Kellogg's visit: July 1-4

I've said it before and I'll say it again-we love our friends and we love it even more when they come to visit, so although we were sad to have Wendy and her family leave and almost didn't know what to do with ourselves, luckily we had the arrival of our good friends The Kellogg Family coming into town.

The girls were sad they wouldn't get in until after bedtime on Thursday night, but were thrilled to wake up and find new playmates staying at their house the next morning. I think the good weather followed them from Spokane because while they were here the weather was perfect!

Friday they headed to "the city" to see the Woodland Zoo & the Aquarium. They inspired us and shortly after they left Friday morning we also decided to take advantage of the sunshine and head for a very quick trip to Point Defiance Zoo-where we visited the Petting Zoo, the playground, the Sharks, the elephants and the Tigers. Love that it is so close. I think both families had a great time and we heard many great stories about the Aquarium in Seattle.

That night we had pizza and played on the swings.

Saturday we ALL headed to the city to visit the Pacific Science Center. We were thrilled to have our Daddy there with us-4 adults, 6 kids-it gets a little crazy at times.

Our Dads started us out on the bike you ride up on a little rail

Then onto the Dinosaurs-Connor got to make the mouth move up and down

Lincoln in the dinosaur print--Tate's apparently the pilot in the Space Shuttle

Dad Tyler, Tate & Josie all played in Tot World where McKenna got kicked out for being too big.

Tate loved the car and didn't have to fight to sit in it

We took a little break for lunch and headed down to the Fountain-After discovering the place with Audrey's family a few years back, it is still one of my favorite places. So diverse in people, culture, and the sun and fun in the water is Wonderful!

Onto Butterfly World

McKenna took her map and tried finding all the butterflies.

We then Hit the 3D movie-Which was really good. Love the new glasses. Tate had a great nap.

Afterwards we went Pike's Market for Flowers, Cheese and Balloons.

Then we had our favorite Taco night!

Sunday we went to church and then we had our Independence Day Bbq a little early. John made some excellent burgers with a kick!

Lincoln was such a good baby-just watchin and wishin he could have some too!

Julie headed up the fabulous homemade strawberry ice cream!

Later that evening we watched as Emerald Downs put on an early firework show (they must've known our friends had to leave the next day).

4th of July

Started out with the Mom's on a run and the dad's making Red-White&Blue Pancakes. With Cream and Homemade Strawberry Jam!

At noon we had a picnic and watched the closest and only parade we could find in Enumclaw!

Got there in time for a quick picnic before the the festivities came into sight.

It was fabulous! Surprisingly there weren't any tractors this year, a lot of kids on bikes, Tyler's favorite was the dancing Horses, and Tate loved the myriad of horse clubs that went by.

The boy totally knows how to work it

We cooled down with RWB popcicles and then we feasted on Cake balls and since we done everything, we sadly said good-bye to our friends as they headed on their long journey home.

Well almost-Since the sun was still our and it IS the 4th of July there were swimsuits to be worn and sprinklers to run through.

Tate picking unripe raspberries-just can't wait!

It was the Perfect Weekend!

Thank You Kevin, Julie, Connor, Josie and baby Lincoln for coming for a visit

Let's do it again sooner, rather than later!

Too young for makeup

This last Sunday, Sis Haraguchi, a nice friend donated some old make-up for the girls to play with on their dolls. They had a great time playing while Tate napped,

I must have been very naive to think it would've stayed on just the dolls. I left for a while to lay with Tate and encourage a longer nap from him and I woke up to a makeover on not just the dolls, but my beautiful girls whom I now barely recognized...actually almost mistook them for raccoons, but my girls are in there somewhere.

Who am I kidding? This is how I wear my makeup and I taught them everything they know. :)

Sleep....Over

We have entered the world of Sleepovers.

With Wendy and her kids still in town and since the kids are having so much fun playing with each other we decided to venture out and give the kids a break from the motorhome and the parents a break from the kids. :)

We had Both Lilly & Eli stayed the night. We laid out the kids in their sleeping bags, read stories, sang songs, said our good nights....and then the night really began. Apparently Lilly was the only veteran of sleepovers, it was everyone elses first night. 2 hours later Eli was in Tyler's bed, Tyler was in McKenna's bed, McKenna and Lilly were still on the floor and all were finally asleep!

Fast forward 2 nights later (Friday) Wendy offered to watch the kids while John and I went out. She was sweet enough to bring the motorhome to our house and the girls were ecstatic to be able to sleepover in their 'Home'. It only took them an hour to get to sleep-faring a little better than our attempt. The next morning as we knocked on the door we were greeted with this:

Once again the girls had a great time and have been asking for another.

Hope our cousins in Utah are ready for us, cuz I think the sleepovers will have to wait until then.

Sadly I didn't get many pictures-something that should be well documented...oh well...

Singing Heads...

Thank you Grandma H for the Summer time toys-for those days the sun forgets to come out. Entertainment for hours....

(Singing one of the songs from the Movie, "Island Princess")

Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to Our Great Grandpa Harris, Grandpa Payne & Grandpa Harris who always know how to bring smiles to our faces and laughter in the air. We Love you!

Our Dad was able to celebrate Father's Day by Speaking in church, and then teaching the Sunbeams. When we showered him with hugs, kisses, cards and gifts.

McKenna made a special portrait of her Dad in school

Tate got a little bored of the present opening

We found some Wii accessories for 25 cents at the dollar store.

Best buy, best price, best gift for our Dad!

It's always more fun with more people, so Wendy and her family came over to celebrate Father's Day.

Meat & Potatoes for our Dads

2 Cakes for 2 dads- German Chocolate-one with coconut and one without

Ice cream with magic shell-completes it!

YUMMY!