2nd Beach-La Push, WA

We took our annual (2nd) camping trip to 2nd Beach over the 4th of July Weekend. We went with our friends the McClellan's-who also have 3 kids the same age, but opposite gender of ours. It didn't begin quite like we'd hoped-we got started late Thursday night, by the time we got there it was raining and dark so we spent the night in Forks at the Park & Ride in our vehicles. We discovered our van was not built for the comfort of a good nights sleep-but we did stay dry.

We went to the local grocery store where we made & served instant oatmeal out of our trunk while we waited for the store to open at 8 am. It was also opening night for Eclipse and we half expected to find a bunch of Twilighters or maybe a few vampires, but all we found was Twilight paraphernalia and that the nearest movie theater was in Port Angeles over 40 miles away. Otherwise Jorelle and I might have made the movie on opening night.

Luckily we had Jorelle & her husband Andrew with us and with their Faith and Prayers, so despite the forecast we were blessed with beautiful sunny and blue skies. It made for a great hike out to and on the beach.

From the moment we stepped onto the sand the kids had their shoes off and were off running and digging in the sand.

Tate and Ava especially loved the water and tide pools

Looks can be deceiving-In True Tate form, he mostly tried to hit Ava

and she would promptly scream, "NO!"

This is McKenna's Happy Place-she's been asking to go back since the moment we left last year. There is never a lack for things to do-exploring the tide pools, Flying kites, playing in the sand

Our campsite

Our Covergirl-Jorelle

John found this driftwood art display down the beach

It Goes without Saying, but the scenery was still Beautiful!

So thankful to go and be able to appreciate our Heavenly Father's Creations!

After not sleeping so well the night before, our family slept in until 9 am Saturday Morning. Unheard of in the Payne house, especially for Daddy and Tate who are usually up with the sun.

Tate was pleased to wake each of us individually.

He's also a binki stealer, but always nice enough to offer his binki in exchange.

Nathan & Ben always quick to make friends found one willing to be Buried in the Sand

Still eating Sand/Dirt-sadly so much I could see the evidence in his diaper.

It was fun to have the McClellan's with us, hopefully they had a good time.

The trip came to an end all too quickly-like all good things do, but never fear we should be back next year, sooner if the kids have their way.

Texas-Boys Weekend Out!

Grandma Leithead passed away on June 17th-She was John's Grandmother and although I only saw her a few times, I was impressed by her quiet and gentle nature. I've heard a lot of wonderful things about her from John and her family and I know she is missed dearly.

John and Tate were able to fly down for the funeral and were gone for 5 days-I think Grandma would be pleased her funeral was more like a family reunion. John said it had been more than 15 years since his family had ALL been together, and probably even longer since he'd seen many of his cousins. It turned into a wonderful experience and memory for him.

Horace & Louis Leithead Family

Don Payne Family 2010

John had such a great time! Up til wee hours of the night, every night talking with siblings and cousins. There was even a report of a search for a Winn Dixie and Blue Bell Ice Cream...Barefoot.

Only in Texas!

Saturday night everyone who was left went out to dinner in downtown Ft. Worth.

John said Tate was a great flyer, at least on the way down. There were a lot of people there-so he was a bit clingy, but overall he did pretty good. I think his only complaint would involve a 9 month old little girl who schooled him pretty good over his binki. She not only took it from him, but waved it infront of him and then put it in his mouth. The boy simply bawled, looked for help and was beside himself. Good boy for not hitting a girl, but he needs to learn to defend himself. Sadly his father not only sat by laughing, but took video. I tried to upload it, but so far I've been unsuccessful, too long...you know a full minute. In all reality the boy loves his Binki too much, a love that him and Tyler share alike. Too much love! Apparently they aren't alone!

Girls Weekend!

What do the girls do while the boys are out of town?

1-We go to NW Trek to see the bears, the wild cats and dogs, and ride the tram to see moose, goats, buffalo, deer and elk.

Our tour guide & Barbie even came along

Our friends Trip and his Mom Tasha came along

Me and my Girls on the Tram!

2-McKenna had a birthday party for Natalie, a girl from school. It turned out to be a double birthday party for Natalie's sister who just turned 4 and so invited Tyler be a part of the party too. The girls had a great time.

They ate pizza, drew with sidewalk chalk, played at the park, had a scavenger hunt in the hay, and played musical squares. It was quite the party! The girls had a great time, and actually so did I-especially the part where I didn't have to chase an 18 month old around.

Natalie had a Barbie head cake & her sister had a Bear Cake

Interestingly enough McKenna ate the bear and Tyler the Barbie...made me chuckle.

3-Last but not least spent the weekend working to clean & Sanitize my house, also did the yard up real nice and cleaned the Van & Truck out. So many things more I wanted to get done, but I'm not complaining. It was amazing how clean my house stayed with just the girls and I. It was wonderful to actually fell productive during the day.

18 months old-Tateisms

Last Saturady...or maybe 2 weeks ago as mentioned earlier Tate got his haircut and had his 18 months pictures taken. Hopefully Leslie won't mind me stealing the pictures off her website or click the pictures to see them there.

Thanks Leslie for letting us use your home and taking his pictures!!!

Decided while it was on the brain I'd write about Tate At 18 months:

Tate is...

Saying:

• "Hot"
• "Hi" to others as well as when he wants to go higher in the swing
• "uh-oh" when the movie is not playing
• "Peas"-Please
• "Cheese"
• "addy"-Daddy
• "uh-huh" for yes
• makes the sounds as if your saying for "sorry," Tyler's name and Thank You
• "ahhh done"
• sings 'abcdefg' with the alphabet song-

Tate-isms:

• Signs 'please'
• waves good-bye (quite wildly)
• Kisses screams when he wants his binki
• Started blowing kisses yesterday as Leslie was leaving
• Discovered a love for playing in his own personal dirt box under the playhouse & EATING the dirt! Nothing gets him to stop, although his dad admitted to doing the same thing and liking the taste of dirt. A chip off the old block Tate is...
• Likes his baby-giving it hugs and pushing it in the stroller
• He flirts with ALL the Ladies-and he's really good at it feigning shyness
• Has one speed...running and quite often so fast he goes head first into...the couch or a door

Happy Father's Day 2010

We had a great time celebrating Father's Day.

We started out with a Breakfast, cards and presents for our Dad.

We LOVE our Dad!

(Gift: Vibram Five Finger Running "shoes")

Tate's version of Peek-a-boo (as he tries to climb on top)

A total Dad moment-just a little rough-housing

I think the kids won!

We also called our Grandpa's and sang them songs!

We love our Grandpa and Papa so much and wish we lived closer.

Can't wait to see them both at the end of July!

Hope the Men in our lives had a wonderful Father's Day!

As a side note (for John) he caught the biggest Mole he's ever seen on Father's Day. One a day earlier and another one a few days later. 3 Moles within a week. Might be time to start hiring him out.

(He also got one last year on Father's Day)