An Evening with Messi (and Nick)

Argentina played in Seattle during the Copa America Centenario. I couldn't resist so Rock and I went to watch. We spent the afternoon with Nick in downtown Seattle. That included Pike's Place and the giant ferris wheel.

 I overestimated the size of the crowd and pre-game festivities which left us with some time to kill. Cotton candy helped fill the void.

 and pizza.

 and picture in front of the field.

 It started to rain and Rock realized that his coat was still in Uncle Nick's pickup. We improvised a hood from a flag.

 GOAL!!!

 Argentina beat Peru 3-0. Vamos Argentina!

 We spent the night with Nick and Rock crashed almost immediately when we arrived.

Dinner in Stehekin

 Dad flew Mom, DeA and I up to Stehekin for dinner at Courtney's Ranch. As always it was a pretty flight.

 Rainbow Falls was still pumping a lot of water.

 Cheeto was ready and waiting at the airport to shuttle us around the valley.

 The first stop is always at the bakery (because they closer earlier than the other places).

 Rainbow falls was just as pretty from the ground.

 The Stehekin River.

 Up at High Bridge.

 DeA wasn't content to look at the river and gorge, she had to throw rocks off of the bridge. 

 Always the prettiest.

 The prime rib and grilled chicken dinner was fantastic.

 The view toward home.

 I guess all that fun was just too much to handle and now we know why the kids do the same thing.

 The boys' baseball picture were top notch.

Waning Days of Summer

The kids discovered the joys of riding bikes and taking sweet jumps. It's been a constant part of their summer, along with looking rad.

"Yeah, I'm wicked cool. What about it?"

Sometimes your sister's helmet is easier to find and your boots are by the door while your shoes are somewhere else and you end up looking like this:

And sometimes you need some help with the wind and swimming goggles are all you can find.

Jens doesn't need accessories to look adorable.

All the bike riding and running and playing has worn Rock right out.

Despite all the hard work riding bikes the kids have still taken time out to smell the roses and squeeze in some fishing.

Jensley, DeA and our outdoor puppy.

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.