Family Reunion-Mom's Side

Yesterday, we had my mom's side over for a Family Reunion. Go team Bailey, Baechler, Hansen, and Kiene!

I had this huge plan to make pulled pork with a crock pot. I bought and carefully transported the pork roasts to the cabin. My grand plan was to let the roasts cook in the crock pot the day before. Yeah, whatever! It was over 100 degrees and there was no way in H E Double Hockey Sticks I was adding more heat to the cabin. So I snuck into Safeway and bought the pre-made pulled pork. It was a hit!

I am exhausted, but very glad for the family I have. I am very blessed.

It was amazing to look around and see how many babies we have now! Keira has been the only baby for so long.

We tried to take a picture of the great-grandbabies and GG, but it was quite a task! So I chose the best picture I could (look in the background.)

Melting in Leavenworth

This weekend, my brother, sister-in-law, niece, Keira and my mom, stayed in Leavenworth. It was unbearably hot! Yesterday, the temperature was 102 degrees. I handled the weather ok until last night. Keira and I stayed in the upstairs bedroom, of our cabin, and it was like a "slow-cooker." I am ready to be in air-conditioning.

We went to Blackbird Island to cool off and we were not the only ones. (I think the whole town was there!)

There is a fire burning in the Alpine Lake Area, which has fire crews going past the cabin, via helicopter, every 15 minutes. We checked the US Forestry Service website and we are not in any potential danger, YET. I took some photos of the helicopters and their water buckets flying over the cabin. About 2 miles from the cabin is the landing site for the helicopters and the fire crews. Supposedly, the fire is so high up, that you cannot access it via truck.

We watched rust colored plumes float above the mountain ridge and the sky has been quite hazy. At times, you can smell fire, which makes me unsettled, but this is life and the chance I took when purchasing the cabin. Thank goodness I am insured!

Mud Mountain

We went to Mud Mountain, yesterday. What a beautiful park! It is in the middle of nowhere (out past Enumclaw and Buckley.) The park had a small water area; 3 playgrounds; large grassy area for the children to roam; picnic areas; etc. It was very nice.

We released the children to "roam!" However, they kept coming back.

Back To School Shopping

Well, I think we're finished shopping for school. I have taken a second mortgage out and we'll be eating Top Ramen for the next year (oh, the memories from college days.) Any donations are welcome! (Just kidding!) I do not want to complain because Keira is finally choosing "girly" outfits instead of standard jeans and tshirts. However, she informed me that she has always worn camoflauge on the first day of school, since Kindergarten. We did not purchase any camo, nor did I see any in the store (I think it may be out of style.) I'm just going to ignore the camo until it's brought up again.

Keira has chosen to participate in soccer, gymnastics, and girl scouts, this fall. Arg! I am doing my best to be supportive and not selfish...however, I think I'll need to start seeing a therapist. Oh, wait! That will take more time out of my schedule.

Family Reunion-Dad's Side

Saturday, we had a family reunion in North Bend. I was a little worried about the weather, since it was POURING RAIN all morning. Luckily, it stopped before we arrived and miraculously started, once again, on our way home. It was so nice to see family I haven't seen for awhile. It was definitely a way to reconnect.

Keira was a wonderful help to her aunt and uncle, as well as a wonderful playmate for the other children.

Parent Night at Camp

Keira is having a blast and is absolutely DIRTY. Last night was "Parent Night" and I was able to come for dinner before their sleepover. The firefighters came from Station 44 (where my godparents volunteered...awe the memories.) Of course, I am always on the prowl for a date, so what could be better than firefighters! Woohoo! However, I noticed that I am old enough to be their mother.

The best part of the night was when a little girl next to me told us that her mom couldn't make it because she was "passed out." Trying not to give away my shock, my friend stated, "Oh, she must be really tired and just passed out from exhaustion." "Nope," the girl said, "She just passed out so my dad dropped me off and went home." I really did not want to ask for a further explaination.