Eli is growing quickly and continues to be a wonderfully easy-going boy. I now bathe all three kids at the same time, which can be both comical and trying! Grace and Isaac think it is pretty cool that Eli gets to be in the tub with them and have become great helpers. Here are a couple of pictures from the first trio adventure.



Eli's not quite sure about this...



I just came across the two pictures below that were taken at about the same age. What do you think?





Another big milestone: Eli is now mobile. He has outwitted my efforts to push him down and prevent him from crawling (mostly teasing), and now scoots and crawls all over the place! He thinks it is pretty fun until he gets himself stuck in a corner. He has also begun to pull himself up to tables, toys, and chairs. So far, it seems that this little guy is going to be as strong as his big brother. Lord, help me!

Nicole, our friend Sarah & I took the kids out to Indian Painted Rocks for a morning "hike" a few weeks back. We all had a great time, and the kids were troopers. They only had to be carried the last stretch when they kept tripping because their little legs were so tired! Here are a few pictures from our outing.


My little gang



Stopping to check out the ducks and, of course, to throw a few rocks in the water.



On our way



Stopping for a snack at the half way point. This bench was a little further out there than I thought, and I had been there recently myself! Funny how everything takes longer with little ones.



We switched halfway, thanks Coco!



About five minutes into the drive home. They love outdoor adventures & always sleep well afterward, a double gift!

Round Two

Since we had such a blast camping at Priest Lake in July, we decided to try it once more last week. The trip did not disappoint. I love the peaceful beauty of Priest, and the kids can't get enough of the outdoors - collecting rocks, throwing them in the lake, splashing in the water, riding their trikes, hiking, s'mores, sleeping in the tent & all. Grammie and Poppa are thorough packers and are always sure to provide plenty of wine as well as the essentials!!


The view from our campsite. Love it.




Yep, collecting more rocks.



Playing with Poppa.



Grace doesn't understand why she should have to wear a swimsuit top if Isaac doesn't have to...at this point I don't have good reason for her.



Hiking with two of my loves.


We tried to drive to a great spot to find huckleberries, but I'm afraid I messed up the directions...needless to say, there were no huckleberries to be found. Since their buckets were empty, Grammie was helping Grace & Isaac find another use for them.




Only their second experience with s'mores, but they are a definite highlight for both Grace & Isaac. Can you tell I'm having to hold Isaac back from jumping into the fire pit?!


My youngest love.



Boy, do they enjoy each other! Thanks for another great trip Grammie & Poppa.

Pine River Picnic

Our small group has been planning a camping trip for months now. Trying to coordinate five families is not easy! After many changes, a plan was finally set for this past week. Unfortunately, a not-so-great campsite and a rainy, cold week led to a final change of plans: an evening picnic at Pine River Park. We had a great time together, and as you can see, had our hands quite full. Yes, there are ELEVEN kids, ages four and under between our five families. Wild. And fun. I had to laugh when I looked at the pictures - all kids and no adults. So it goes.


Chocolate cake was the only way we were able to get them all in one place at the same time. Maybe we should open our own pre-school with this crew!


Happy Birthday Rob!


This wagon was a hit. Grace was pretty proud of herself for being able to push Isaac.


Nothing like throwing rocks to keep little ones occupied.


Another group shot attempt, minus a few this time.


Thank goodness he loves the backpack!

Hitting the Highlights

I'm not sure where the past few weeks have gone. We have been busy trying to soak up every ounce of summer fun possible. The chillier weather this past week sent my thoughts forward (not so pleasantly) to winter. I have always enjoyed winter, but trying to keep fiesty toddlers busy inside for months on end is not always easy. Funny how parenthood changes everything...

Anyway, here are a few of the highlights from the past couple of weeks.

Mimi, Poppa & I took the kids out on their first motorboat ride. We went down to the Snake River in Lewiston & had quite the adventure. The kids loved it until I got in the water to ski. Apparently Mom being pulled behind a boat at high speeds is not their idea of a good time. I, on the other hand, had a blast!






Grace & Isaac love horses, and are quick to point them out when we're in the car. One of Mimi's teacher friends owns horses and let Grace & Isaac come over for a morning of horse time. They were pretty tickled about getting to feed and ride Annie.



What is summer without a picture in the wheat fields of the Palouse?! This was right after the horse adventure, and apparently they were ready for naps - there is not a single smile in this entire batch of photos.


Playing in our new sandbox!! I have finally given into the fact that this is simply not the season of my life for the beautiful, luscious garden that I picture each spring. So, Poppa turned one of my garden boxes into a sandbox for the kids - a much more practical use for the space at this point...and hours of fun!



Our beloved Kim was in town for a wedding and came over to spend a morning with us. The kids counted down the days all week until it was "Kim day."


Lots of time in the wagon, strollers, front yard, back yard, and various parks. I don't think the three of them will fit in the wagon together much longer.


We also had a great visit from Papa Mark & Nana Lucy recently. They have been out in West Virginia (where Mark is stationed with the Reserves) and were eager to see the kiddos. I think the highlight of the trip was a huge water fight with the neighbors that Lucy instigated - everyone was soaked!! Nana Lucy will be back again soon, but Mark has already returned to West Virginia.