Bear Lake

On the way to Bear Lake this year we stopped in Logan to take the kids on the temple grounds to take some pictures and show them where mom and dad got married. I got to tell them the story of where some of the rock came from to help build the temple. It was nice to be back there.

We only got one beach day this year. I swear it rains every time we go to the lake, so it's expected at this point after going for 11 years. And it doesn't matter if we go in July or August it will rain while we are there. So we had one good long beach day where the kids got to go tubing and drive the boat. Hannah was pretty excited Uncle Loren let her drive and knock off some of the tubers. We didn't get very many beach pictures because we just enjoyed ourselves. Saturday was dreary, gray, and rainy off and on, so our family went to the Minnetonka Cave for the first time. It was cold and even colder in the cave, but at least we came prepared...except I forgot my tennis shoes, so I had to borrow a pair from Isabelle. After the cave we got milkshakes and hung out at the cabin. I got a nap in while the older kids went shooting for a few hours until it started to rain again. Then we spent the rest of the night playing games.

The Bear Lake tradition started in Island Park the year after I got married. Dave always wanted a place for his kids and grandkids to gather and be able to just let loose. So the pop is always flowing, junk food is always out and available, there are no bedtimes, and we always have to get milkshakes. My kids always look forward to this week at the lake every year knowing these rules. And quite frankly, it's nice to not have to worry about the kids eating or drinking too much or making sure they're in bed on time. (I, of course, do watch how much they eat and drink to make sure they're not making themselves sick, and I make sure they eat healthy meals in between the junk). We always have a fun time.

Grandpa Washburn's Birthday Celebration

 We got together on Grandpa Washburn's birthday yesterday to celebrate him. There was nothing he loved more than to see his kids and grandkids gathered together having a good time in each other's company. So we had dinner at Rachel's house where everyone made and brought all of Dave's favorite things. We had BBQ sandwiches and ribs, fluff salad, cherry pie, and coke. There was even a Donald Duck cake! After dinner we went to the cemetery for a visit and take pictures. The kids even got up close and personal with a mother duck and her babies.  I am so glad everyone who could came out and celebrated together even though we'll  be getting together at Bear Lake later this week. Happy heavenly birthday Dave!

Spokane Pettingill Reunion Part 2

 Day 2 we took a tour of the Buck Knife Factory in the morning. That was interesting, and of course the kids all wanted to buy something. The boys begged for knives--I even got one myself. When that was done we headed to the Spokane River for the rest of the day. We had kayaks and lots of floaties for the kids. The older boys went and jumped off the bridge a few times. Some took naps, while other played in the sand. It was a nice relaxing day.

The rest of the night was eating and playing at Becky's house. The kids liked riding on the mini bikes and playing in the sandbox while the adults played games in the living room.

Scott also attempted to fix Becky's swing again. That was fun watching him try to climb the tree and watch all the boys try to figure out how to get him up and down.

Thursday was Silverwood! We spent the day at the amusement park. Didn't get many pictures as we were just enjoying ourselves. Friday was a free day to which we took our kids and Cora to a trampoline park and out for frozen yogurt.