My pictures may seem a bit random, and I am definitely missing some that I want- mainly becuase I left my camera battery at home on accident! So- these pictures were taken by others . . .
Day 1- Friday July 2nd:
I met up with my sisters, their families and my parents in Downtown Spokane. The reunion that took place in Riverpark square was epic as both my sisters and I (especially Laura, who I haven't seen for a year) greeted each other and all of our kids with hugs. The cousins immediately took to each other and created quite the ruckus as they ran around!
Since it was a super rainy day we took the kids to Mobius Kids- always a treat, and then to the Carosel for a ride!
Gotta love the paper mache dino!
Shauna's cute boys- Adam and Nathan!
Even Jon loves Mobius . . . such a kid at heart . . .
Marcus and Ben (Laura's son) making water ways . . .
The World famous Carosel at River Front Park! Fun for everyone- even my pregnant sister Laura!
Saturday July 3rd:
Again- spent the day with my family- this day we went to Cour d' Alene to Fort Sherman park and a walk on the boardwalk. The weather was a bit nippy, but not raining at least! The Leonhardts arrived that night . . .
Sunday July 4th:
Happy Birthday to my dear sister Shauna and the United States of America! It was a wonderful day of going to church, having a nice dinner with my family and visiting.
Marcus and Ben had fun playing on the computer together!
Later, we roasted marshmallows, ate smores and watched fire-works back at Jon's parent's house- - we can see the fireworks show over Liberty Lake from their back balcony. Lot's more cousin power!
Monday July 5th:
Again- the weather was cold and rainy, so we spent the afternoon at the YMCA with the Monson side of the family. They have the best indoor pool with a water-slide and rock climbing wall. Cynthia and Marcus did some of the hard routes up the huge wall and still had no problem quickly making it up to the top! My pictures are sadly lacking- even Jon's i-phone was out of battery power!
The best cousin pictures taken later . . . we are only missing little Joshua (Steve and Natalie's son).
Later that night- playing "Don't eat Pete" with the cousins on the Wilson side!
Tuesday July 6th:
Jon left for his interview in Michigan!! For the afternoon, Grandma Wilson took all the grand-kids (and parents) to see Toy-Story 2 - - it was quite the group! After that said my goodbye's to Laura and her children who left the next day. It was sooo wonderful to see her- - and now, after the results of Jon's interview in Michigan - - I am excited to live only 4 hours away from the Coons who live in Columbus, OH!
Another little note- since we were staying in the same place as the Leonhardts, the kids had a great time with their week long sleep over. Every morning and evening we spent having fun with their family, Katie and her kids, and Grandma and Grandpa Wilson.
Walking that evening with Katie and Tara (Tyler in the stroller):
One of the kids' favorite times with Grandpa was getting swung on the portch swing!
Wednesday July 7th:
Jon had his interview this day - - it was a day full of prayers!
Along with the cousins on the Wilson side, we went over to the DeLamatter's to swim in their pool (yes- the site of Jon's fateful seizure 8 years ago!). The weather finally warmed up- - in fact it turned from cold and rainy to HOT, HOT, HOT and sunny. That's the Northwest for you.
Yummy popsicles too!
Tyler also got to meet his twin second cousin- Kelsey's little girl was born on the exact same day as Tyler! Aren't they cute? If only Tyler didn't want to just crawl away . . .
Thursday July 8th:
Jon comes back home from Michigan and things are looking up! They pretty much told him they would accept him and had shown him how their program fits Jon so much better than the one here in Yakima. He came home tired after so much traveling, but happy! After picking up Jon from the airport, I headed to pick up my mom to go see my cousin Melanie Mundt who lives in Post Falls. Jon stayed behind at my parents house to rest. I don't have any pictures- but it was so fun to see their family and have fun afternoon of visiting.
That night was a huge family gathering with Jon's sisters Chris and Cyndi and their families. It was so wonderful to be able to visit one last time before we head off to Michigan.
Jon's sisters with Tyler and little Haylie (Marissa's daughter, Cyndi's grand-daughter)
The kids decided (well JON decided) it would be fun to set up our tent in the back-yard. The kids all slept out there and Brooke entertained them all with funny stories as they enjoyed a fun camp-out! (Despite the pictures, Lillian and Jillian did NOT sleep out there! They just enjoyed Brooke's stories . . . )
Friday July 9th:
The Mosbackers had left for a few days that week for a little family vacation to lake Chelan and Wenatchee- and were back for the weekend. Since the weather finally got HOT- we headed to the lake!! The Schwendiman's cabin is always the greatest gathering point for boating! I don't have any pictures, but it was an awesome day. I even waterskied on my very first attempt after years of not going. Ahh the sounds of the boat and lapping water, and the smell of pine trees . . . I am going to miss the Northwest.
Saturday July 10th:
Since we had so much fun Friday, we came back again on Saturday to have some more lake fun before heading back to Yakima.
What an amazing week of family and fun!
