July 2016 Activities in Washington

Ever since George and I moved from Florida in April of 2015, we have lived in a little duplex.  We have looked forward to the day when we could move into a home where we could have our family come and visit us again.  So, it is finally happening!  We are now building a new home in Richland--and couldn't be more excited!  We go there pretty often to make the decisions we must make--and sometimes just to see how the house is coming.  So, we have been very busy this month getting this home built. 

   

 Looking out from our covered patio.  In between these two houses behind us, you can see the Mormon Columbia River Temple down below--about two miles.  This will be so convenient as we do volunteer work there one day a week.

 As a matter of fact, on the Fourth of July, George and I went up on this patio by ourselves, brought a picnic with us, sat on camping chairs, and enjoyed the fireworks displayed in the panoramic view we had!

 Cameron and Anne's Family Come to Washington

 We were thrilled when Cameron and Anne said they were coming to Washington for a visit in July--the only trouble was that we would be leaving to go to Utah during that time for our grandson, Carter's missionary farewell.  We wouldn't be here for much of their visit or even be able to see Cameron, because we would be gone by the time he came.  However, we tried to make every minute count while we were all together!

 

 Kent and Natalie have enough activities to keep kids busy for a lot of days, so there was never a time when the kids couldn't be entertained!

 The kids loved seeing Ella's two horses--Ember and Vader.

 George showed them the two kittens that live in the barn--Curry and Thompson!  (Of course, you can see that Ethan's love of the Warriors carries over to the naming of their kittens!)

 They loved riding the four-wheeler!

 One very hot day, floating on a little raft on a little lake was just the answer!

 But probably the activity that was the biggest hit was Kent and Natalie's pool. 

 Although it wasn't entirely finished, it was filled with water and that's all the kids needed.

 Yes, they actually climbed the step ladder to get to the top of the jump off area!

 Even little Gavin made the jump!

 Another day, we all went on a tour (along with the Anderson family) to a little factory that makes all kinds of Paletas (Spanish for popsicle, I learned!)  We first visited the extremely cold freezer they are kept in--love the hair nets they had us put on!

 We watched them coconut Paletas today.

 This is the kind, hard-working gentleman who owns this family business and took us on the tour.

 And, yes, we got to try all kinds of their tasty treats after the tour!  DELICIOUS!

 Another day, the kids got to watch Ella's horses get their "pedicure."

 We, also, had a great time at a water park in Kennewick.  You can never can get enough water on a hot summer day!

 And one of the funnest things we did  was watch the scrimmage game that Kent coached.  He included Jaxon on his team. 

 It was so fun cheering on the cousins on the same team!

 And, of course, we all got a kick out of Grandpa George yelling plays and instructions on the sideline!  Hah!

 Cousin to cousin.

 These two cousins are two peas in a pod!  They pretty much like exactly the same things and love being together!

Then, it was time to be on our way to Utah for the next exciting Copeland event--our grandson, Carter, was leaving on his Mormon mission.  What an exciting time for grandparents--we love being part of as many activities that we can work in!

P.S.  Just Had to Post

Couldn't help but post these two darling pics that Amy sent me on "Dress Up Like a Cow and Get a Free Chic-fil-a Sandwich" day!

 I can't quit smiling looking at these pics!