Back to IL

We sort of unexpectedly took another trip to IL, after doing battle with some major sickies.


The purpose of our visit was to see Great Grandma (Aunt Gramma). I wish we had more photos with her, but the layout of her room was challenging and the camera moments were limited for different reasons.


Gramma got a kick out of Carolyn tucking babies into her bed.


We also were lucky enough to get to see Lauren and the adorable Baby Ethan.


Lauren took us out to see the buffalo, but he was asleep so we mostly just picked apples.




Of course we went to Steak-n-Shake. We got to visit Becca and her kiddos while there. This was the most successful of two outings with the Rodeffer kiddos. The first was a trip to the movies... Movies, it turns out, are loud and very dark and when you combine that with a mechanical/space-age theme, albeit very kid-oriented, Carolyn freaks out.

But Steak-n-Shake was a hit--especially the hats.


Abbie was rather enthralled at turning on Dad's solor-powered lights.


Abbie and Papa had some very good bonding moments.

It was kind of a heavy visit for different reaons, but I'm glad that we went.

Carolynisms

Somehow or another, the baby Jesus from Carolyn's nativity is floating around the living room and/or Carolyn's room lately.

This has led to some rather hilarious exclamations from Carolyn.

This morning for example, she stumbled upon the manger babe and exclaimed, "MOMMY, I FOUND JESUS!!!!"

I thought there was a tent revival happening right there in my living room.

She also still uses the word, "Upstrated" frequently. I love this word, which I assume is a combination of 'upset' and 'frustrated.'

We spent quite a bit of time with my Gramma Haffner while in IL the last couple of weeks. She is the girls' Great Grandmother of course, but I love what Carolyn calls her: Aunt Gramma.

Lavender 1

Well, the lavender is starting to come out. It's not popped yet, but it's getting close. We'll definitely be going back again, but for this time, here are the photos that Andy got:

A Date at the Beach!

Andy and I had a picnic on the beach yesterday. It was lovely. Just a couple photos to show you.

Border Days

For the Fourth of July we loaded up and headed to Grangeville, Idaho to spend the holiday with my Aunt Kathy and Uncle Larry. Every year Grangevillains celebrate Border Days which is the COOLEST small-town celebration I think I've ever had the privelege to be part of.

While we were there, our poor little Abbie was really, really sick. But despite that, we managed to have a good time. There were parades and fireworks and fun shopping downtown and at cool little booths. We were all thoroughly spoiled by Aunt K and Uncle Larry and we loved getting to see my cousin, Gavin. Also, I will mention that Andy took nearly all of these pictures. Isn't he awesome?


Carolyn and Aunt K


Abbie and Uncle Larry--See Abbie wasn't feel so very well. Good thing she had someone to snuggle with.


Carolyn the Drama Queen--She had fun being pulled around in this little wagon. But as you can see, she really was laying the drama on pretty thick.


Sleepy sisters




Egg-tossing crowds with Gavin and Larry in front--One of the coolest things about Border Days is the Egg Toss. The WHOLE TOWN shows up to do a massive egg toss. And these people are serious about their Egg Tosses!


Random Egg Tossers


Over and Under--Gavin and Sammy competing


Of course there are always casualties

Andy said that Washingtonians are too uppity for Egg Tosses. They wouldn't stand for that many broken eggs littering their city streets. I'm glad Grangevillians are more laid back.


There were also games for kids to play--Here is a fishie that Carolyn caught in one such game..... Which brings us to the fish themed photos.


We had a fishie releasing ceremony in Aunt K and Uncle Larry's backyard when Carolyn got home with her prize.


She's been rather enamored with the concept of fishing in general. Here she is with the special fishing pole I got for her, trying to catch some goldfish.


Abbie and I observing the fish-happenings


We saw some beautiful country on the way there and back.

Jim's fertilizer--Seriously Jim??


Mountain Home


Lonesome Mountain Road

So... Despite the sickies, we had a wonderful, wonderful time.

Swimming Lessons and More

Strawberry Shortcake's Ice Cream Birthday Party--Carolyn informed me last week that it was Strawberrry Shortcake's birthday. Not having the necessary ingredients on hand for a cake, we had an ice cream party. I think Strawberry liked it.


Ready for the 4th of July--thanks Aunt Jenn!


I got a day off from being in the pool with Abbie for Mommy/Daddy-n-me lessons thanks to spraining my ankle rather badly. Instead, I hobbled around on land taking photos of both girls. Here is Carolyn Loving Swimming Lessons




Even a back-floater!!!


Abbie loved having Daddy in the pool!