Flag day and Family Fun

A couple of weeks ago Brenda and I had a chance to get away while some friends took our kids to the coast camping.  This meant we had about 4 nights child free on our hands and that is all I needed to turn the key on the BMW and head out of town.  We decided we should go to Joseph OR.

The weather was perfect while we were there.  The view of Wallowas was also something to behold.

Brenda and I also got to eat a great little pub and grill.  The view was something else.

I usually do not get to be in any of the pictures, so this is just proof that I was actually here.  May I also say that the BMW does look great as well.

There was a flag day parade a couple of weeks ago and I had the kiddos all to myself in the morning so we headed out and I had to check it out.  The boys had the prime spot right in front of some older people who did not run out and get the candy that was thrown, so James and Matthew go tot take a huge bag that must have weighed about 15lbs home.  They were troopers and had a great time as well.

Go America.

The other day Matthew was messing around int he front yard before I got home and got hit in the head with the swing right before I got home.  It kind of looks like the kid is growing  horn, but it went away in a hour or two.  What a trooper.

This past weekend we had Paula, Kevin and the kids in town along with Jim and Sandi.  It has been sweltering in Spokane for the past 2-3 weeks with temperatures over 90 being the norm and a couple of days it was  well over 100.  Without AC in the house and all those guests it was a bit hot, so we took the opportunity to hit up a few of the local lakes.  A benefit of the hot temps is that the lakes have warmed up far faster then ever before and thee water temps were perfect.

Brenda and Lindsey enjoying all that Coeur d'Alene Lake has to offer.

The fast we don't have a boat did not deter this redneck yacht club from forming.

Matthew and Colin had a good time on the beach as well.  I did manage to get a  sunburn, but was thankful that it was just me and not the kiddos.  I can imagine what it is like to have a toddler with a bad sunburn...but I bet it stinks.

Matthew generally wakes up very happy and in a good mood, but does not always have such good hair.

One of the fun things I really enjoy doing with friends or family when they are in town is heading to downtown Spokane and hitting up the carousel.  A fun time was had by all riding it twice.

The fact that Matthew does not know how to write or read did not deter him from playing "Words with Friends".  Why should it stop him, it does not stop me.

 We had a chance to snap a family pic at Manito Park and it turned out quite nice.  We had a blast with all of the family in town and I was just glad to get a few days off of work.