The Zoo

For Labor Day weekend we decided that it would be fun to take a family vacation just the four of us.  Where do you go on a family vacation with a 2 1/2 year old and a 6 month old?  THE ZOO!!!!
We drove over to Seattle and stayed Friday night at a nice hotel and enjoyed the pool in the morning.  Brendan had fun swimming, jumping, listening to sounds under the water, and floating.  We spent the afternoon by the waterfront in Kirkland (there was a treehouse play area that was especially a hit!)  Saturday night we had a friend who so graciously let us stay at her place while she was on vacation (THANK YOU KAREN....WHAT A HUGE BLESSING TO US).  Sunday morning we got up and headed for the Zoo.  Brendan took it all in.  He didn't want anything to do with the stroller or holding our hands, he wanted to run from animal to animal.  When we asked what his favorite animal was we get different answers each time, but some of the highlights was the giraffe, elephant, kangaroo, and birds.  Brendan was able to feed the birds, they flew right up onto the stick he was holding.  Brendan loved this.  It was so fun to hear and see Brendan after the zoo imitating all the animals.  It made us excited for many more car trips to come.

Oh Summer...where did you go?

I am posting this better late than never (seems to be my MO these days as I chase after these boys).

We had a very very very busy but fun months of July and August!

 We were able to start the month with July with a visit to see Josh's family in Sun Valley.  We had so much fun!!  They were re-doing the road in front of his parents house, Brendan LOVED to watch all the road equipment (we had front row seats for a great show).  We were able to go on a couple bike rides, go to some parks, and spend some great time with family.  

We went up to Ketchum one evening and enjoyed appetizers with Vicky and Bev in their beautiful condo and then walk over and enjoy "Ketchum Alive" (a concert in a park square).
 


Karen also hosted everyone at her house one evening.
 

Time with the GREAT

Uncle Steve showing him how it is done

Just Chillin

We also LOVED getting to spend time with Amy and Dirk.  Brendan so enjoyed having someone to play with.  It is fun to watch the two of them have such a great time together.

Cousin Love

Brendan and Evan loved their time with Grammy and Grandpa J (the highlight of Brendan's day was when Grandpa J got home to play).  He enjoyed it so much that we were not so great about capturing pictures of this great time (Karen and Kerry we are so sorry we don't have many pics to post of you with the boys...just know how much they loved being with you).  It was such a fun trip to the Valley.  We are so thankful for such great family.


We left Hailey and drove straight to NBC Volleyball Camp in LaGrande Oregon.  We had another great summer of camps.  It is always so neat to see all the ways God moves during our few weeks of camp.  We love NBC but have made the decision that this will be our last summer directing camps for a little while (it is just getting too hard with Josh's job and our two boys).  We are thankful for the awesome ministry of NBC and look forward to returning in some way again in a few years.

Our summer was completed with a few weeks at the lake (Jamie and the boys were there fore 2 1/2 weeks while Josh came up on the weekends).  It was great to have some good family time to finish our busy summer off.  Whewwww, it was a busy but great summer.