WSU Home Opener and Snow!

Uncle Trek had his first home game at WSU yesterday. The weather was predicted to be snowing, and snow it did! The game ended up being cancelled before it even started. The kids were so bummed but the game on Sunday will now be a double header with clear skies in the forecast, so we might head up again. Parker was SO happy to see snow again. Callie cried in the car because she was so cold. lol.

Another Incidental Absence

Where did I go again? Well, summer wrapped me up and gave me a warm snuggle. It took me away and we had fun! We've already done so much cool stuff this summer, so I don't know where to start to fill you in on all the MORE fun us Stemp's have been having, but I will try. We took an adventure to Silverwood Theme Park, we did some camping, lots and lots of home projects, swimming, baseball games, went to the local fair, and upcoming, had Callie's 4th birthday party. I know it might sound corny, but man, I love my little family so much. I had so much fun with the kids this summer, I really hate to see it end. And we all know how much I love the fall, so that is saying a lot! It's back to school time. Time for Callie to start 2 day preschool and Parker to move up to 3 day in a PreK program. School time means homework, routine, schedules, blah blah blah. I really am going to make an effort not to get into a boring rut that this time of year means to me. What that looks like, I don't really know. Here are some fun pictures from our summer.

Surprise Trip

We had a secret trip planned over the weekend for the kiddos. It was fun listening to them guess where they thought we were going. Guesses included: Disneyland, a baseball game, camping, the mountains, on a boat... Cory took the day off and we loaded up in the car...3D movies and all!

After a long drive, we walked through the gates and what is that sign?!

OH- We're at the Portland Zoo!!!! Yay!

Going on a train ride around the zoo....All Aboard!!!

After the zoo, we went out for dinner to a great little brewery by our hotel called BJ's. I would highly recommend it. Plus, we were starving!

Callie couldn't believe they had ribs on the kid's menu! Yum!!

After dinner, we checked into our hotel which had a pool and a fitness center. We all enjoyed the pool and hot tub.

I was being a good girl and did a training run at the fitness center. After a long day of walking the zoo, I didn't get my full 2 miles in and ended up only going 1.5 miles. I was still happy I managed to get something in while on vacation. I'm usually a slacker!

The next morning, we got up and went to a restaurant just for Parker...Slappycakes! It's a make-your-own pancake sorta place and it was worth the wait!

The kids opted for buttermilk pancakes with bananas and chocolate chips. The bring your toppings separately so you can enjoy however you like to make your cakes. There is a grill right at you table that the staff turns on. You each get your own flipper too!

Some of us were more excited than others...

After a quick call to update the Granparents, we were on the road to our next destination...

SEASIDE!

There was a beach volleyball tournament going on in the main part of the beach.

We went to the Aquarium and met this guy...

The kids got to touch all kinds of little creatures..

We went to the arcade where Callie was on a winning streak...

We headed back to the beach to play the rest of the day away...

We made it home late, but it was so fun! Putting my toes in the hot sand felt so nice and hearing the Ocean again was awesome. The kids were bummed we didn't stay on the beach longer, so next time we will have to get a hotel at the beach. They are already asking to go on another "surprise trip".