Call of the Wild, Part II

Last year's camping trip was such a success that we decided to try it again. Unfortunately we learned that a good sequel is hard to accomplish.

Rock was super excited and was willing to cut potatoes and carrots for the tin foil dinners.

 Jens helped out by cleaning the bathroom since DeA mentioned that she wanted it done. What a bunch of good helpers.

 Against my wishes, advice and pleading we brought Winnie Puppy.

 Everyone was worn out and exhausted...and that was on the way there.

 This year we tried a new place up by Conconully. It seemed nice enough when we arrived.

 The kids tried to take Winnie for a walk while we set up camp.

 Winnie was a nice distraction while I was setting up camp.

 The campsite was right next to a little stream where the kids threw rocks and fished. 

 DeA doesn't really love camping.

 Things were a little...less than relaxing. A nice walk away from the campground made things seem a little more serene. 

 The kids had more than enough sweets, treats and snacks.

  Winnie required quite a bit of work, so when she finally fell asleep things calmed down.

 I put the kids in charge of firewood and they were happy to go to work.

 Jens found some wildflowers and gave them to DeA.

 S'mores!

 The first day was pretty fun once every settled in.

 Jens always dresses for the occasion. 

 Lil' lumberjack.

 That used to be a marshmallow. 

 Dressed for success. 

 Look at the kids, all warm and dry. That only lasted a few hours before someone peed all over the place.

 We survived the wet sleeping bags and the lumberjacks got to work cutting wood for the breakfast fire.

 You can't see it but right now Winie is peeing and pooping all over the remaining dry bedding.

 Sometime between Winnie desecrating our tent and lunch the skies opened up and poured down buckets of rain.

 DeAndra proclaimed that she had had enough and requested forcifully that we cut our trip short by two days. At least the ride home was quiet.

 And thus ended the second (and likely last) England family camping trip.

Maybe next year I'll take my birthday camping trip alone.

Apple Blossom

Our traditional England Chiropractic/Lake Chelan Helicopters float for Apple Blossom was a big success.

 Jens broke into the candy early to make sure she got what's hers

 DeA brought along Winnie Puppy to attract the most attention.

 Ryker and Jens manned the helicopter

 Jens was pretty excited.

 Winnie was a big hit.

  The parade was so exciting that Ryker couldn't hold it in any longer.

 Ryker didn't like passing out the candy, but he's willing to do what has to be done.

 Winnie puppy used to cuddle so well when she was little.

Winnie Puppy

Our kids love dogs, especially cuddly and friendly dogs.

 This is Purdy, she is the Schoenwald's dog that loves their cuddles and attention.

  Recently I found a Craigslist ad for lab puppies about two and a half hours away. After messaging back and forth with the owner she asked if we could meet her boyfriend in Ellensburg to pick up the puppy. After a miscommunication between the couple we ended up driving to George via Ellensburg to meet a poor guy that had to do training the next morning. He did deliver the promised puppy which was much, much smaller than I expected. But she was also much cuter than I anticipated, as well. 

 Everyone loved cuddling her and giving her loves and attentions.

 She started out in the house, despite someone's bold proclamation that the puppy would be an outdoor and garage dog.

 Winchester was what Rock picked out, Winnie for short.

So little, so adorable. 

 Even Uncle Nick enjoys her cuddles and Purina farts.