Lost Creek Lake

Joey is trying to hang on despite the crazy man behind the wheel!

Do you see the white knuckles of death?

Safe in Daddy's lap.

"Go faster, Poppy!"

Three generations of Joseph Stutesmans.

I think I may be having a little fun here.

Joseph's solo ride- he's so brave!

This weekend, we went to Nana and Poppy's house in Oregon. After the long drive (8 hours) we headed straight to bed on Friday night. Saturday, we went to Lost Creek Lake where we took Nana and Poppy's boat for a ride. It was so fast and refreshing! Everyone kept bugging me to try the tube. Finally I relented and I had such a cool ride! I can't wait to do it again! Joseph had a really great time, too. He loved everything about our adventure.

Cowlitz Lake

Here's the lake from a distance. As you can see, there are a lot of campers enjoying the cool waterfront.

My fair son as he is about to get into the ice-cold water.

We went camping for Joey's stand-down. We did a lot of fishing, swimming, riding our bikes, walking, eating, smoring, and playing games. It was a fun camping trip and we had a nice time.

4th at the Freedom Fair

Yes, that's blood on his tooth. He's still smiling away, though; what a trooper!

Watching the air show from the best seat in all of Tacoma- Dad's chest!

Ouch! That F/A-18 Hornet sure is loud at supersonic speed!

We spent a couple of hours at the race car track. This [an RC car] will most likely top Joseph's Christmas list!

This year, we spent the 4th at the Tacoma Freedom Fair. Joey heard on the radio that there was going to be an Air Show and a fireworks presentation in Tacoma so took a hiatus from camping just to celebrate the birth of our beautiful country! Lots of food, sun, and fun.

Day Trip- Mount Saint Helens

Mt. St. Helens

Joseph had to have a picture of himself in front of a helicopter. He's beside himself with happiness.

Gone Fishing

Our star fisherman is showing off his catch of the day.

The fishing bridge.

The beautiful lake.

True story: Joseph, Joey and I went fishing at the lake where we were camping. I had just purchased a fishing license but the two boys have had theirs for a while now. Joseph and his Cars fishing pole have never had too much luck partly because he typically abandons his post shortly after Dad has hooked a worm. We sat in the sun for about 3.5 hours and marveled at adjacent sportsman catching their 5-fish quota. Suddenly we were informed that Joseph's line had made its way under the bridge. Joey reeled it in to recast the line (and rebate it) when we all noticed that there was something on the other end! It had been a while since our neighbors had caught anything and Joseph's conquest seemed more conspicuous. Joseph was elated; he danced around yelling and cheering completely unconcerned with the chagrin of onlookers shaking their heads. Joey oiled that bad boy up, seasoned him with garlic, and tossed him on the grill for dinner. Joseph studied the glossy steaming carcass with disgust. I tried it (bleh) and will never EVER be fishing again! Joseph and I will be sticking with fish sticks henceforth.

Happy Birthday, Ava!

My favorite picture- Joseph at the end of our busy day!

Gabriel and Joseph

Joseph taking a bite of the beach.

Birthday girlie Ava and her daddy.

Joseph designed his very own slippers... uh er- flip-flops. I forget these people call em flip flops.

Emma and Mom showing off a pretty cool pair.

Today Joseph had another birthday party to go to. I don't know what it is about the summer and birthday parties. We had a blast! It was the typical group of kids- Emma, Gabriel, Ava and Joseph. Everyone had a great time decorating flip-flops and visors while munching on serious beach grinds!