Summer Odyssey 2011 - On to the Great Pacific Northwest

After leaving the tri-cities, we drove over the mountains and met the rest of the family at Lake Easton State Park for a Breckon Family Reunion weekend. The weather was dry, the campground was nice, and we had no obligations except for catching up and roasting marshmallows. There is something about camping that forces relaxation (well, unless you're chasing a toddler, but still) and fosters conversation. I'm so glad that everyone could take the time to spend the weekend together - we missed you, Tammy!

Love all these wonderful people!

The kids and I made a sign to welcome everyone.

Haley quickly took over the dog-walking duties.

Deanna and Haley, cookin' dinner.

Haley and Abby.

Jake warms by the fire.

Haley and Kaylee.

Jake picking flowers with Aunt Jen.

On our nature walk.

After lunch the last day, Grandma Ann had a scavenger hunt ready for the grand kids.

Haley wants to be an artist when she grows up too...

Spritz, spritz, Nick!

Me and my big brother.

Decorating the planes that were part of the scavenger hunt prize.

GORgeous!

Throwing rocks into the lake...

Summer Odyssey 2011 - Tri-Cities Visit

From Salt Lake we headed north to the tri-cities area of eastern Washington, where my Dad, step mom, and their 2 granddaughters had recently relocated. It was lovely to catch up with them and see their new place, as well as visit with my sisters Kimberly (and her family) and Deanna who also live there. I also enjoyed a few - very hilly - runs and dragged my sisters to an RPM spin class with me. Good times! I guess we were too busy talking and having fun, because I don't have very many pictures...

Cousins at Kim & Steve's house. Those guys know how to GRILL.

My Pops!

Haley and her aunt Deanna make daisy chains. Could there be a more idyllic summer afternoon activity?

My gorgeous sister Kim. Love you, Kennewick clan!

Summer Odyssey 2011 - Fourth of July

Ah, what a fabulous Fourth of July we enjoyed this year! We got to enjoy a parade, set off fireworks, and watch a firework show, all with cousins in Salt Lake City. Being with family makes any holiday more fun, and this was no exception. Thanks for hosting us once again, Perkes and Heiner families!

Waiting for the parade to start. It was slightly drizzly - a nice change from previous years when it's been scorching.

Poor Alex had a run-in with a much bigger kid at Lagoon - this is actually after a few days' healing.

Brandy & Mason - what cuties.

The kids kept getting passed up by the candy-throwers....look at the pouting....

...little did they know that since we were at the end of the parade route, the candy-throwers would be tossing bucket-loads at them by the end.

Valarie, Alex, & Nicole.

Setting off fireworks. Oooh, the shock and awe!

Wade wields the propane torch.

Poor Kenley was a bit too surprised by a loud one.

Good ol' snakes. The kids decided they were boring.

Sweet Ellie.

Photo by Haley.

Summer Odyssey 2011 - Salt Lake

Next on our itinerary was a stop in Salt Lake City to visit the Reynolds clan. We always have such fun visiting them and this time was no different. There are always so many things we want to do and people we want to visit in Salt Lake, and we're so thankful to the Perkes for hosting us nearly every year. It makes living away from family that much easier, knowing that we can come to visit!

We had plenty of time to kick back and catch up while the kids played with their cousins, as well as spend an afternoon of archery with Doug, and a day at Lagoon. We also managed to squeeze in visits with friends Mike and Kristie Constantine and Scott and Sara Edgar - it's so fun to see how their families have grown since we met them years ago in Grand Forks.

We all enjoyed Pace's Dairy Ann bars - which Rob swears are better than any other popsicle anywhere.

Rob and Doug shot archery together many years ago....the rivalry still exists...

Ellie - cute as a bug!

Haley borrowed Ethan's bow to try her hand...

WOW she stunned us! She was a natural. When will I stop being surprised by her?

Look out, Katniss!

Haley with her "cluster." Not bad for her first time!

The nearby dirt pile was a big hit with the younger boys.

Hamming it up at Lagoon - it was HOT and crowded that day, but super fun.

Haley and Ellie.