The Puyallup Fair

I love the Puyallup Fair. Last night John and I went with Scott and Ashley Loughran and Jenn and Erik Miles. We had so much fun eating...oh yeah...the rides and animals were cool too.

We started off with Krusty Pups!

Earthquake Burgers and curly fries were next on the, very long, list.

Then Scott got a really good "deal" on some Cascade Ice. (Don't ask.)

Ashley found some of her very own cows.

While the guys rested the girls went on a few rides. We had soooo much fun.

First up was the Roller Coaster.

Jennifer was screaming her head off and Ashley was laughing so hard I thought she was going to wet her pants.

We went on one more ride...The Matterhorn. Not to be confused with the ride at Disneyland. This one played really loud music and went around and round in circles.

The girls...and guys

What is the point of going to the fair if you don't get an Elephant Ear?

In front of the giant pumpkins

Our feet started to get a little tired so we paid 50 cents for a foot message.

Jenn loved it...I think!?!

Funnel cakes and lemonade!

Last but not least...caramel apple.

We had such a great time.

Now I have to go on a diet for sure.

My 4th Grader

Today was Coby's first day of 4th grade at Crescent Heights Elementary. Are you kidding me? I remember when he started kindergarten. He was so shy and scared. I literally had to peal him from my body, throw him in the classroom, and run. I was frustrated at the time but now... he doesn't need me like that and it is a little sad. He's big and no longer "mommy's little boy". Coby is so fun. He is always trying to make people laugh. From the time he was a little baby that has been his main goal...making people laugh and he is good at it. Coby is an amazing natural athlete. He is so fun to watch. He doesn't even have to try that hard. Coby is a deep thinker and very quick witted. Coby is very handsome...I think he looks just like his dad. Our home is full of laughter and happiness because of Coby. I am so glad that he is a part of our family. I love this kid and everyone who knows him loves him, too.

Coby wanted yogurt for breakfast so I picked some up last night. As you can see from his face...he didn't like it at all. Sorry Cobes.

Crescent Height also has a strict uniform policy. Coby picked out these awesome "Rhino" shoes.

Waving goodbye.

Coby was able to meet his new teacher earlier this week. Her name is Mrs. Wahlbrink. She seems like she is going to be very nice. This is her first year at Crescent Heights.

7th Grade

Chance started seventh grade today at Meeker Middle School. I can't believe how old he is. Time goes by so fast it is actually frightening. Chance is one of the sweetest boys I know. I am so lucky to have such an awesome son. It amazes me daily how great he is. Chance has always been so well behaved and smart (he got straight A's last year) and athletic and gorgeous. He is awesome at guitar and he is a great singer. He is caring and he strives to make everyone around him happy. Which he does. He puts a smile on every ones face. He genuinely loves everyone and he is sad when you are sad. You couldn't ask for a better brother. He is forever playing with Gunnar; even when he doesn't want to. In turn, Gunnar thinks he is "the best". Chance is almost taller than me and his feet are way bigger. I am sure he will be taller than me by the end of the school year. It is a frightening thought. Granted, I am only 5ft. 2...but still.

I am so proud of you Chance. You are a wonderful young man and I love you with all my heart.

Because you have to wear a uniform at Meeker...shoes are very important. Chance usually picks Nike's or Adidas but this year he went with DC Shoes. I think he looks very cool and stylish.

He had a few extra minutes before catching the bus so he played a little guitar. He is getting very good.

Bye Chance! Have a great first day.

Ape Caves

On Saturday we took a road trip to the Ape Caves near Mt. Saint Helen's. Jenn and Erik came with us. We had enough room in our car for everyone so I suggested we all ride together. I am not so sure Jenn and Erik were prepared for a three hour drive with three boys. HILARIOUS!!

Jenn and Coby

John, the driver

Relaxing in the backseat watching Napoleon Dynamite

Before entering the caves

Making our decent...

Exploring

Erik had a flashlight that was attached to his head (I am sure there is a name for it, but I don't know it). I was so jealous.

It was warm outside but freezing in the caves. We could see our breath.

The cave went on and on and at the very end it got smaller and smaller.

Chance and Coby crawled to the very end.

Me and Gunn at the end of the cave.

Leaving the caves.

Time for lunch.

After lunch I wanted to drive a little so we could try to see the mountain.

After taking John on the wrong road...for a long time...we finally went down the right road (the one John originally wanted to take but I made him turn around and take the other one...oops). We got out and looked around for a while.

then...Eureka!!

The Mountain!!

A side note...There are two different caves to explore. The one we all went through is very easy. Gunnar had no problem going through it. However, there is another cave going the opposite direction that is extremely difficult. Gunnar couldn't do it but the boys really wanted to try. John and Erik took Chance and Coby through the harder caves while me, Jenn, and Gunnar stayed behind and waited. The cave is supposed to take about three hours to complete. Knowing that we were waiting in the car the guys finished it in about an hour and 40 minutes. I guess there were holes in the ground and giant walls to climb over. They loved it and were so glad they did it. Gunn watched Scooby Doo in the car while Jennifer and I tried to take a nap.

We all had a great time. It is a little sad that we have lived so close to these caves and I had never even heard of them. It makes me want to look for other adventures close to home. I will let you know what I find.