Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Summer 2013

So we did do a few other things this summer besides going to Puerto Rico.  We hiked up Rattlesnake Ridge in Snoqualmie Pass with our friends the Roches'.  They get props for making the hike even after realizing they had left their baby backpack at home and therefore had to carry baby Zora all the way up.
 It was only 2 miles up so it wasn't too awful, but still carrying a baby all that way is not easy.  Apologies to Steph who would totally hate that I published this picture of her!
 Our ward had a campout in July and Spencer, Cooper and I went.  It was in a big meadow next to a river somewhere north of here.  This was a swing that the little kids who came later had lots of fun with.  This is Spencer & Cooper warming it up so they could push the little kids later--they were very popular with all the little kids.
 Spencer tried out his golfing skills in the meadow because some friends brought wiffle golf balls.  Needless to say there is a reason he has not taken up golf with us!
 The annual Vaden family camping trip to Alturas was also awesome.  The kids loved the opportunity to ride the four wheelers.
 The Archie McPhee assortment of false teeth that were given out as "prizes" were a big hit with everyone who got a set.  Including Spencer.
 And Truman also sporting some groovy glasses which I think were also purchased at Archie McPhees.
 Desi & Spencer are definitely related as you can see here.  The family resemblance is uncanny.
 Here's Dennis sporting the shade hat that I got as a prize.
 Cooper and Truman giving some love.
 Zen doodling was enjoyed by many.  Including Sarah.
 Bryleigh made here Vaden family debut.
 Payton was one of my personal favorites cuz she would let me cuddle with her!
 James doing some doodling of his own.
 Leah got into doodling as well.
 Little Vaden was mobile this year.
 The line-up to take the small fourwheeler out was evercircling.
 Randy had the tough job of monitoring the four wheeler line.  I don't think he actually had to move from the chair too often.
 Cooper looks forward to going out on the four wheelers every year and especially enjoys it now that he can go out on his own.
 Last adventure of the summer is beach camping at Twin Harbors State park near "always sunny" (not) Westport, WA.  This year Cooper invited his friend Jack along.  They had a great time and spent alot of time in the water.  We got lucky this year and had pretty decent weather both Friday and Saturday afternoon.
 Tucker was able to come with us this year, but I don't think he even dipped his toes in the water.  He did enjoy sitting at the beach though.
 Actually the whole Chandler clan made it this year (except Dwight & Kathy) who gave up on camping about three years ago.  It was fun to have all the Chandler cousins together.  They have a great time together.
 The Chandler cousins also bring along friends.  Heidi (left, next to Spencer) has been twice and Kailey (in black next to Emma) has been five or six times and is considered one of the family now.
 Heidi was a good sport and let the gang bury her in true Ursula style.  It was a great weekend and a fun cap to the summer.