Meanwhile back at the Ranch - Part II

The girls had a duck race -

Sophie gave hers a little help.

 

Sophie checked out the new John Deere.  All the kids love to drive it and use the bucket. 

Ceci found the green egg!

Gia did some school work.   

As evening arrived Poppi took Sophie and Ceci fishing.   

Trenton gave Sophie some hints about fishing.   

Lucky day fishing.  Sophie and Trenton hooked their catch on the line and put them on ice for the ride home.   

Sophie showed us their catch!  Wow!!

Ceci named the fish "Bob, Hairdo and Fred"!   

Gia was very interested in her big sisters fish. 

Sophie's first time cleaning a fish.  She did the whole thing including cutting it open and pulling the guts out.   We were all quite impressed!  Sophie is quite the big girl. 

Gia felt very pretty with her new nightgown as we waited for a view of the Super Moon.  We are all very excited for 2016 when we'll have the Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious Moon!!   

Lake Wenatchee State Park

We had reservations at Lake Wenatchee State Park this past weekend.  The park is north of Leavenworth.  As we arrived at the campground we saw a Momma Bear with her twin cubs standing near the entrance. Tracy and Wes arrived with their new RV and we tried to check in.  The campsites in the South Campground were so tricky we couldn't get our vehicles in.  The North Campground was perfect and we set up camp.  The bad news - we could only stay one night.  The campground was completely booked solid for the weekend.  We were pretty disappointed but decided to enjoy our time at the park. 

Gia was thrilled to see chipmunks up close and personal. 

Grami and the girls did some exploring staying close to camp. 

Ceci played on a log on the shore of Lake Wenatchee.  The beach was beautiful but very cold. 

Tracy and Wes had fun. 

Group Shot

Sophie did some Disco and Gia pretended to be a bear.  Ceci was just amused. 

I borrowed this picture off the Internet to show you the type of bears we saw.  Pretty cute?  We drove home Friday morning and set up camp on the 81 Road..... not quite the same as Lake Wenatchee.

Happy Father's Day!

Today was a pretty relaxed Father's Day.  I baked a chocolate cake, frosted it with chocolate frosting added fresh strawberries and chocolate mint leaves.  Chocolate cake with chocolate frosting is Bruce's favorite.

Since the boys weren't around Bruce said he'd take it for the team.  

My one and only rose bush is doing great this year.  I opened the window and smelled the wonderful fragrance all day.  I hope everyone had a Happy Father's Day! 

Meanwhile back at the ranch.....

 The wind howled - the new windmill lasted one night before the blades flew off. 

 Everything is growing like crazy.  The lawn needs mowing.

Baylor and Elle volunteered for the job.  The cup holder held their sippy cups perfectly. 

Elle and Baylor were happy to see their Mommie again!

And they had the chance to see and talk to Daddy on the phone.  Modern technology is marvelous.  It was such fun to spend time with Baylor and Elle.  We missed them as they pulled out the driveway....

Ceci's 8th Birthday

We left Ellensburg early Saturday morning for the trip to Birch Bay.  I was a little concerned about the detour in Mount Vernon because of the bridge collapse.  No worries - the detour is so short it makes little difference in drive time.  These amazing geraniums are on the Roemers front steps.  I love pink and green!  The moss covered pots are gorgeous.   

 Ceci was ready for her party.  The theme was Hawaiian. 

Elle did a little Karaoke. 

Gia put on her tiara and party dress all by herself! 

Sophie rode the horse around the yard.  The yard is full of blueberries, raspberries, cherries, grapes and onions.  Tracy and Wes are quite the gardeners! 

Red Velvet birthday cake with sparkler candles.  I love the way Ceci's mouth makes a perfect heart in this picture.  She is so pretty!

Everyone lined up to sing Happy Birthday.

Sophie is so great with all the kids.  She especially made Baylor feel like a big boy. 

Gia ready for cake.

Yummy cake and ice cream!

Presents

New t-shirt special made by Auntie Kimmie.  Gia thought it was super fun!

Elle loved playing with Hank.  She thought these bloomers would make a great hat for him.  The legs would fit perfectly on his ears.  Hank wasn't too impressed with a hat. 

Hank did enjoy the mouse on a string that Poppi made. 

The cousins altogether just before we left.  Amazing how time flies.  Seems like only a year ago Ceci was born and now she is 8.  Ceci is a sweet little girl with lots of personality.  We are very lucky to call her our granddaughter. 

Poppi's Gold

Today Elle helped Grami make potato salad to take to Ceci's party on Saturday.  Elle loved using the egg slicer.  I believe this might of been our best potato salad ever - new potatoes make all the difference. 

Baylor stayed outside working with the tractor.  He loved filling the bucket with rocks and dumping them in the driveway. 

Poppi worked on his gold panning. 

I decided to pull a little trick on Bruce.  Elle and I snuck a fake gold nugget out to the trailings.  Elle couldn't hardly stand the suspense. 

Poppi found the huge nugget!

Poppi was a little excited - Elle just giggled!

It was fun messing around with Bruce.  He was a good sport!  Someday he'll find a nugget, I hope!