WA10: Mt. St. Helens

While in Washington we thought it would be a neat experience for the kids to visit Mt. St. Helens. Seeing how they were in disbelief that Grandma lived next to an active volcano. Here Gavin was having fun jumping up and down creating small "earthquakes" on the seismograph.

Reese was super into goofy faces this day. She couldn't get enough.

This is the closest you can get to the crater of the volcano.

Attempt at a family shot.

Grandma n' Pa.

The kids were pretty impressed with the lack of growth on the mountain even after 30 years since she blew. The loved the lying trees in rows like tooth picks. Untouched since she blew her top.

Christopher and Reese traded head pieces.

We went down to Crater lake for a little chill time.

While at the gift shop on our way out Pa bought the kids souvenirs. Gavin got a mini erupting volcano (think lava lamp type), Reese got a stuffed animal she named ASHley and Bear got a bug book. They love them still. Thanks Grandma and Pa for a fun trip!

WA10: The Arrival

It had been 3 years since we made the journey north to Washington for a visit. While in Utah, we've decided that each 4th of July we will make this trip. Much easier all around than while we live in Texas. Long over due.

We left on the 25th of June as we picked Christopher up from work and drove straight through the night. It was bliss having the kids sleep for 10 of the 15 hours! Much easier traveling by car now that the kids are older.

The day we left it was 100 degrees outside so we ate dinner at Wendy's and let the kids play around inside for an hour until rush hour and the temps died down some.

The kids played musical seats in the car for a few hours until they slept most of the trip. Lots of snacks.

We arrived around 7 am to Grandma and Pa's house. Christopher and I promptly went to sleep while the kids had a blast with them. Bear made a "worm hotel" and was showing Pa.

They helped dig up bushes (where Bear found many worms).

So cute!

Played with sidewalk chalk. 3-D chalk! They loved that!

Had lunch inside the discovery tent.

Helped Pa make dinner.

Ate dinner outside with Aunt Poochie (Alyssia).

And made Smore's in the fire pit with Grandma.

We hadn't been there more than 12 hours and the kids were so enchanted, Bear declared that this was his new house.

Rhett Clive...an absolute dream

We love you, Rhett! Can't wait for your Mama to awaken from her coma and heal so she can see and hold your sweet little self!

Prayers Needed

Summer has been kicking my butt and I've wanted to post some of the many fun things we've been doing. This week however I have been preoccupied with my darling sweetheart sister-in-law, Amanda, who just had her first baby (a boy, Rhett, 6lbs.3oz, 19in) whom is doing well, but Amanda is in critical condition fighting for her life in the ICU. Please keep her in your family prayers.

Christopher and I are keeping a blog with updates and documenting all that is going on with her and baby Rhett whom also started his life outside the womb fighting for his life. I've been busy with LOVE FOR AMANDA and will update this blog as soon as I get a moment.

Thanks so much for your support! It means the world to all of us! Doesn't Rhett just make you baby hungry??!! He's so cute!