End of Summer

We didn't go home after Black Butte. Well, we had to send Darren home, but the rest of us went to Eugene to keep the party going! I insisted on doing one of my favorite things: feeding the ducks! Even though there was a new sign at the park saying it's against the rules, we sorta pretended we didn't see it. I knew Erica would love it.I didn't realize how much Justin would love it! He was so brave, letting them eat the bread right out of his hand, much to his Aunt Jenni's distress.Then the boys did a little fishing with Grandpa.My miniature golfers. Justin got a hole in one!The reason we just HAD to go back to Grandma's house was to see Melanie and the fam! Wow, those kids have grown. It was SO great to see them and get to know them again. And I loved meeting my new nephew, Joshy! He's a sweetie.the girlsthe boysWhen it was time to go home, we took the party home with us to Seattle! Aunt Jenni was kind enough to accompany us home and it was SO great to have her on the drive home. She played with the kids and even babysat while Darren and I went on a date. We did a lot of playing too. We visited the troll under the bridge.The obligatory nose-picking picture.We had a little picnic on the temple grounds.The boys came home from the Mackley's Knight Camp in this adorable getup! Very picture-worthy.I really wanted to take Erica to the zoo and Justin couldn't even remember his last visit, so Jenni provided the perfect excuse to get out there. See the leopard?This is Erica looking at the elephant. She especially loved watching the meerkats. She cried when I finally pulled her away!
Then Michael showed up for the weekend and we showed him the city.
Thanks for such a fun visit, Michael and Jenni!Fun at the space needle fountain with friends.Erica's first ever summer watermelon!And my favorite way to finish the summer is at Safeco field! This was Erica's first game and she got soooo tired by the end, but refused to give into sleep.