Following the family reunion we were invited by my uncle to join him and his family at a resort on the river in WA. The resort is built on a bar in the river. So the river actually goes all the way around. Nearby in all directions are the mountainous cliffs where the river cuts through. Absolutely beautiful there.
My uncle Phil, Aunt Maggie and their daughter Emily (who is my closest cousin in age on this side of the family) her husband Jared, and their kids Rose (2 months older than Gabi) and Phillip(10 months younger than Evan), Chad, Gabi, Evan, Andy, and I all stayed in this 3 bedroom + one hallway bunkbed area condo. We had a fabulous time. The weather was beautiful. The kids played together terrifically and we wore them out going to the park, swimming in the pool and going to the sandy beaches. After we put them to bed we would stay up and play games. In the mornings Uncle Phil would take Andy and go for a walk. Those Uncles of mine really touched my heart the way they loved on my kids. Of all the places we have been who would have thought we would come the closest to nature at the beach. While we were there the kids got to play with adorable puppies, pet a work horse that was coming to the beach to take a dip and cool off, and get up close and personal with some big HUGE beavers.
Andy was obsessed with the boats. He thought since they were parked right outside his window he should be able to ride one. He would walk out into the river headed toward any random boat. When I would tell him no he would ask "which one my boat?". We tried to explain "none of them" but he wasn't buying it. "Oh OK the yeddow one is my boat". My parents drove up and stayed in a nearby campground for a few days. When they arrived the first thing Andy said was "Pops, do you have my boat?"
Gabi and Rose were inseparable. The four older kids all slept in a big loft with three twin beds and one air mattress. The girls would go up there and read or draw during quiet times. They swam together alot. They showered together and did their hair the same style. They built elaborate cities in the sand. They truly bonded. Which was great because Emily and I have been watching them grow up on opposite sides of the country and yet seemingly so similar. I could not wait to get them together. I hope they are able to keep their friendship through Skype and email and even old fashioned pen pals!
Evan and Phillip also had a great time together. Unfortunately Phillip got a little ill during our stay. As a result he didn't feel like eating and didn't have a lot of energy. But they still managed to have fun and as we left Evan said he would "miss Phillip forever and ever".
I am so thankful to Uncle Phil and Aunt Maggie for sharing their vacation with us and allowing our families the time to get to know each other again!
3 comments:
Love the pictures of Andy looking at the older kids. Ryan does it constantly and waits a few days before repeating the behavior....regardless if it is good or bad!
Love the idea of having a good old fashion pen pal...what a great way to practice writing without knowing it. Also I think it is so exciting to get something in the mail.
ohhhh...i am at my parent's house and catching up here. brought tears to my eyes to look at the pics. such fun times and good memories. we do need to skype wiht you guys. hopefully jared is working on some of his pics to share with everyone soon. we leave for ethiopia on sat......excited and nervous!
So neat to see your photos! Mine will be on my site tomorrow! :)
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