Other Great Activities in Washington

Before I begin about our activities in Utah, I want to post some other wonderful activities we were able to enjoy with Kent and Natalie's family in Washington.

Eating at the Burger Ranch

 

 Kent's family knows that I have to visit the Burger Ranch when I come into town.  Because Sunnyside is a farming community known for its grape vines and hops, it is also known for its asparagus--there are fields of this back-breaking vegetable in the Sunnyside area.  The Burger Ranch has become well-known for years for its fried asparagus--absolutely divine and certainly not to be missed when you visit the area!

Watching the kids in their activities.

Teddy, as she (yes, she) showed up at Kent's and Natalie's home when just a puppy about four years ago.  They don't know who left her there, but she became part of the family.  I have seen Ella play more games with her--she especially loves her!  But, that beautiful coat of hair goes flying with every step she takes.  The shedding goes on and on.  Oh, what you do for your kids!

Ever since the World Cup, Ethan has had a renewed interest in soccer.  He had his dad out there playing with him whenever he had the chance!  While we were there, we found him a net which his dad ordered off the internet.

Ella got hugs and kisses from her dad when she brought out the water.  Look at her face!  She doesn't like sweaty kisses either!  Hah!

When Grandpa George got there (he came in after I had already been there almost a week), then Ethan got him to play with him.

 Yes, I think they had a great time together!

I loved how Ella's parents had her take the invitations around to the friends in the neighborhood.  They drove her there, but they wanted her to talk to the people as she gave them the invitation.

 This is the beautiful invitation Ella's mom made for her baptism day.  Ella was so excited for that day.  I have already posted all the pictures that went along with that day on my prior post.

After spending so many years on the bench watching my own children in their sports, I now love doing the same with my grandchildren.  Kent has either been Ethan's coach or assistant coach since he was five years old! 

Ethan is always number one--with his jersey and his playing!

 

Ella made a competitive dance team.  We were so proud of her.  She is the youngest on the team.  While I was there helping with the kids when Natalie was at Girls' Camp with the church group, Ella's dance team traveled over to Moses Lake to the water park there.  This is part of her dance group as we stopped along the way at a rest center.

Ethan and his friend decided to come along and join the fun.

We really did have a great time.  While the kids were playing, one of my old college roommates came over since she lives near here, and we had the nicest time visiting.

Visiting Kent's Dental Clinic  

 Kent had just put up a new sign at his office which is in the Chardonnay shopping area--hence the name, Chardonnay Dental.  George had more work done on his new crowns, and I had my teeth cleaned.  So nice to have some dentists in the family!

 I thought this was so special that they had on the counter when you come in.

 Natalie has such a way with decorating.  She planned and decorated the entire office.  The waiting area . . .

 The children's play area . . .

 Receptionist desk area . . .

 and the eight chair areas.

 Such a beautiful job, Natalie!  Even when so many people are terrified to go to the dentist, she has made it feel so homey, it helps cut down on the fear!

Going to the Home Site for Kent and Natalie's new home.

 George and I really enjoyed going to visit the home site where Kent and Natalie are building a new home.  They are so excited for this new home which is going to be so beautiful. 

 Located on three acres of land, this is going to be the view from their two-story family room.

 Lots of big nice windows in their eating area, as well.

 Their home should be done about the end of November.

 Near where Kent lives is a man who is a big-game hunter.  He came by and invited us to see some of his collection.  I could not believe it!  I would love to go to all the places he's been, but I would be shooting with my camera instead!

Fun night out.

 One night, Kent and Natalie took us to their favorite Chinese place in town.  It was really yummy, and we all had such a great time.

George only got to stay two days here and wished it could have been longer.  We really enjoyed ourselves while we were in Washington.  Thanks, Kent, Natalie, Ethan, and Ella for the wonderful time we got to spend with you!  You were so kind to us and we really appreciated it!

To Washington for Ella's Baptism

When I left home on July 5, 2014, I knew I was going to be gone for a whole month!  I was so excited about the many wonderful activities I was going to be participating in, but felt badly that George was only going to be able to enjoy four days of those activities due to such a busy time at work.  The first wonderful activity we were able to participate in was Ella's baptism in the State of Washington.

At the age of eight, which is the age of accountability, a young person may choose to be baptize, which Ella did.  We were so proud of her!  She truly looked like a little angel!

 Kent and Natalie with Ethan and Ella on her baptism day.  We know Bubs was smiling down on her that day!

 Ella in her baptismal clothing.  Baptism is done by immersion by one having the priesthood authority, which Kent, her father has.

 Ethan was in charge of the table where he got all those in attendance to sign in.

  Ella had asked her Grandpa George to talk about baptism and for me to talk about the Gift of the Holy Ghost.  We felt very honored that she would ask us to do so.  In addition, many of her friends sang a beautiful song called, "When I am Baptized."  It was all so special.   

 After the baptism, Ella and her mom passed out cupcakes to all who had attended.

 This is Ella's former bishop, Brother Ricks, and his wife.  Bishop Ricks gave the opening prayer. 

 This is a favorite friend of the family, Yessica.  She always helped them so much with Cannon and is such a dear young lady.  We are so excited that she will be attending BYU-I this fall.

 A picture of the girls who attended that day.

 And, of course, the boys.

 George was standing over at the side and got them all to do the gator chomp!  So cute!

One of Ella's favorite friends, Aileen.

 After the baptism, some of the families went to a restaurant there in Sunnyside for lunch.

 Ella with her dad and mom . . .

 Ella with her Grandma Laura and Grandpa George.  Her other grandparents, the Robbins, are currently on a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to the Kirtland, Ohio, Visitor Center.  I know they were really thinking of Ella this day!

 Some of the adults who went to the restaurant after the baptism.

 The girls had great fun checking out how a rose is formed from the tiny bud outward. 

 This picture really made us laugh.  No sooner were we out of the church when Ethan took off his shirt and tie, and there beneath was his BYU shirt!  Of course!  I'm sure other of our grandsons have done the same thing.  I remember specifically Connor doing this!  Yes, we definitely have loyal BYU fans in the Copeland family!

Ella with another of her special friends as we were leaving the restaurant.  Such a beautiful day after such an important event in Ella's life.  We love you, Ella, and are so proud of this first step of your eternal progression!  

From here, Kent took George and me the 45 minute ride to the airport for our next important event in the State of Utah.