756 Mile Road Trip

756 miles.
13 relatives.
7 pictures.
3 days.
2 nights.
0 dogs
0 Emergency Room visits

Left work on Thursday afternoon and hopped into the car for a quick jaunt to see Grandma Bette, Grandpa Ron, Nana, Poppy, Aunt Linda, Uncle Fred, Cousin Kendyl and Cousin Jordan in the Tri-Cities (that's in Eastern Washington for those of you not from around these parts -- a long way away).











While in town we made a stop at George Washington Park on the Columbia River just to buy some Hawaiian Shaved Ice (and play on the playground) with Poppy.



Before we knew what was happening, we were back in the car and heading to Harstene Island (that's back in western Washington, FYI) to see Grandpa Dave, Grandma Margie, Aunt Rachel and Uncle Steve... plus a bonus visit with Grandpa Joe.

Unfortunately, the photographer failed to snap any pictures of those people. Instead, here is a picture of Alexia on the beach, looking at barnacles. Or possibly looking for Sponge Bob.



It was a whirlwind trip for sure, but I got to show off the cool fence-post caps I installed on the picket fence that no one had seen yet.



There's probably some pics and events that I need to post here between the K9 camp-out and the road trip, but I can't recall what they are right now.

Tonight, Nana and Poppy are here with us as we are getting ready for Mikayla's birthday party tomorrow... Happy 13th Birthday Mikayla!!!! Surely pics will be up in a few days about all that.

~E

K9 Camp-Out

The girl's 4H club hosted a "K9 Camp-Out" at the local fairgrounds a few weeks ago.

This event included two days of dog related classes and activities, plus an overnight in one of the barns at the fairgrounds.


Just ignore the sign at the front gate.


The purpose of the event was to raise money for the 4H club to help pay for club projects and expenses.

Kids from other 4H clubs from across the state were invited and there ended up being more than 50 kids signing up.

AGILITY:
One of the classes focused on dog agility. It's great to give the kids and their pets more time to become familiar with the agility equipment whenever possible. Dog agility is always an exciting sport to watch at the Fair.


AMAZING RACE:
Pairs of kids competed against other teams to complete a set of assigned tasks, in order, to win prizes. Tasks involved transporting a balloon without using your hands, putting curlers in your own hair, transporting an egg on a spoon, finding a 1982 penny in a pool of water... and lots of pennies, eating marshmellows and chocolate syrup without using your hands, plus a host of other get-wet or get-dirty tasks. Lots of fun was had by the participants, but the spectators had just as much fun watching the events take place.




CRAFTS:
Upon their arrival at the fairgrounds, we took a photo of the kid and the dog posing together. That night we had the photos developed and the kids then used the printed photo as part of a craft project. The pictures were 'modge podged' to ceramic tiles and then decorated by the kids. A nice little craft that enabled everyone to bring home something to commemorate the weekend.


FIRST AID:
A local vet came by and taught the kids how to administer first aid to injured dogs. They practiced putting splints on dogs pretending they had broken paws.

MOVIE & POPCORN:
At the end of the first day of activities, the kids were treated to a showing of Beverly Hills Chihuahua and popcorn.

SHOWMANSHIP:
Another popular event at the Fair is Showmanship. Showmanship is where the kids pose their dog for the judge in the ring alongside other dogs.


TREATS:
The kids enjoyed a hands-on class about making their own dog treats.
I didn't get to see the recipe, but I do know that if you happen to find a baggie of unidentified stuff in our freezer, it's wise to check with the kids before you eat it.


All in all it seemed like the event went very well and all the participants (kids and dogs and parents) felt like it was a fun, educational and entertaining event.

~E

Horse Camp 2010

The girls signed up for a week of horse camp at Lang's Horse and Pony Farm for the first week of their summer vacation.

This was their second year of camp, but due to an accidental spelling error you wouldn't know it if you looked at our summer calendar from 2009.


We've been going to Lang's for years. They do a great job with riding lessons and also birthday parties with trail rides.

Having been there on and off for a few years, both girls were familiar with a lot of the horses and both girls ended up with great horses that they had ridden in the past.

Alexia and her horse Sarafina:






Mikayla and her horse Tori:






At the end of the week, parents & guests are invited to watch the horse show where the campers get to exhibit their newly developed skills.

Tanya took some video of the show (including some lovely footage of just dirt) but I haven't been able to get it online just yet. Check back later.

Next up: The K-9 Camp out! (Coming soon!)

~E