Holden pt. 2

Although Holden is not far from our home on a map, it takes three modes of transportation and many hours to get there. We needed to drive 3 plus hours, take a 1.5 hour boat ride and then a 30 minute bus ride up the hill. We had one tired and excited boy. Here are some pictures from our time mostly on the boat and waiting for the boat. One shot I included is of a frustrated boy. We saw that face tons on the boat if we attempted to hold him back from running every which way.

First trip as a family to Holden Village

Holden Village is part of the Lutheran tradition. It is a wonderful space for rest, hiking, education, worship and communal living. We were blessed with the opportunity to live in the Village for several days. Our days were wonderful, but the nights a struggle. We believe that living with 200 people, flirting, playing with friends and being out of his environment, made it very difficult for good sleep. I didn't take my camera out much during our stay. The last one here has the back of one of Charlie's buddies at Holden, Jack. They had tons of fun playing together. So much so, that I couldn't get a photo with them both looking at the camera.

Trip to Yakima to can tomatoes & see family

We recently returned from a trip to can tomatoes, visit family and Holden Village. Ironically, I did not get any pictures of tomato canning. Something about having tomato juice all over your hands, leads to no camera time. Anyway, here are a few shots from the remainder of the weekend. Charlie loved playing on his grandparents farm with his aunt Erin!

Charlie loved the new grass that grandpa Bud planted. He kept running and then falling flat on his stomach. Each time a huge laugh came out of him. Here is a shot of one of his landings.
Uncle Will invited us to come watch him load up his truck with hops. Here Charlie is holding tight to his own vine of hops and studying what his uncle is doing. The next shot is Uncle Will on top of the bails and Tom and Charlie on their way to see him up close. We had some awesome clouds!

Corn, Finger Painting & Friends

Our little picky eater has figured out the greatness of sweet, summer corn. After watching his parents eat off the cob, he now will only eat corn off the cob. Here is a picture of him enjoying his corn.

I bought Charlie a set of finger paints. We have now created two pictures. Charlie doesn't quite get the concept of needing to put his fingers on the page - he tries to shake the paint off his fingers. However, he was really proud of what was created. These two pictures are now on display at our home. For any other young parents thinking of doing this. We learned quickly that nakedness is the best way to go.


Emmett came over to eat lunch and play with Charlie. Tom and I enjoyed having Dana over as well. Although the boys aren't looking at the camera, this is a good shot of them playing on the couch.