Icicle Creek weekend

We just returned from Leavenworth, WA and the Icicle Creek Music Festival. Leavenworth is situated high in the Cascades, about 3 hours drive from our home. I had to play a couple of rehearsals and a concert, and Alan and the boys came along to keep me company and have fun. There were lots of opportunites for them to climb around and explore (i.e. play "Man Vs. Wild"). The location where we stay, the Sleeping Lady Mountain Retreat center, also has an amazing swimming pool that we enjoyed. It's carved out of the side of the mountain, surrounded by rock, and has a waterfall. Here's the website to check it out - www.sleepinglady.com/home

The party continues....

Last night we hosted a 7 year old birthday party for Brielle, Ben, Andrew and Abby. The kids and moms have known each other since they were babies, about a month old. It's been amazing to see them grow up, and for us (the moms) to grow as friends.

The kids don't see each other all that often anymore, but when we do get together they still have a blast! They had tons of fun in the backyard last night, despite a constant drizzle.

Libby brought the cake last night, which is worth a close-up. She took two pictures into Albertsons bakery, and they were able to put them on the cake. My favorite line of the night was when Emma (little sister of Ben) said, "I want to eat Ben's head."

Early Celebration

We celebrated Andrew's birthday a little early yesterday, with a bowling party at our favorite local alley, Acme Bowl. The kids had a great time bowling, eating pizza and cake, and hanging out together. Andrew called it the "best party ever", and is happily working away at some of his new Lego sets today.

We've returned from 8 days of vacation, still a little tired from travel, but happy from having a good change of scenery and pace. Some highlights of the trip:

• Seeing lots of family, and spending time with our friends, Paul, Shannon, Elizabeth and Brett.
• Taking a road trip to Troy, Montana. This was Paul's idea, in his quest to find out if the Troy HS mascot is the Trojan (it is). The drive was gorgeous, and we visited Hope, Idaho, where Shannon's mom grew up, on the way back.
• Lots of swimming, and days hot enough to make the cold lake water feel good!

Here are a few favorite pictures -

The Cedar St. bridge in Sandpoint at sunset

Paul at the entrance to the town of Troy, MT

Andrew and Ryan, 3rd cousins and best buddies

Elizabeth, Andrew, Sam and Brett on the Long Bridge in Sandpoint