Fair Fun...Puyallup Style!

This past weekend we went to Seattle to celebrate my little sister Ashlee's birthday, and to go to the Puyallup fair. We went along with my parents and my other sister Kristal, and we all stayed at our friends' Lee & Pam's house. WE HAD SO MUCH FUN! Friday night, we had pizza and cake & ice cream. Sean (Ash's boyfriend), Uncle Tony, Aunt Marci, Karmen, Geramy, Kara and D all came. It is so funny when we all get together because we are constantly laughing. Let's just say it was super loud, but we wouldn't have it any other way.

Then Saturday we all went to the Puyallup fair. The weather was perfect, so we went early in the morning so we could ride the rides before it got too busy. The boys and I rode the Giant Slide, then they rode a few different things like the Tiger roller coaster and the cars and helicopter. We went through a few animal barns and saw some cute piglets and rabbits. There were a lot of things we didn't get to see, but the boys had about had it after the ice cream wore off, so we accepted the fact that we weren't going to get to see the entire fair and left before it got out of hand. LOL!

Ash rode with Hunter

I rode with Coop

Neither one of them would put their hands up...

We ate corn dogs, curly fries, ice cream and snow cones. And Dave stuffed down a Philly cheesesteak on the way out-ha! The adults got to ride a few roller coasters too, which was fun. I love rides. Speaking of rides...

I have always said that I wanted to do the Slingshot - the thing that bungees you way up high in the air. Except that whenever we are at the Yakima fair we are always alone, with no one to watch our kids. I had always assumed Dave would go with me...so here we are at the fair, with family to watch our kids, and no one wants to go with me. FINALLY, Ash stepped up and said she'd go, so Dave gave us the $$ and we went. And OH.MY.GOSH...it was the craziest, most scary and fun thing I've ever done! It was sooooooo awesome! I would do it again and again and again if it didn't cost so dang much-haha! I am so glad I had the experience, and that I got to do it with my little sis. The video doesn't capture the whole ride, but it gives you an idea. So enjoy! And if anyone ever needs a partner on that thing, you just call me up! Next big thrill: Skydiving!

Seaside / Tillamook Vacation!

Okay, so everyone knows we have been wanting to go to the ocean for a long time. I only put it as my Facebook status, like, every other day. Haha! Well, Dave was able to get away for a couple of days so we took advantage of it...booked a hotel in Seaside for two nights and spent the other two nights camping with Dave's family in Tillamook. We had the best time! It was so relaxing and fun, and we can't wait to go back very soon. Like tomorrow would be good. Don't forget to click on the collages to see the pictures better!

Coop hadn't been to the beach since his 1st birthday, so I don't think he even knew what to expect, but it didn't take him long to figure out that there were a million fun things he could do there. His favorite things to do were playing EVERY game at the arcade, and sitting in the sand and drawing things with his finger. Oh, and swinging on the swings on the beach. He could have done that all day! He was a little ticked when he found out he'd have to be a passenger on the Go-Karts, and that he had to ride with me instead of his Daddy, but he lightened up a bit after we got out there. He says we won, but actually we came in second-to-last! Oh well...

Hunter knew exactly what to expect. That kid has an awesome memory, because he remembered a lot from the last time we were there in 2006. He loved playing Deal or No Deal and Skee Ball at the arcade, and he was the main construction guy on the big sand castle we made. He found TONS of shells and sand dollars, and he could have spent all day running away from the waves. He gets that from his Daddy, I suppose. Dave is the same way. :) Hunter was a real trooper when it came to taking a break to do some of his homework, since his teacher thought it would be appropriate to send home 4 reading things and about 10 math things. Ugh, don't even get me started! He finished it all though, and we were super proud of him.

As for me and Dave, we just had fun being together. It is so great for me to see my husband enjoying himself, laughing and playing with the boys. He works so hard every day, trying to keep up with all the aspects of running a business and he really deserved these few days to relax and have fun with his family.

Camping in Tillamook was nice too. It rained the first night we were there, and although we stayed dry in our tent, most of our other stuff got soaked. But it cleared up that afternoon and we had beautiful weather the rest of the time, thank the Lord! Dave's brother and his family and their mom and uncle were also there. We picked a pretty spot to spread Dave's grandma's ashes in the water. It was very peaceful, but emotional - kind of hard to explain. We know though, that whenever we come to the ocean, we will "visit" Great Grandma. :)

My favorite picture...

Sorry this has been such a long blog! I could have just posted pictures, but you know me...I love to tell a story. We are so thankful for this little getaway, and are sure it will be something we remember forever! Tune in next week for Puyallup Fair pics! Haha!

Sisters

On Labor Day we had a big family BBQ at my Nana & Grandpa's house. Mostly all of my mom's family was there, except for just a few. Thankfully, my baby sis Ash moved to Seattle after living in Idaho for almost a year, and she was able to drive over and spend the long weekend with us! I always have big intentions of getting everyone together for a family pic, but of course I forgot. But I did have my mom snap a few pics of me, Kristal and Ashlee. I love my sisters so much, and I'm so thankful God gave them to me! They truly make the best friends, and I know I can count on them for anything. We totally embrace the fact that we are a family of 3 sisters and no brothers, and take pride in the fact that we know A LOT more about sports than most girls (thanks to Dad. :)

Kris and Ash...always my sisters, forever my friends.

Watch Out, Preschool...Here Comes Coop!

Coop started Bethany Preschool today. He has been asking, "How many sleeps..." until he got to go, and finally last night I told him it was "one more sleep 'til preschool!" Boy, he got the biggest goofy grin on his face after hearing that! :) He woke up bright and early this morning, took a bath, got dressed and ate breakfast...all without one complaint. I thought to myself, "Whoa! This preschool thing is gonna be good!" Because he hardly ever does any of those things without a fight!

We had a busy morning, but finally it was time to go. So I loaded Coop (and Kora) into the car and we were off! We pulled up, got out, took a quick picture in front of the steps and took him into his classroom. One of his teachers showed him where to hang his backpack. He gave me a big kiss and hug goodbye, and ran off to play! No tears, no whining...it was really wonderful! He has never done anything like this by himself. Usually when we leave him somewhere, Hunter is always with him. But today he acted like such a big kid and I was so happy and pleased. My little guy is really growing up.

Trying to look cool for the camera...

"Awww, c'mon Mommy! Enough pictures!"

So here I sit, with both of my boys gone. It's just me and Kora, who's actually sleeping right now. And I'm going, "It is WAY too quiet in here...BUT...I get to watch what I want on TV! Woo Hoo!".