Sun at Suncadia

The summer started off rainy, cold, and depressing. Many friends were out of town, the van was in the shop - - needless to say, we were feeling pretty cooped up. We also have had to change some rules because -ahem- my kids were annoying one neighbor in particular too much- so that has put a little kink in playing with friends a bit (we just have to set up play dates instead of them knocking and asking to play, which results in less play time in the end). It was a good move for everyone- it saves stress and worry on both sides, but still makes me a little sad and I feel a loss. The summer is still young and everyone has been really busy, so I'm sure we will get some more friend time in the end. After the first depressing week or two I worked hard to set up play dates every day with church friends and neighborhood friends (trips to Mobius with the Deakins and a walk to Rocket Bakery with neighbor friends, the Flood boys over to play for a day, our other neighbor boy Jacob practically lives at our house and I love it . . and a few other random play dates)- - but that first week out of school was pretty lonely and boring! I have learned that even though the play dates make life a but nuts and crazy, it is better than being bored and lonely for my kids!

Anyway, the summer really felt like it picked up once we took a little mini vacation to Suncadia Lodge in Cle Elem. Jon had a WOMA (Washington Osteopathic Medical Association) conference there, so we all tagged along! The weather turned nice, we were able to visit with friends- it was a blast!

We first stopped in Yakima so we could do a little work on the rental house, and had fun hanging out with the Johnsons- -

Fun on their trampoline and our traditional trip to Glacier's Frozen Yogurt:

Suncadia was awesome- played tennis, enjoyed the beautiful scenery, did tons of swimming, roasted marshmallows in the fire pit and more. Jon went to classes most of the day, but would pop out for a quick swim or to go paddle boarding with the kids. We also hung out with the Degooyer's (a family we know from Yakima)- which was so fun especially for the kids- fun to connect with old friends! Cynthia especially had fun seeing Rachel- they were in first grade together in Yakima. They got to spend some time hanging out together swimming and doing crafts back in our room . . . it was wonderful to see Cynthia with a friend from the past.