I was doing dishes the other night when it got too quiet. I called out for Ataly but didn't hear her. She had somehow managed to climb through the gate at the bottom of the stairs and made it successfully to the top.
I walk into the laundry room and found this pile of clean clothes on the floor, at which time I proceeded to ask Traeger, "what happened?" Silly question I know, but sometimes I would just love to get into the mind of a 3 year old. His answer was plan and simple. "I was just helping you mommy." So how exactly am I suppose to get frustrated at this? I thanked him for being "so helpful" but encouraged him that the most helpful thing would be to leave the clean laundry in the washer for mommy to take care of.
Q: What's one to do with freshly cleaned beach towels that their mommy just folded?
A: Dig them out of the pile and be cute :O)!
Thanks to Taylor and Jimmy for coming over to hang out with the kids while we had a night on the town to celebrate our birthdays. It was so refreshing to hang out with people whom we love, we can laugh with and enjoy good eats!
I feel so grateful for the treasure God has blessed us with. I often feel overwhelmed by the task of motherhood. I don't want to mess up my kids. For the last 3 years I've loved, disciplined and poured my whole self into this little guy (and have said lots of prayers because I can do nothing apart from God ). God is gracious to me. I'm starting to see a few fruits of my labor. Don't get me wrong, there still are some days I wonder if I'm getting anywhere, but for the most part I've been encouraged.
The Library had a great end of summer bash. Free food, games and books galore. The kids loved it!
Monday night after Luke was done with work we packed up the van and headed south. Since it was later and not over nap time the 3 1/2 hour car ride got interesting...at one point Ataly was screaming, she had had enough. So after getting frustrated and ready to be done (but still an hour to go), we all took our turns screaming. It made the stress level a little more bearable and then we all got giggling. We did however take note NOT to travel again unless it's their nap time for at least another year. Traeger's a trooper, always has been. Ataly isn't as great at being in the car for long periods of time.
Waking up at Nana and Grandpa Tim's house was a huge hit with Traeger.
Getting in a quick game of Candyland with Nana before we headed off to Washington Island.
Saying our good-byes to Miss Ataly.
Ataly knew she was in good hands. As we handed her off to Nana and drove away, no tears or screams were heard, just sweet kisses and a gentle wave (that made it easier on mommy). Mommy knew she was in good hands too.
Then the three of us were off on our adventure north to Washington Island. After a 3 hour drive and the trek over on the ferry, we were greeted with huge hugs from everyone and the fun got started. (mom and dad and the P family had been there since Saturday, we showed up on Tuesday)
Our first stop was Jackson Harbor Inn to unload our belongings and then it was off to School House Beach. This is one of three white rock beaches in the country or world (not sure which one). It was a ton of fun.
The water was chilly, but that didn't stop the boys.
Skipping rocks and throwing them in the water kept us all entertained for hours. It's the simple pleasures in life, right!
Grandpa and Traeger on a bike ride after supper.
Keeping their eyes on the finish line.
Once the sun set it was crayfish hunting time.
Pioneer Daze was on the agenda for Wednesday morning.
Each morning Traeger woke up and wanted to head right down to the porch to play games. Candyland, Monopoly, and puzzles were a few favorites. There were no TVs around so it was great to get back to good ol' fashion fun.
"Karfi" took us over to Rock Island for the day. We had a great time exploring and taking in the wonders at Rock Island.
Heading off on our adventure.
K getting in a little cuddle time on the ferry ride.
First things first... fill up our "tanks" so we have lots of energy to explore.
Someone on the island walked by us, did a double take and said, "Are you two twins?"
It's great having a sister.
Dad and Mom Bohn
Our first geo-cache find
The women were way outnumbered this trip, 7-3.
Continuing on to find the lighthouse.
Traeger running on the trails.
All smiles.
Traeger burned all his energy in the first mile and was falling behind, so up on Daddy's shoulders he went.
We made it to the lighthouse!
We heard this plane coming and all went running for the fence.
Getting a little H2O to stay hydrated.
Not the most effective way to get water but it makes for a great picture.
We took a tour of the lighthouse and even climbed to the very top for this spectacular view.
Grandpa, K, and Traeger climbing back down.
The men checking out this cool rock structure on the way down to the beach.
The P family.
A great view of Washington Island.
The boys skipping rocks while we waited for the ferry to pick us up.
Take note of all the green "plants" that Luke led the boys through to get to the beach. Later they found out it was all poison ivy, oops!...
Luke dipping his legs in the water in hopes of washing the poison ivy oils off... so far that worked and no rash has appeared.
Traeger played hard and slept hard all week.
He didn't wake up to eat supper with the rest of us, but don't worry he ate about an hour later.
Hang time with the boys while we waited for our food.
The boys!
Hanging out!
Uncle Adam reading bedtime stories.
Mom and Dad took Traeger back to our place and we went back to the P cottage and played some games with Adam and Cori before we called it a night!
