More Water Fun

These two collages were from photos Jeff took at Emerald Lake.

Jeff and Marianne joined us in Cashmere for the afternoon and we took them to one of our favorite spots on the Columbia/Wenatchee Rivers.

It was over 100* so we all jumped right into the water!

What a beautiful day!

Kettle River

Day two was spent on the peaceful Kettle River swimming, playing in the sand and relaxing. Brooke had a great time being the official "lifeguard on duty".

Even Precious got to go swimming (not voluntarily though).


Brooke discovered sand and had a wonderful time putting it in her hair and dropping it.

Kent tried to find some fish but was not that lucky.

Kent swam across the river and picked an apple for Brooke. It was tart but she liked it! We were so proud of our little girl. She had no nap all day but was having the best time.

Emerald Lake

The first morning we went on a five mile hike into Emerald Lake. When Brooke got tired of the Ergo backpack she got to ride on Daddy's shoulders and even play "dentist"!

Brooke's uncle Jeff loves the water! She cried a few times because of the splash, but after awhile she figured out that diving into the water wasn't a bad thing.

Mr. Frog enjoyed the warm Washington sun.

Brooke loved spending time with her Auntie Marianne.

Kettle Falls Fun

With school quickly approaching we were excited to get a last chance to enjoy the warm summer days in beautiful northeastern Washington. To make the trip even more special, Kent's Uncle and Aunt were also visiting.

Kent and his dad try and get the motorcycle running...

Brooke and I enjoying all the entertainment!

Kent's parents have a new feature on their property, a beautiful gazebo and after a lot of logging, an incredible view. The gazebo was made by Kent's dad and his neighbor. They did a fantastic job!

One of the best parts was the fact that it was a baby-proof environment (except for the opening that I sat in front of).

We enjoyed a Danish meal with all the fixings! (Thanks for the photos Jeff)

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D.C. at Night

We spotted a free concert of "The President's Own" Marine Band on Thursday so we got on the metro and made our way to the grassy lawn beside the Washington Monument.

Kent and I enjoyed their selections especially their first piece Concord. I especially enjoyed hearing the great horn solo followed by a horn duet.

You never know what you might see when in D.C.. Right above us, President Obama flew in Marine One right by the Washington Monument to the White House!





I love D.C. at night!

On the last evening we walked all the way to the hotel from the Mall. We wanted to stop by the White House to hopefully get a glimpse of something interesting or pet the President's dog... that didn't happen this time! The evening before, Dad, Jennifer, Shaelynn and Taylor were at the White House and saw a security guard bring Bo outside. The dog ran up to the tourists at the gate and the crowd went wild! How fun!

Arlington Cemetery

Arlington Cemetery is such a moving place to visit. Very dramatic and touching.

We had heard the gunshots from a funeral but did not expect to see this sight. For my mother and I it was one of the most amazing sights we had seen the entire trip. These men rode the horses so stately and quickly up this hill; we were in awe.

The changing of the guard ceremony happens every hour of the day, 365 days a year at the tomb of the unknown soldier.

Family Entertainment at the Zoo

While at the zoo we watched quite a disgusting act... After picking his nose and then eating it, this orangutan threw up! The video tells you the rest of the story.

National Zoo and Cathedral

Both the Zoo and Cathedral were north of our hotel so we decided to make it a trip. Took the metro up to the zoo and did quite a bit of walking. Brooke loved the giant pandas!

She enjoyed watching the orangutans until they got up to the glass only inches away from her. Luckily Grandma Carol was there to comfort her!


It was a really neat walk up to the Cathedral through some beautiful quiet neighborhoods.


Brooke liked the cross stitched kneeling pillows in the children's chapel because they had animals on them. She especially liked the kittens.

It's hard to show how magnificent the National Cathedral is from a photo. The stained glass windows are so unique, especially the space window that has a piece of moon rock in it! We got to sit back and enjoy an organ recital on one of the largest organs in the United States. What an experience!

Metro Friends

One of the best forms of travel in Washington, DC is the metro system. It's so easy to use, relatively inexpensive and usually pretty quick.

"We're going there."

My mother decided she had to get a tourist shot of us boarding the metro. As she took this photo the doors closed with us four inside and her outside! Woops! We all waited around for a few minutes and she arrived safely. Mom, was it worth the photo?! :)


Brooked LOVED the metro. Every stop she had new people to make friends with. She waved and said "hi" to everyone entering. Once seated she would make sure that all the attention was on HER by 'fake' laughing and staring at whoever she wanted to talk to. If the person did not look and smile she continued the pursuit by laughing louder and louder! Most people thought this was the cutest thing ever and just loved this happy outgoing baby... but after a few days of this we started to get a little embarrassed!