Reno Fun

While in Reno we stayed busy with the kids finding places to stay cool during the hot days. One morning we ventured to Scheels, a huge sporting store similar to a Cabela’s/Bass Pro but with a ferris wheel and arcade style games. On a different day we took the kids to Circus Circus to play more arcade/carnival games and watch their free five-minute circus shows. We also played at a park where the kids and dads rode a cute little train around a pond. Oh, and the kids enjoyed swimming at Grampa & Gramma’s apartment complex!

We were also treated to a double date night with Matt & Cherise while Grampa & Gramma watched all five kids!

Lake Tahoe

After arriving in Reno, our first big outing with the family was a short drive up the mountain to Lake Tahoe. The kids and guys (sadly, I forgot my swimsuit) enjoyed swimming in the beautiful crystal clear water for half of the day. Afterwards we drove to Tahoe City for a nature walk and to see the quaint Truckee River Dam.

Crater Lake

After the lave tube we made it to Crater Lake by late afternoon. We drove to all the lookouts to see this beautiful place. It had been years since my last visit but I still remembered the gorgeous shades of blue and green of the water.

Bend

The next day we visited the High Desert Museum and a lava tube in Bend. The girls enjoyed the hands-on exhibits, nature trails, and animals. The river otters and porcupines were always my favorite from visits years ago.

After lunch we made it to the Lava River Cave for a short hike into the tunnel. We rented a flashlight and made our way through the icy cold blackness. We turned around about half-way because we needed to get back on the road to see Crater Lake.

Family Road Trip

The second weekend in August we embarked on our first ever (with both girls) family road trip. Our destination was Reno, NV to visit my parents and meet up with my brother’s family. We took the middle route on our way down which took us through central Oregon. On our way home we drove the coastal route up the 101. It was fun, but exhausting traveling with little ones. We sure did see a lot though!

We started the trip with a drive along the Columbia River to see the gorge and several beautiful waterfalls. We tried to see Oneonta Falls, but after climbing a giant log jam and wading through knee deep water, we decided not to finish through chest deep waters. Next time we will all bring our swim suits 🙂

That evening we made it to Bend for a short visit with my cousins and their cute kids!

Camano Island

August was a full month! At the start of it we spent a weekend away with Todd’s family on Camano Island. It was a beautiful area and the girls had fun throwing rocks, playing in the sand, and collecting shells at the different beaches. We also visited a sculpture garden with several interesting art pieces.

Swim Lessons

Ada had her first ever swimming lessons at the end of June. She built so much confidence in those 10 sessions and looked forward to them every morning for two weeks. She jumped off the diving board all three times, learned to kick face down in the water, and had lots of fun doing underwater summersaults while waiting by the wall. I ended up buying her goggles because she loved opening her eyes under water so much 🙂

Ballet

Ada took part in ballet this past spring at Dancing For Joy. She enjoyed learning pre-ballet positions along with practicing for the big performance that took place in June at the Mount Baker Theatre. The show was called Narnia Excerpts, and the music and choreography were fantastic. Ada’s class had a 2 min part as the adorable “first sunlight” with glowing tutus. Ada is not sure if she will continue in ballet, but it was a fun learning experience for sure 🙂

River and Camp Out

One warm Saturday a few weeks ago we spent an afternoon playing by the river about half a mile from our house. The girls had fun splashing in the water and exploring the sandy trails. That night, Ada and Todd had fun camping in the backyard.

12 Months

Ruby is a little walker now! She took her first few steps at 11 months but did not truly start walking until a couple weeks after her birthday (in April). She is also almost impossible to photograph. Ruby has to be on the move all the time, very little patience for mom and the camera! She is a pretty happy girl, until someone she doesn’t know looks at or talks to her. Still very attached to her mama 🙂

And yes she does have a shiner on her right eye. I guess bruises come with the territory when learning to walk 🙂