It’s not very often that a family of 4 consisting of a newborn and a toddler can just last minute pick up and go away for the weekend….unless you are the Makanani’s and headed to SUNLAND.
As of last Thursday, we had no big plans for the holiday weekend – until I logged onto Facebook and saw that Cassi (Riley) Richards was going to Sunland. For those that have never been to/heard of Sunland, it’s a little gem of a community on the Columbia River. We were first introduced to Sunland by our VERY good friends Justin and Katie Behrens (formerly Riley) in 2008. This was the summer after we got married and had no kids……when there wasn’t a care in the world…..Cassi & Katie’s parents have a home in Sunland and the majority of their extended family members have a home there. We absolutely LOVE Sunland and have been waiting for our invite back…..
Although our lives have changed quite a bit since the last time we were there, the level of generosity, fun and good times has not changed a bit. The fun has continued and even though I couldn’t participate (I was nursing Malia every 4 hours) it was still relaxing– I think the company has a lot to do with that. The Riley’s not only know HOW to have a good time, but they truly have embraced our little family as one of their own – we are so blessed to have them all in our lives.
We hopped in the car Friday after work and headed over, we arrived to 80 degrees (at 10pm at night!), a campfire, wine, beer and s’mores.
Then Saturday went out on Steve & Marsha’s boat with both the kids, Katie & Justin, Cassi, Blake & Bailey (just turned 2) and Blake’s mom, Sherie. We were out ALL DAY LONG, and Jackson did great! Malia slept almost the whole time except for the times she was bonding with her Auntie Katie.
We sadly left on Sunday mid-morning to take advantage of Jackson’s naptime and guess what – he AND Malia slept the ENTIRE 3 hour drive……do you hear that? Do you? Yep, it was 3 hours of silence.
Family photo on the boat 
Jackson & Bailey 
Me & Jackson 
The gang –minus Steve, Marsha & Sherie 
Bailey – wore sunglasses almost the entire time! 
Cassi, Katie and I 
On the beach – this kid could have stayed there FOREVER! 
Time for lunch – and Bailey to get naked! 
Who knows what next 4th of July will bring, but Marsha (and Katie & Cassi) asked that we come back EVERY 4th of July. We are going to do our best to make it our new family tradition – it’s just too fun NOT too!
2 comments:
So bummed we didn't get to meet up! Looks like you had a great time. And Shhhh about Sunland, let's keep it a gem ;-)
Nichole - we were GOING GOING GOING the whole time. I didn't even have time to stop and pee :) Let's DEFINITELY make it a point to meet up next time we go....hopefully next time I won't be nursing and can actually kick back and party (a little) ;)
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