Northwest Trek

We really like going to Northwest Trek each summer and it just worked out that the best day to do it was Ethan's birthday this year.  We have had wonderful weather and that day was predicted to be a really hot one, so we headed out to get there right when they opened when it was cooler.  We hoped that would help us to see the animals more before they hid in the shade of the woods and also that it would be a little easier on me!!

We stopped by the discovery center where the birthday boy checked out how he measured up!

 Ethan and Carter had fun dressing up as a Bald Eagle.

 They also had fun balancing on this little obstacle course together.

 Carter getting some help from Dad

 The "train" ride is always a favorite--at least for Ethan.  Carter was really clingy and subdued, so I'm not sure if he was tired just feeling uncertain.  We saw these Blacktailed deer while we were waiting for the tour to start--a good sign that the animals were out!

 A happy birthday boy (notice that Carter has assumed the position)!

 He kept wanting to be passed back and forth between me and Tristan, but no matter who he was with, he looked a lot like this!

 I have never seen the bison this close to the tram before.  We literally could have reached out and touched them!

 We even saw some of the babies that had been born recently!

 We had gorgeous views from up on the ridge.  It was a beautiful day.

 The moose were laying in the grass right off the road, so we got a great view of them as well!

 The female Elk herd was hanging out in woods by the time we reached that part of the tour.  The males were all laying in the grass down by the lake, but I couldn't get a good shot of them because of how the sun was hitting the area.

 Finally perked up at the prospect of some snacks!

 Another beautiful view with Mt. Ranier in the distance!

 The caribou were waiting at the station for us when we returned.  Again they were so close we could have reached out to touch them!

 Cute little baby caribou

 After the tram, we went to go see some of the enclosures.  Carter was much more excited about this part of the day--probably because he could see things better.  He kept pointing like this at each animal.  The woodland animals were all out, so we got to enjoy the raccoons, beavers, wolverines, porcupines, Fisher and otters.

 This porcupine was so funny looking.  I swear he was drugged or something!

 Finally an excited boy!

 We stopped to watch some of the trainers working with the ducks.  Funny enough, this trainer was helping the ducks WANT to go in the water.  Who would have thought?

 Carter with the otters

 We didn't have very good luck at the predator enclosures.  None of the bears, wild cats or wild dogs were out.  It must have been their nap time!  I know the keepers were setting food out in the bear exhibits, so my guess is they put the animals in while they do that.

Ethan and Carter trying to get a look at the wolf pack...they must have been sleeping in the woods!

We had a nice little picnic and then headed home.  It was fun to go spend the day as a family for Ethan's 4th birthday--how is he 4 already???

Ethan and Carter's Birthday Party--August 3, 2013

We decided that Ethan and Carter would have a joint birthday party this year.  I figure their birthdays are only about a month apart anyways so we might as well just combine them.  Especially since my due date is 2 days after Carter's birthday--odds are that I might be a little busy when his birthday rolls around!

Both boys are really interested in bugs right now, so we went with a bug party.  Skyler and Dylan were the first to arrive and got right to work coloring their bug crowns!

 Then Dylan went for a spin on the train!

 Anderson arrived next and headed up to the telescope to play pirate.

 Aurora and Sharon coloring their crowns

 Next it was lunch time!  Birthday boy #2 getting fueled up for some more fun!

 Caterpillar grapes

 While people finished eating, the kids went back to playing.  Skyler and Sharon decided some fishing was in order!

 My Aunt Cathy had to leave early, but she wanted to give the boys their gifts--capes for dress up!

 The whole gang!

 Next we had a bug hunt.  The kids ran around the front yard looking for (plastic) bugs that were hidden.

Dylan found a bright orange one!

 Aurora looks a little grossed out by this bug she found!

 Bugs on the plates, too!  (I provided some non-bug plates for those that found it a little disturbing!)  ;)

 Time for cake!

 The birthday boys listening to their birthday song!

 I love how Carter was still wearing his cape!

 Make a wish!

 I think this is the first time I saw all of the kids sitting down together.  It's amazing what the power of chocolate cake can do!

 I love Costco cake, but man do they put a lot of frosting on them!  Ethan and Tristan decided to eat this big glob together (just joking)!

 Time to open some gifts.  Ethan was excited about the Planes toys that Sharon picked out for him and Carter.

 I tried to get Carter interested, but once he opened one gift he was fine to just play with that one.  Still wearing the cape...

 After almost everyone cleared out for the day, grandpa let them take a spin in their new car.  It will be staying at Papa's house, but they were very excited about it.

 Ethan and Skyler going for a ride

 Riding off into the sunset!

 On Sunday we pulled out the awesome bug catcher that Grandma Bernard picked out for Ethan.  The boys had a lot of fun chasing some flies around the house and managed to catch one!  Then they could get a close up look at him through the magnifier.   Carter was especially interested.

It was so fun to take some time and celebrate and visit with friends and family.  It's hard to believe that this time next year we will be getting ready to celebrate another first birthday in our family!

End of July Fun

July was H.O.T.  We had many days that our house felt unbearably hot and we just had to find a way to get outside.  Ethan has recently discovered that the sprinkler is fun to run through (Carter still has not jumped on that band wagon).

One afternoon I decided I better water the grass and Ethan decided to just strip down and make the best of it!

 Popsicles have been a favorite afternoon treat.  Too bad Carter makes such a mess out them whenever he eats them!

 One of our friends from high school cam into town to visit from Las Vegas.  Since none of us had met her family we decided to have a mini-reunion and BBQ and let our kids play and get to know each other.  We had it out at Kelly's parents' home--complete with tons of play structures, llamas, sheep, chickens, and apples trees to entertain the kids.  It was a beautiful evening and it was fun to see how different things are now that we aren't in high school anymore!

Having fun on the tire swing

 Ethan hanging on for dear life while Anderson and Sydney swing the tire swing

 Carter looking on from a safe distance

 Carter checking out the sheep and llamas

 and chickens...this kid loves animals!

 One Sunday afternoon the kids and I all fell asleep and slept for 3 hours...We didn't get up until 5 so I knew that even though I was ready for bed at the normal time, the kids would not be.  So I decided to put on a movie for them and let them stay up instead.  They thought it was really cool to be up when it was still dark out.  Ever since summer hit they haven't seen the dark night sky except for a handful of times because they go to bed early.  They had a lot of fun running around with their flashlights and actually NEEDING them, rather than going into a room and making it dark just to use them.

This summer I've been thinking a lot about summer.  Right now it just kind of blends into the rest of the year and our normal routine stays the same.  Soon the kids will all be in school and summer will be the time of year that we get to relax and enjoy having more time to NOT have a routine.  I'm grateful that Washington has summers that are so enjoyable and for the time we have to spend as a family.