Beating the Heat (Sunday, August 16th, 2020)

 Most of the country has been experiencing record hot temperatures these past few weeks, and Washington is no exception.  The high today is supposed to be 98, so we all decided that it should be a lake day.  The kids met us at the lake in our RV park at about noon.  We all enjoyed a Popeye's spicy chicken sandwich and some french fries and settled ourselves into some lawn chairs for the day.  

We did our best to keep the little man cool, and for the most part he didn't think it was too bad.

But eventually he would get tired of it and give us a grumpy face.

But overall, he thought it was a great day!

His fancy new sunhat was a little bit big, but tying it in the back worked out perfectly.

And when he got sleepy, a damp cloth did the trick to keep him cool and happy.

Picnic at Bonnie Lake (Saturday, August 15th, 2020)

 We knew it was going to be a busy Saturday around town, but we all really had a hankering for Thai food.  Our kids favorite Thai restaurant, Thian Thai, is a few towns away in Puyallup, WA.  We decided to pick up takeout and then find a quiet park where we could eat it.

Finding a quiet park on a hot day, during a pandemic was much more difficult than it sounded.  But we finally found a ball park that was closed for the seasonbecause of the pandemic.  It had beautiful grass, and even a picnic table.  It was the perfect spot for us.

We picked up four Khao Soi (a family favorite) and made ourselves comfortable!

We were graced by this beautiful view of Tapps Lake and Mount Rainier while we ate in this quiet park, so we all decided that it was a perfect photo opportunity.

Another great day in Washington.  Just taking in the sights, and enjoying time with family!

The Coolest New Stroller (Saturday, August 8th, 2020)

 Our son (in-law) is super active, running, swimming, biking...anything to stay in shape.  So this week, after tons of research, he ordered in the Burley biking/jogging stroller.  Our little man is still too small for him to bike or jog, but he loves it for walks around the neighborhood.

They have already taken it on several walks around Dupont, and down to the sound.  I think this was a great investment for them!  And before we know it, they be out running and biking together.

Back at the Ranch (Saturday, August 8th, 2020)

 Our youngest daughter and her boyfriend headed back to Colorado, camping along the way.  It was such an amazing week with them here, although way to short! 

When they got home and checked their garden, they were pleasantly surprise that it did just fine without them.

Our daughter and her boyfriend ended up with 16 quarts of fresh, wild black berries in their cooler to take home.  And rather than rest up after they got settled back in, our daughter chose to make black berry jam...lots of it!

And to their delight, it was perfect!  

Just Enjoying Baby Time (Thursday, August 6th, 2020)

 The most important thing for us while our youngest daughter and her boyfriend were here for their short stay was to make sure that they got lots of baby time.

The men in their flannels.

Matching auntie!

We also made sure that the kids got lots of quality sibling time while we watched the little man in the motorhome.

For two kids that were petrified of babies before they got here, they sure figured it out quickly!  Such a blessing that they got to meet this little man while he's still so tiny!

A Pandemic Birthday Party (Wednesday, August 5th, 2020)

 The craziest thing about this pandemic is the restrictions on gatherings.  No more than 6 people should be together at any time, and you should be around no more than 10 different people in a week.  They are finding that these measures are helping to control the spread of the virus.  Another big no-no is gathering with people inside.  So we have all been trying to do as much outside as possible if we are around other people.  

Our RV park has a beautiful lake and a beautiful deck overlooking the lake. The perfect place for an outdoor birthday party.  Our daughter has been planning this for weeks for her friend Brook, and I have to say...she pulled it off splendidly! The preparations are done, now they are just waiting on the guest of honor.  

These six are what we call a pandemic pod.  They all hang out together, without much other outside interaction, making it a pretty safe way for them to get together.

While these six besties enjoyed a night to themselves, the rest of us got to enjoy as much baby time as we wanted back at the RV.  We were so glad they were able to use this sight to pull off an amazing outdoor celebration!  

More Berries (Tuesday, August 4th, 2020)

 After work today, we took the kids to one of our favorite little towns, Steilacoom.  Typically, we enjoy the restaurants and breweries in town, but because of the pandemic, we are only doing things outdoors.  We have an overlook that we love, so Steve dropped the kids and I off at the bottom of the hill, and we climbed the trail picking berries all the way up.  It has become a bit of an addiction.  

The look of victory!

When we got to the overlook, we enjoyed the sights for awhile, and saw a few harbor seals playing in the sound.  It was so relaxing.

Then back to camp for some snacks and dinner with all of us together.

Sequalitchew Trail, Dupont, WA (Monday, August 3rd, 2020)

When our oldest daughter had the baby fed, changed and happy, they met us at the trailhead of the Sequalitchew Trail, where we dropped off our berries and headed out on a walk to the sound.  The coolest thing about the town of Dupont is the number of walking trails right in town.  This particular trail is about 1.5 miles each way, and runs from the Dupont fire station to the sound.

The little man is really enjoying himself!

When we got to the sound, everyone just made themselves comfortable, enjoyed the beauty and of course looked for seals.  Although there weren't any seals for us here tonight.

Walking back, you can go through this great old railroad tunnel.

When we got back to the house, there were a few deer eating in the bushes.  These deer are residents of Dupont, and you never know exactly where they will show up.

We stopped at the overlook on Old Pacific Highway on our way back home to take in the sunset views.  What a great evening, with the whole family together.