Pepper and Patrick

This summer we were so lucky to have our nephew Patrick, who is the eldest of the grandkids on the Fackenthall side, came to visit and work with Jo. He must have a natural ability to connect with kiddos because Pepper immediately became attached to him.  She made it very evident that she thought he was the coolest person around, and rarely gave him a break. He was always so patient with her. He would take her on walks to visit our neighbor horses and play with her whenever he had a work break. He even tolerated her little kisses! One hot day Jo made him mow our weed patch with her in the backpack. She loved it and Patrick hardly even complained! Pepper will always have a special place in her heart for her eldest cousin.

Celebrating 9 Years!

For our anniversary this year (only a month late), Jo and I decided to keep it simple. We have been wanting to get up into the mountians for backpacking but I have been fighting an upper respiratory illness for over a month now, so I felt that car camping was all I could handle. We headed back up to our favorite spot in the Wallowas, the Lostine Valley. It was warm and beautiful, and so relaxing to chill with just the two of us. We were able to do a great day hike up towards Eagle Cap and then still had time to sit in the sun by the stream at camp.
We both feel so blessed to be married to our best friend, and still enjoy being together so much.
Thank you to John, Pat and Patrick for taking care of our girl while we were gone. She had such a great time with you!

Happy Birthday Daddy Jo!

Happy Birthday to an incredibly amazing husband and dad. We love you so much!

Afternoon Reading

I am not sure what inspired Pepper to try on a pair of Uncle Ralph's gently used socks and peruse a newspaper, but I guess it is a little tribute to the uncle she loves so much.

Summer Fun!

There is nothing more fun than hot weather, cold water and a cute red convertible. 

Oh, and hanging out with cousins and Grandma Pat is pretty neat too!

What Big Eyes You Have!

Somehow we finally convinced Peter that he needed to participate in the face painting excitement. Jo started with a perfectly acceptable tiara, but of course could not stop there. Soon Peter had the weirdest, very real looking eyes painted on his eyelids. It was a little unnerving to have him "look" at you with his eyes closed. I never stop being impressed by my husbands talents...

4th of July!

One of Pepper's favorite treats

Auntie Allison is the best!

Loving a lazy summer day

We had a fun family crowd this year at 4th of July at the Park. Ralph, Heather, Allison and Andrew were in town, and then Peter, Joy and the girls, as well as all of us local Walla Wallans. Pioneer Park is set up each year with lots of yummy food booths, as well as other retail booths, and then entertainment all day by the gazebo. We camped out and ate all kinds of great things like shave ice, vegeburgers, curly fries, and fresh chocolate dipped ice cream bars. Too long after Pepper's usual nap time we headed home, only to have Pepper fall asleep for 10 minutes in the car and then wake up at home never to sleep again... well until bedtime. Needless to say, we were not able to keep her up for the big fireworks show this year. We did make sure to let her see examples of big fireworks on YouTube so that she could be excited all day every time there was a pop or boom. Next year we'll make sure she gets a nap!