Washington 2012: Part I

 Washington was our last stop on our way to Japan. We stayed there for a couple weeks and enjoyed every minute of it. We picked raspberries, went on walks, met my nephew Ryan for the first time, stayed up too late, and just had fun. I loved this trip.

 Ryan, looking slightly mischievous. 

 My mom and dad had all the grandkids for a big sleepover, complete with finger painting, outdoor fun, and popcorn and a movie.

 We swam at Scott and Kelli's a few times. The boys were so comfortable in the water this time! Last year, Anderson cried and cried in the pool. This year, he was jumping off the edge by himself. Time to get that kid in swimming lessons.

 This is my favorite house in Enumclaw. It's an old house. I think my dad said it was there when he was growing up. Every time I drive by it I think about how I wish I could buy it and move it to a big piece of property. I love the charm that it has.

 Riley turned 7 and had an Olympic themed party.

 Kelli's sister got married and I tagged along with Angie while she took their pictures. I love coming to the temple where we were married. Especially since it was right before our 7th anniversary!

 We threw a baby shower for Stephanie who now has a cutie pie baby boy, Kayson. He was 9lbs 13oz!! Let's just say she is slightly excited to not be pregnant any more.

 I love this picture of Jack at the Flight Museum. He has changed a lot in the past year and I think he looks so handsome in this picture.

 I love Seattle.

 Alki Beach

 

We were able to hang out with Steph Berglind a couple times, which was exciting because I swear she goes out of town for at least part of the time, every time I visit! Jack had to ride in their car the first day we saw them, and he was sad and crying about it. After he got in the car, he looked at Hayden and said, "Hey, you kind of look like me." After that, they were friends and he was done crying. 

Lucy is a few months younger than Anderson but a teeny bit taller! I think the Brownell genes might have a hold on Anderson.

We got to watch Finley Sue Sue while Whitney and Kevin went out for their anniversary. I miss this little cutie!

Idaho Falls

 The rest of our time in Idaho was spent at Justin's parent's house, just hanging out and having fun. We went and saw Bob's new office for the first time. It is so nice! We are so happy for him to have such a great work environment. Anyone in Idaho that needs a chiropractor should go and see him. :)

 We picked tomatoes at Grandma Diamond's house. The boys loved helping and checking out everyone's gardens over the summer. Hopefully we get a house and a garden before my kids leave for college!

 We went and fed the ducks down by the temple. The view is so pretty!!

 One of the best parts is spending time with all the grandparents. I love to have my kids see their grandparents and great grandparents. Hopefully they will look back on these pictures when they are older and have good memories of summer visits.

 Doesn't Justin's dad look just like great Grandpa Heaton?!

The Bar-J

 One of my favorite things to do in Idaho is drive to Jackson Hole, Wyoming and see the Bar-J Wranglers. I have been there many times and it never gets old. We took the boys to show them the antlers downtown Jackson.

 I definitely struggled with the boys while I was in Idaho. We were at an all time low. I know that they were going through a lot of changes and missing their house, belongings, and most of all their dad, but it was really hard for me. Nothing was good enough for them. Instead of being excited about the cool antlers, Jack was crying because there were only elk antlers and not other kinds of antlers. Really? Do we need to cry about this? He kept saying, "This isn't even fun!" Nice, huh? I was bound and determined to have a good time despite the whining and naughtiness. And on top of it, I didn't feel good. Even after all that, I am still so glad we went. It was really fun to be with Justin's family and enjoy the beautiful weather and good conversation, in between the whines.

 Luckily, they both did really good during the show. They thought the "singing cowboys" were really funny and were entertained through the whole thing. If you haven't been there and are in the area, I highly recommend it!

 These are from my Instagram. 

Justin has a picture of him and Ryan (and maybe Stephanie?) that is similar to this. I need to find it and compare them! The older, blond haired Ryan, and the younger, brown haired Justin. What do you think Denise?