Family - Vaca Day 3

Monday morning, Clan McDonnell was out hunting and gathering early. We loaded the car and put Seattle in the rear view mirror. That put us on Hwy 2 east through the Cascade Mountains.


We made the summit in fine form. The descent...not so much.


So we pulled into the next little town upon which we came. Herzlich Willkommen zu Leavenworth! Nothing settles the road weary stirs like Bavarian sausage and pilsner.



We approached the border still early in the day. The RCMP looked us over as Caden slept peacefully in the backseat. "Sir, are you bringing any alcohol or tobacco into Canada today?" "Well, hmmmm. I have two warm beers in the trunk from a couple days ago. You want one?" "I can't concentrate on beer and my job at the same time...enjoy your travels in Canada."

With that we pulled into Osoyoos, BC. Brother in law Trevor and the Kurth family owned the Sandy Beach Motel on Osoyoos Lake, selling just a couple months back. We've heard stories of it for a decade and I imagined it a sleepy lake lost in the hinterlands of BC. In reality its more like the Mazatlan of BC...kids and tourists running everywhere.




After dipping our toes in the lake, we made the day's final destination. Oliver, BC for a meet and greet with Grandpa Lyons and Grandma Mo.

Family Vaca - Day 2

Up and on the road early once again. We sped right through central OR, admiring hay farm after hay farm. Made Portland and checked in with our friends Sean and Bonnie and their 3 mo. baby girl Taylor Kate. Thanks to the Sully's for the fine brunch. It was so delicious we never even thought of the camera.

We made it through WA, with heavy delays in Olympia. 4pm we made our final destination, Seattle with Clan McDonnell. Had a great visit and stay with Matt, Eileen and Braedon. Matt hand picked some Puget Sound oysters and clams and we spent the evening throwing whiffle balls and eating off the bbq. Thanks for the hospitality!

Family Vacation

3am Saturday and we're pulling out of the ranch. Pointed the car due north and hit the skinny pedal. Canada or bust. Sun came up a bit after 5am and we were well north of LA. After breakfast somewhere in dustville I-5, we loaded G in back with the lil guy. Half an hour later my co-pilot and navigator fell prey to the monotony.


10 hours in and someone is bored. "Momma how far is Canada?"


Every couple hours or so we made use of a rest stop. Stretch the legs, snap a pic and right back to the road.


We made our way north of Shasta with pleny of sun light available.


We made Eugene OR by 9p. I was too tired and too hungry to lift a camera. Over 1000 miles and we were doing well.

Quick lil chubby cheeks

With all the heat, we've been letting Caden crawl around in his diaper. It was just a matter of time before lil chubby cheeks figured out a way to create a cool breeze. He can pull it off in about 2 seconds.

Round Pen

Found a good deal on some corral panels and decided to make a round pen for the horses. Still need to lay some sand on it. Just getting it up and even was a big enough project for one Sunday.

Dog is my co-pilot

Maybe the reason Cdog has been happy to crawl around and doesn't seem close to walking is that he spends so much time with Sammy and Lizzie. Then again, maybe I should stop calling him Cdog. 15 months old today!!!

Father's Day on the Ranch

Nothing says Father's day like a Father and son, some grilled meat and chilled sliced peaches. Mmmmm mmmm.

Happy Birthday Daddy

After a birthday dinner fit for a king. Wee Caden and I split a cupcake.

Rice and Beans

There are some things that wee Caden doesn't really get from his mom and me. Take rice and beans for instance. Gayle and I love 'em. Just click the pic for full detail.

Caden's First Horse

We went for dinner to our friends Rebeca and Jesus. Jesus trains horses for a living and has a few of his horses at their place. Caden has been near horses but never actually touched one. Lil buckeroo couldn't stop laughing.

Day at the Beach

So we took the little man down to Mary and Jason's for a dip in the pool. And by pool I mean big blue, the mighty Pacific. And well...yes by dip I mean literally dipping a toe in the ocean to see if Caden screams like a banshee.

Happy Birthday Grandad

Clan gathering in Ocean Beach to celebrate Grandad's Birthday. Had a great time playing with all the Kurth Cousins. Caden had a couple of firsts. I sat him down on grass for the first time. He took to it like I placed him on a red hot stove. Next time I'll include a blanket. We also got to try some whip cream. Mmmmm mmmm.

Check it out

Barney Rubble getting ready to swim at the Slate Quarry BBQ.

Chillin Poolside

Got word from Gords..."pool is now open" Caden took to water like an agitator in a super duty machine. Had a great time with some good friends.

Sunday Heat

The day began nice and cool. We had some morning playtime. Little did we know temps would rise into the triple digits by early afternoon.

Charlie's natural mode of transportation is cruising. He can side step along any wall, chair, couch or person to get where he needs to go. Caden on the other hand, is a drop and crawl machine. He showed a particular liking to pushing the bedroom door open to wake a napping cousin, aunt or uncle.

Here's our morning. Caden quite enjoyed playing with empty yogurt cups. Ah the simple things in life...