Tradition

My family has made camping in Leavenworth each summer a tradition for years. This year was especially exciting for me because Adam was able to go. (He has always had to work!) The camping spot we go to has a river, pool, playground, espresso/ice cream stand... what more could you ask for?! Oh, maybe the air conditioned cabin we rented this year. It was THE BEST. It made us realize that the simple life just may be better. There was nothing that Gavin could get into... no toilet paper rolls to undo, cupboards to open, toys to fight over, stairs to climb. Pure relaxation.

One of the highlights of Leavenworth are the outdoor plays they have each summer. The Sound of Music is presented every year in the crisp, cool air with actual mountains in the background. Being there, in the ambiance of it all, takes your breath away. This year we saw Camelot and you can imagine our surprise when we discovered my mom had gotten us front row, center seats! (If you knew how much I LOVE musicals, you would know how excited I was.) We felt like we were literally on stage and I had chills through the entire production. It was priceless.

Here are some pictures of our family in Leavenworth.
Wrestling cousins
Here, I'll hold the wand and you blow
Running in circles together
The only way we'll sit still long enough to get a picture
See mommy? I can ride Jacob's bike too!
Until Travis wants a turn...
Daddy made me go all the way in the river with him

Sy found some friends at the river

You gotta help me roast this marshmallow Daddy
Sharing a s'more with Grammy

Seaside

We just got back from Seaside with my dad, stepmom, sister, brother-in-law, nephew, niece, stepbrother, his wife, and their five month old baby. All in one four bedroom house! Not so much sleeping went on, but hey, who needs sleep? ;) Gavin especially loved waking up super early, so we would go on a walk down the beach each morning. There's nothing like seeing the beauty of the ocean and being immersed in God's amazing creation. Each crash of the waves takes my breath away and reminds me of how big and how real He is.

It was overcast the first few days, but that didn't stop us! I packed up the boys and we dove right into that beach. Even though both Jacob and Gavin lost their footing and fell into the water, they got back up and played in their soaking wet clothes. Luckily, it was warm and muggy outside so I let them play in the "mud" for a little while. Gavin became one with the mud and loved every minute. Despite being a little upset about falling into the water, Jacob shook it off and even built a little volcano. :)

The next day was sunny, but pretty windy. We took the boys to Cannon Beach and walked against the wind right up to Haystack Rock. As I carried Gavin, I caught a glimpse of his face that I will always remember. The wind was practically blowing him away, but the smile on his face was the biggest I've ever seen. I wish I had a picture for you.

Gavin and Grandpa... it just doesn't get any more precious :)
Gavin with Grandma Kathy
Jacob and Maddie... and a whole lot of cousin love
Experiencing the ocean together
Gavin and his mudfest
Jacob's mud volcano
How did Maddie come out SO clean? Gavin embracing his wet and muddy self... Jacob, a little distraught about it :)