Vancouver Visit

We loaded up the family (including Grandma!) into the Camry and headed to The 'Couve (Vancouver, Washington) to visit family and celebrate a couple of birthdays. Another reason I really wanted to go is because two of my cousins have had babies that we had never met!

Carson & Ellie with Grandma Betty Lou and Papa Doug (their GREAT-grandparents)

The drive was interesting to say the very least. As we approached The Dalles, Oregon we decided it was time to stop for lunch. And probably because the car was so packed, and people were in need of a break, we decided against the "road-trip norm" fast food stop and chose a "Cousins" restaurant where we could sit for a little while, eat, and re-coop. And, as we were leaving, Tayler insisted on the following photo opportunity for her and Grandma Shanna:

Carson with Grandma Betty Lou

In Vancouver we had such a good time. Brian, Carson and I stayed with my cousin David, his beautiful wife Khristina, and their adorable daughter Ellie. They were such great hosts. Not only were there fresh baked (delicious!) cookies for us to snack on, but in the morning, a scrumptious breakfast was made for us! Carson had a great time getting to know his cousin. They played with toys, with each others feet, with their own feet, and giggled at each other. It was seriously so precious. Brian, David, Khristina and I also got to have a really nice visit while we were there, which we need to do more often! Growing up I got to see my cousins quite a bit, and I want Tayler and Carson to have that same opportunity. Khrisitina and I kept talking about the fact that we needed to make sure to get these kids together frequently! Hopefully there can be a few more trips that way this summer.

Ellie Grace

Ellie and Carson both shared their toys so well. They were so sweet to each other!

Seeing these two together seriously made my week!

Me with Carson & David with Ellie
Tayler was given a choice on where she would stay the night. She decided that she'd like to stay at Aunt Susan's house with Lindsey (my cousin). Lindsey not only has really cool stuff in her room, she also let's Tayler play dress up in her old formal dance dresses and some of her clothes. Tayler was in pure heaven. Aunt Susan also gave Tayler a pair of leopard print slippers (Lindsey has matching ones), took her to another cousins soccer game, but she also let Tayler have a wonderful time with her digital camera! When we came to get my mom (she stayed with her parents) and Tayler from my Grandparents house, Tayler had quite a collection of candid photos on Susan's camera. One included a photo of Grandma Shanna with a towel on her head, post shower! But, sadly, I'm fairly certain I'd be removed from the will if that photo made blogger....so, you'll just have to trust me....it was funny!

We headed home in the afternoon on Sunday. We stopped at the Outlet Stores in Troutdale and got a couple of things at the Gap. Then, we made the drive....which I'm fairly certain got longer than I'd remembered on the way up. But, after a very, "snug" car ride, we made it home sweet home.

I'm really so happy that we were able to go over to Vancouver. My husband was a good sport.......visiting with all of my family can some time be overwhelming. And although he might not beg to make that drive again, I'm pretty sure he enjoyed himself while we were there.

Grandma Betty Lou and Papa Doug with their newest GREAT - grandchildren.

Ellie Grace (6mo)

Carson Lawrence(5 mo)

Ethan Gentry (7 weeks)