Moses Lake Temple, Kim's Birthday, Backpacking, and Family Photos

 Kim's long lost friend came for a visit and beach day

I had a young men's activity one evening where we were shooting guns and as we were packing up we were treated to a beautiful sunset

Library swag

We visited the Moses Lake Temple a couple of weeks ago for the open house

It was really hot so it was uncomfortable being outside to admire the beautiful temple

We needed some ice cream after to cool us off

Nixon had a friend over and the boys enjoyed the slip and slide

We did a Silverwood day together

We started with this raft ride to get wet first thing

Then to the water park

All done at the water park (or so we thought) and ready for some rides

Henry loves the train ride

He wasn't so sure about this one

The magic show was really fun as usual

The magician and his assistant

Henry really likes this one

After some rides we went back to the water park hoping the lines were a little shorter (they were)

You can see smoke coming from behind the mountain in the distance, it got smoky really fast

The sun set as we left the water park and headed back to the rides

The rides are really fun after the sun has gone down

Here is a video of our trip

Lyza showing off her clarinet case

The kids got this postcard from their Wolsey cousins

Working hard to reach Henry's 1000 books before kindergarten

We bought a new 4 person backpacking tent and set it up in the toy room

Family game time playing Clue

Henry made it to 1000 books!

We went to the fair together (Henry took the picture). This was actually the second day of three to four days of trial that I had scheduled. We had a bench (court) trial begin the day before and based on testimony from that first day of trial the parties reached a settlement just after the jury finished it's orientation on the second day (what would have been the first day for the jury portion of the case). So needless to say, I was happy we got it settled and that I got to spend the day with the family, especially because it was Kim's birthday. 

This show was really coo; with guys flipping on bikes while others were doing tricks with a trampoline and vertical wall

The kids got to try out some archery

There was a reptile display

Chickens and turkeys

Lot of bunnies

Horses

Henry and I rode a train

We celebrated Kim with a steak dinner and panzanella salad

And some birthday pies

And a very thoughtful gift from the kids

I only worked a partial day the next day because I decided I wanted to use my new found freedom to take the boys backpacking. That meant a trip to REI, Walmart, and Cabela's to get some gear, followed by a trip for ice cream cones

Lyza was in a band camp that day and I got to attend her performance and an orientation at the school afterward

While that was happening Kim was hiking and taking in a beautiful sunset

The next day we packed up our packs and headed out for backpacking

After waiting at the trailhead for an hour for the rain to stop we were ready to get moving

The boys did really well with so much weight on their backs

Henry decided having his picture taken wasn't so bad after all

A much deserved break with Eat-mores

The younger boys recognized this spot of the trail from when Nixon and I hiked it last year

We took lots of breaks on our way into the lake

We eventually made it to the lake (Revett Lake)

We found a spot to set up the tent and tried out the sleeping bags. We bought this one the day before and Henry really liked it.

We did a little fishing and Nixon got his hook caught on some rope stuck in the lake so he had to go in and rescue his hook (even though I told him we could just cut the line ;)

I got a little bit of drone footage

Meanwhile Kim and Lyza were having some much deserved girl time together

I am not sure their dinner compared to our hot dogs

And marshmallows roasted over the camp stove (there was a fire ban)

The kids played some go fish in the tent

View of our tent and the lake

The one thing we forgot to pack with us was good sleep. However, we somehow made it through the night and we were ready to enjoy some time together. 

We all got to try our hand at fishing (and caught nothing)

We learned that filtering water is hard work, especially when the filter fails because it hasn't been maintained at all (I got it cleaned up and fixed later at home)

There is something very calming about sitting next to a mountain lake

Some hot chocolate to help warm up

After some breakfast it was time to swim

Some more fishing and drone flying

One last photo before it was time to hike out

The kids did really well hiking out

Henry was really good at convincing me to hold his pack

Here is a video of our trip

That same morning Kim did a local hike with some friends (it's as if she is preparing for something big?)

After we got home and cleaned up we had family pictures that evening. They were supposed to happen the week before but got cancelled because of smoke. We lucked out and had a perfect evening.

Henry has not willing been in any pictures for so long...we were so happy that he decided to cooperate (even if it took some bribing)

This boy was born to smile

And Mason has a smile that will make you forget anything was was bothering you

Henry is in pictures!

What a beauty!

What beautiful children

But she is my favorite!

The evening went so well

The clones

I brought my camera and took a couple more photos, after the beautiful light was gone...

Lyza found a friend

Can't forget a picture of the boys (of if you do, you take one after the photographer has left)

A few more armature photos.. 

We are frantically trying to fit in as much fun as possible into these last days of summer. Stay tuned for more...