warmer than we would have liked, it was nice to be outside. I don't have pictures of everyday, but here is some of what we did.

At Riverside, we went down to the water and Landon kept trying to jump in.

This osprey was circling around the river and took a few dives looking for fish. We sat and watched it for a long time while Brooks and my mom took pictures.

This was the position the osprey was in right before diving towards the water. Very cool.

At Manito, we played in the splash pad. The water was very cold, but the kids still liked it.

I am little embarrassed by this picture, but it is the way I carry my kids sometimes, okay frequently. As the mother of twins, you have to improvise. Landon is not in trouble here. I am just trying to move to another area of the park.

Papa with Ryder

Landon getting surprised by the water

Heidi with Steven

Baby Ryder...what a handsome boy!

Heidi, Mark and Kids Are Here!

Heidi and my mom drove up with the kids while my dad drove the moving van. It was a long drive, but they made it safely. Once they got here, we got out everyday to see Spokane and enjoy all the fun things here. The first day we walked over to the park by our house and played there. Then, that evening, we went out to Liberty Lake for a barbecue. All the kids were ready for bed by the end of the day.

Dallin jumping to Brooks

Steven being adventurous

Landon and Elliot both love the swings. We come to this park almost everyday. I don't know how we will survive when winter comes. Elliot can now say "outside." I am in trouble.

All the boys took a turn hanging from the monkey bars. I was pretty impressed by how long they were hanging on.

Landon has no fear when it comes to the slide. He just walks down it until he falls and slides the rest of the way. Trying to watch two toddlers at the park is difficult. I was lucky to have Brooks here this day to help.

An attempt trying to get the cousins in a picture together (minus Ryder)

Liberty Lake County Park has a play area, BBQ grills, a big grassy area with picnic tables and access to the lake. It was a nice evening to be outside.

Landon kept finding all the apples that had fallen from the tree. It was hard to keep him from eating them.

Playing soccer with Papa

The drinking fountain ended up being a popular place to play and climb. What is it with kids obsession with water?

We let the kids play in the water and they were a muddy mess by the time we were done, especially Landon.

He even had mud in his hair.

There are also a lot of deer that live in the park. They love eating the apples from the ground and came close to where we were eating.

Back to School

Brooks started back to school on August 24. Mark also started law school at Gonzaga this year and we are excited to have family here now.August was a crazy month! We had someone staying at our house almost everyday in August. Mason came Aug 5 and stayed for a week. Brooks dropped him off at the airport on Aug 13 and picked up my mom at the same time. While my mom was here, Mark arrived. My mom left Aug 19. Mark stayed with us while looking for a place here in Spokane. On Aug 28, Mom and Dad, and Heidi and the kids arrived after two long days of driving. My parents stayed with us until Sept 2, and then Heidi and Mark moved into their new place Sept 5. We had 11 people in our house for a few days and we only have one bathroom. It was a tight squeeze, but we made it work. While everyone was here, we enjoyed seeing Spokane and spending time with family. We are glad to have our house back, but we also enjoyed all the visits from family.

Playing With Nana

While Brooks and I were in Canada, my mom stayed here with Landon and Elliot. They played all day with her and had a ball. They took trips to the park everyday. Brooks and I were able to enjoy our trip knowing the boys were well taken care of.

On an excursion to Manito Park

There is a park right across the street from our new house and they were able to go there a lot to play. We love having a park that close.

They were also able to spend a lot of time in the backyard watching the neighbors dogs and a big tractor that was out digging. Thank you so much mom for staying with them!

When Brooks and I got back, my mom was able to stick around for a few more days. We went out to Coeur d'Alene one day to play at the park and splash in the lake. Landon loved the lake and got very dirty playing in the sand. The picture above shows Elliot looking for Landon. When we ask "Where's Landon?" this is what he does.

Digging in the sand with Nana

Elliot even brought bunny to the lake. This kid is a little obsessed.

Before my mom had to leave, we went on a walk in Liberty Lake at the trail there. It was nice to show her one of our favorite places.

On the way to the airport, we stopped to take Brooks his lunch. He is standing in front of the Attorney General's office, where he interns.

Elliot and Landon were so tired after all the hiking we did, that they crashed in the car on the way to the airport. It was a fun week!