ERICKSON FAMILY VACA

Happy Anniversary to the wonderful grandparents who started this family 50 Years ago!!! To celebrate this amazing milestone with them almost the whole family of 43 gathered together at Moose Manner in Island Park, ID (about 30 miles from West Yellowstone, MT) for a weekend of fun.

Canoeing The River

Jessica safely buckled in between my parents and so happy not to be in a car seat
Uncle Casey, the newest family addition Spencer, and Justin who loved on that baby ALL weekend

Sister Riki Lee and Me

Sisters Ryanne and Amber

Grandad Scott, Grandma Karen and Justin. Justin had a great time and said things like "coming on hot" when they were about to pass you and once Amber and Josh passed them and was chanting we're #1 we're #1...Justin not to be discouraged chimed in We're #2, we're #2!!
Our boat had a little leaking but didn't delay us any. Older sisters always know how to work the system so it ended up being me paddling in front, chad paddling in back with Jessica in his lap and Riki kicking it in the middle enjoying the ride

The water was not warm at all!!!

FuN In GaMes

There was a "Survivor" themed baby shower for Spencer (and parents). So of course there would be a little kid worm eating contest. Some kids shoved the whole bowl in there mouth at once....Justin downed them one at a time with a little help from Jessa...and won!!!

Chad played the daddies drink from a bottle game. And not to be out smarted (he is pretty resourceful) or out done.. on the word "go" he pulled out his pocket knife, slit the top and beat out the competition. Way to represent!!!!

Justin in a relay race

Jessa and my brother Josh

RoAsTiNg MaRsHmAlLoWs

Justin and his cousins...well, my cousins...got along so great and had so much fun playing together.

Yummy!

HaWaIi 5-0

It was my Moms 50th birthday and since my Dad was surprising her with a trip to Hawaii we surprised her with a Luau party. 3 of the 5 of us kids were able to stay in West Yellowstone an extra day to celebrate her birthday. And all though the surprise was leaked out...we won't say by who...with in an hour of the party we all still had a great time...and she still cried.

The cousins waiting for Grandma. Justin, Spencer and Jessa

Here is her Surprise face...she acted very well!

Realizing she gets to go to Hawaii....AND dive with the sharks (gift from all the kids) Yikes!

My family has been to Yellowstone so many times I couldn't count. But this was my kids first time.

Grandad and Justin looking at the paint pots.


Waiting for Old Faithful to go off.

Old Faithful and Ice Cream...can't beat that!!

Doesn't everything seem bigger when you are a little kid. Justin thought it was pretty great
Jessica wasn't sure about the smelly spray that came our way.

4 days in the car for only 4 days to see family is a little exhausting but we are so glad we were able to go and spend time with them all.

Summer Swim Lessons

Our swim lessons were half an hour everyday for 2 weeks.
Jessica and I were in the mommy and me class. The little ones really have a great teacher with a lot of good ideas. Jessa had fun but mostly loved to play with the little toy sinking sticks. She does really good "crocodile eyes" and sometimes would let me dunk her completely under.

Justin was in the pre-school class and I think he definitely will be ready for the hour long class next summer. He loves to jump in, float on the board and see how long he can hold his breath under water. He can't wait until he can completely swim on his own.

Here they are on the last day with their certificates.

4th FuN!!

We had a GrEaT 4th of July!! On Saturday we went to some friends house for food, games and water fun. That night we went to the Rodeo and watched the town fireworks. On Sunday we had a BBQ at our house with (once again) yummy food and treats...Chad made huckleberry ice cream...It was fabulous!!!

A big hit especially with the adults was the marshmallow shooters or should I say war. A little sticky but we got it all picked up!!

Jumping on the trampoline

Ring toss for a pop

Slip N' Slide

Playing in the sand box

Swimming in the pool

Justin at the rodeo pretending to rope. Of course he loved the bulls.

Jessa is a big fan of horses



After the firework show with my sleepy wore-out kids.

My cute kids all patriotic for church





And although fireworks are illegal (even sparklers) and it is dark by 8:30 we have enjoyed Arizona because we have been blessed with GREAT friends and WONDERFUL children!!!

What to do....What to do...

Chad was gone 4 out of 7 weeks. A lot of times people will say to me "how do you do it" or "I don't think I could do that"
First of all YES you could!
Second my solution is LOTS of projects LITTLE sleep (I don't sleep good when he is gone anyway so why not reduce the number of hours spent there)

Sewing: These were 2 onsies that my mom got Jessa but since she is potty trained I didn't think that worked to well so I cut them into shirts and added a ruffle on the bottom

Flowers and Hair Bows. These can be done while watching a movie

Painting: I added an extra blue/pink and brown stripe to Jessica and baby boys room...why not, right?!?

Vinyl: Warning! It is VERY addicting!!! This is in my hall way and unfinished. I'm going to do sheet metal/magnets/pictures

Chad and I have done weeks apart on and off for almost 8 years...it still isn't easy but you may find yourself asking the same thing....

Now, when will he leave next?.....I have a lot of scrap booking to catch up on!!!

and having a neighbor who will stay up late nights with you once the kids are in bed is always an added bonus;)