Where's Brody?

While in Idaho over the summer, one of the truly funny stunts pulled by my youngest and two of her cousins ended with this picture:

You can imagine the story that precedes the picture :-). I must have been downstairs. Tawna had gone somewhere and let me know she had gone. What I am trying to say is that I KNEW the kids were in my charge. I just kind of let that responsibility slide for just a minute.

When I realized the house was pretty quiet, I went upstairs looking specifically for her youngest son. I called out, no one answered. I checked around a few of the rooms and checked outside. I heard nothing in response. I realized I had somehow lost my nephews, who were under MY care.

Oh no!

That panic feeling comes back pretty easily, just thinking about this.

However, I went into the computer room one more time and saw what you see now. Those little rascals think they are soooo smart. . . .

Charmin -- We all go, why not enjoy the go?

I took my girls to Costco tonight just to grab a "few things". My older daughter made multiple requests of food as we bustled around the store as quickly as possible (always - right?). I said no to the pumpkin Halloween cookies that kids can decorate, I said no to the produce room that is always fun to explore. I can't really remember the other things I denied my children :-).

When she started to lose control and really turned on the whining, I still said no. She said, "Mom never buys us anything good." My youngest daughter then chimed in helpfully to her sister, "but, look, Mom bought us all this toilet paper."

 I did break down and buy the girls a $.25 gum ball out of the machine. See, I'm not so bad.

Pack-Jammed

I've been looking over summer pictures and just wishing I could roll back time. We had another great summer. You know, I am very grateful for a husband who works so hard to give our children and I such great summers. He really misses out on all the fun.

I could do a million pictures, but I will have to try and single out all the fun and stretch it on until next summer. You'll just get a few at a time :-).

Each picture has a story. 

Fourth of July with the Mattsons (my sister); we went on a little walk. Captain Eli was in charge and let Peter Pan (my daughter) come along.

My Little Thief -- we always visit cemeteries in Idaho and I'm not sure where she found these pretty flowers but, I am certain they didn't get put back where they belong. I didn't take this picture so I really have no part in this thievery.

My child was missing his WA friends and thought he would take a "selfie" to let them get just a glimpse of how much fun he was having in Idaho.

After driving for 10 or so hours, we rounded the corner on I-90 and transferred over to I-405. The sweet Bellevue city skyline comes into view. I am always awed by the beauty of that panorama. It really is very pretty (especially at night). My daughter's observation: "This place is pack-jammed."

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