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!

Ok. My Girls Are Adorable

1) Abbie has learned how to say, "Meow." Do you know how adorable it is for her to follow around our kitty cats going, "Itty. It At. Mowwww!"

2) Carolyn will not wear shoes outside. Every day when we go outside she asks, "Momma--Can we go outside in barefeet?"

3) Abbie nods her head yes. You ask her any question and add Abbie to it and she nods and nods and nods.

4) Carolyn prays every night for her and Abbie. The prayer goes something like this: "Dear Jesus. I just pray for Abbie n'me. There's a dinosaur that eats my finger, n'Abbie's finger... And it's scary, and we cry. We don't like it. It's not my fault, Jesus. AAAAMen.

I have the cutest kids in the whole world. The whole wide world.

Haircut

I got really brave tonight and attempted to cut Carolyn's hair. There are a couple of minor things I want to try to clean up tomorrow, but I don't think I messed it up TOO badly.

Wharf Adventure

Today was a good day for an adventure, so we went to our favorite little wharf.



At first we were having fun just playing on the pier...



But since the tide was out, we decided to do something we've never done before and go underneath it to explore the critters on the beach.







God knew we were looking for something special and needed a little dose of encouragement, and sent us something really special.



Hey, Thanks God!

Just Fun

The girls would like to thank Aunt Stacey for the AWESOME packing peanuts and box.



This is what happens when you leave out a cup of yogurt and turn your back for a second.

Planting Flowers

We promised Carolyn for days that we would plant flowers before schedules and rainless days combined to make the perfect day for planting. We all enjoyed the sunshine and dirt.
















Even Chester got in on the sunshine action.