Labor Day Weekend

This past weekend we visited my Dad and Step-Mom Ann over in Kennewick. We even got a surprise visit from my step-sister Annika and her husband Michael – they decided on Thursday that they were done living in California and are moving home (yeah!)

The trip was JUST what we needed and I can’t begin to tell you how GOOD Ann & my dad’s cooking is. We were SPOILED!!!!  We ended each day sitting out on the back deck drinking wine and telling funny stories – something we have been looking forward to.  Jackson and Malia both did great and had a wonderful time. We can’t WAIT to go back…..

Dad wanted to find a “fun” toy for Jackson – Walmart had THIS for $11.00. Best money spent ever. Jackson LOVED it – jumped RIGHT in…

Jackson was making Malia laugh – I got it on video (below).

Dad & Ann live right next door to the community park.  Before dinner, Michael, Annika and Shane decided to shoot some hoops.  Jackson and I joined them – and Jackson took advantage of Michael’s long arms to shoot. He has great form ;)
   

Jackson and Grandpa reading the Sunday paper together….then, checking out the birds eating at the bird feeder.


We visited this super cool park and Jackson had a blast!!! Nana Ann introduced Jackson to these sweet little treats called “Uncrustables”. They are basically peanut butter jelly sandwich pies.  Jackson ate about 20 of them on his visit.
 

After his nap on Sunday, Jackson and Grandpa were watering plants. Jackson watered every single plant (okay, maybe the same one 40 times) in my parents yard. 


Then it was time to shuck some corn.  Before they got to the corn, though, Grandpa decided to give Jackson a cherry tomato from the garden. Jackson held that tomato in his cheek for over an hour. You can see it in his right cheek.

Then there was silence -  and that is not a good sound when you have a toddler. Jackson was over the corn and wanted to go back to watering the plants.  He somehow got to the side of house and figured out how to turn on the hose. Sneaky little sucker!!!!


Jackson snuggling with Grandpa during a commercial while watching Shreck.

The drive home….ahhhhhhh

Port Ludlow weekend

After working almost EVERY.SINGLE.WEEKEND all summer, our family time had been put on hold – which makes this mama very sad.  I love my wedding coordinating business, but as most of you know – weddings run the summer and that’s where a lot of my time and energy has been spent.  Shane has done an amazing job of taking care of our 2 kids while I am gone 10, 12 and even a 14 hours a day….we needed some family time, just us 4. 

Since we are doing our best to save money – we needed a get-a-way where we wouldn’t have to pay to stay.  Luckily, my sister-in-law has a house in Port Ludlow. Nothing glamorous, but cozy, quaint and a short walk to the beach.  Plus, we have to take a ferry there – something Jackson (or Malia) has never experienced.

We left Saturday morning and came home Sunday night.  It was a nice trip, and we learned some new lessons about traveling with a toddler.  Next time, I am bringing 2 bottles of wine ;)

    

Malia starting doing this thing with her neck where she would extend it and she looked like E.T. it was hilarious.  I have no idea where it came from, but gave us a good giggle.