Toward the end of July, Wyatt, Oaklee, and I had the opportunity to go to Washington to visit Amanda. We went with Dawn and her children and my parents. I am in desperate need to go back already! The drive up went pretty smooth but it was about 16 hours total in the car due to some long breaks. The boys did awesome and never cried. The girls, however, took their turns crying. Mostly they got restless when we were about 2 hours away. The way back was so much better with only 3 stops and NO crying at all. Too bad the reason the way back was better was because all 4 were sick. Wyatt came down with something while we were traveling there. I think he picked up a virus from Lagoon a couple days before we left. That virus went through Wyatt, Tanner, Kylee, Oaklee, Dawn, Amanda, & Jaycee. Some are still recovering from it. I'm sorry!
 |
| Beautiful scenery! The drive is so pretty once you hit the later part of the Oregon drive. |
We got in on Thursday night to pizza awaiting for us. Our hosts were the kindest ever with 9 kids and 4 adults imposing on them. Friday we just bummed around, exercised while viewing the neighborhood, and finally shopping for food at Costco and Winco. Saturday, we headed to the caves under Mt. St. Helens. Here is some of us ready to explore!
 |
| Everyone made it in except Wyatt and Tanner. They were too scared to go in so they stayed up top with Grandpa. |
 |
| Mom was the culprit of shining the lights in our eyes! |
 |
| Jaycee being so brave! |
 |
| The caves lasted about 15 mintues tops because other kids got nervous and we weren't prepared with enough light. I could have kept going further in. Maybe next time! |
 |
| Waiting to explore more of Mt. St. Helens while babies were being fed. |
 |
| Climbing the rocks and you can see Mt. St. Helens in the background. It was so pretty! |
 |
| Awkward kid photo when Mom makes you hold hands! |
Saturday night we made burritos for dinner and just sat and talked. We went to church on Sunday and then had my Mom's uncle and aunt over for dinner. After dinner we patiently awaited for the finale of The Bachelorette! Monday we went to Multonmah Falls and then went and shopped some outlets for a few mintues.
 |
| We were lucky enough to vacation with Brad! (Still trying to come up with a better celeb) |
Tuesday was the beach day at Seaside, Oregon. We debated on going because 3 of the kids were sick. But we were a little selfish and decided to still go and hope they felt better by morning. Most were doing ok excpt little Oaklee. She slept the whole drive and on the beach.
 |
| This is how she was the whole time. I feel guilty now that I didn't take her out into the water. Let's hope their is a next time next summer! |
 |
| Wyatt and his best buddy! |
 |
| On our way back their was this whole that was dug. So, I had the kids get in so I could take a pic! |
 |
| Cutest couple and the best hosts ever! Bradanda! |
 |
| Big smiles for a boy who cried over the sand touching him and not feeling well. |
 |
| Baywatch Trevan! I can't believe I got this pose! |
I'm sad that's where my pictures ended from our trip. Wednesday we went back to the outlets to look a bit more. Some kids stayed back at Manda's and played in the water. Thursday we cleaned up a little bit to come home and then Mom thought we needed to do something fun so we went to Ikea. We were there forever! Friday, well we left early and got home late. I enjoyed the trip so so much and wish I could go back sooner. It would have been better if Kyle and Jason would have been able to be with us, but we still managed to have a blast. Thanks again for all the memories!
The kids had so much fun bowling. I think Dawn's kids had the most fun. But, they should since this was their first time bowling. I definietly want to go again. Hopefully, I can get there before the summer special is gone. We have had the best summer yet. It's been filled with so much fun. I am sad to see the summer coming to an end.
