Wandering To The Westside

Thursday morning we stopped by the Sp.udnut Shop one last time before driving back across the mountains.

We had plans to go to the Mari.ner's game... and then traffic happened:

We ended up being an hour late but we were able to park in the Qw.est Fi.eld garage for only $10!

Of course, I also forgot to take any pictures until after the game... and after we had split up from my parents (who were the ones kind enough to take us to the game).

However, we were there:

And McColley was excited to see a train as we were leaving:

On Friday, we visited the Winkeys:
Christel took a ton of great pictures, so I'll direct you to her for more.

On Saturday we got professional McColley-Hopkins family portraits taken... so I didn't think to take any pictures.

But Sunday was The Big Day.

Brayton got baptized with Aunt Arianna and Uncle Tim as his godparents: 

It was very exciting:

We tried to take family pictures afterward...

But McColley had hit his picture limit:

After the baptism, the whole family headed to my parent's house for a BBQ:

Where McColley performed 'on stage' with Grandpa Maguire on drums and Uncle Sean as a back-up dancer:

Monday was a long flight home... and now we have to readjust to normal life.

Travelin' To The Tri-Cities

After the wedding, we headed down to P.asco to stay with Grandma and Grandpa Maguire.

Of course, to earn our keep, Brayton had to help with chores:

And then there was the required playing in the 'Other Living Room':

Plus ALL the toys HAD to be tested:

Another test involved Brayton versus Gravity.

Gravity won:

Just in time for Daddy to arrive:

Another highlight was getting to play with cousins... who are extremely cool:

Except for the ones who eat ice cream without offering you any:

McColley and Brayton got to go to their first baseball game.

McColley reconnected with an old friend:

Mommy and McColley got to live a baseball fantasy and run across the outfield:

Our last day in Pa.sco was the nicest weather-wise.

So Grandma broke out the bubble wand:

And Brayton taste-tested the grass:

The bubble wand quickly transformed into McColley's sword:

Which could only be let go of when replaced with a pool... and cousins:

And a 'working fire hose':

We spent three full days in the Tri-Cities with cousins, grandparents, sun, and fun... then it was time to drive to the Westside.

Packed Up... And Away We Go!

So, the blog has been quiet for about a week... I shall now make up for that with a GIGANTIC POST!

The reason there has been no updating is because McColley, Brayton and I have been in W.ashington visiting family.

We left on Tuesday. Luckily, B was able to walk us to our gate.

He and the boys watched the workers prepare our airplane:

When we landed in Sea.ttle, Grandma and Grandpa Hopkins greeted us:
The next day, we went to L.ong B.each with Grandma, GGrandma and Arianna:

It was a bit windy but not so bad that you couldn't walk into the water:

Brayton got sandy toes:

Both boys enjoyed the beach... even though it isn't as sand castle friendly as home:

Plus, Brayton turned six months old!

During our last walk on the beach, McColley found a great writing stick. As we were about to leave, he decided he wanted his stick thrown into the ocean. However, he let GGrandma do it while he held her shoes:

Our hotel in L.ong B.each was right down the road from a pony riding place.

McColley got to ride Annie twice:

After L.ong Be.ach, we spent the night at the 'other' GGrandma's house... and McColley got to ride another 'horse':

Also, Brayton got a present... Grant Berta made him a C.ougar Watching Sweater:

On Friday, we finally got to meet Drew.

He and Brayton found each other fascinating:

We spent the weekend in S.pokane. Brayton enjoyed walking by the river:

We also decided to go on the carousel.

Uncle Sean tried to convince McColley to ride:

But McColley couldn't be convinced that it was a good idea.

So, Brayton and I went:

Saturday afternoon, we went to a cousin's wedding:

During the reception, I ended up as the Baby Floor Show:

McColley got to feed Grandpa wedding cake... much to Brayton's irritation:

Finally it was time for dancing.

Brayton and Uncle Sean were too cool:

And McColley had to help Uncle Mike teach Drew 'The Moves':

Rockin' The State House

Today the Ai.r For.ce's band called 'Ve.ctor' was performing at the O.ld Sta.te H.ouse.  B had to go to take pictures for the base newspaper, so we all tagged along with him.

We got front row seats:

Both boys started out with rapt attention:

A few times during the course of the concert the singer came out into the crowd.  Brayton thought that was cool, but McColley avoided eye contact:

During a slow-song section McColley fell asleep... Brayton disapproved:

The concert was almost two hours, so even though it didn't feel that long, McColley was more than ready to go when it was over:

*****

And on a totally unrelated note: This is my 250th post!  To think I was originally worried about being able to update more than once a week... HAH!

Guess Who's Available For Dinner!

I logged onto F.acebook last night and saw this status report:

I'm in Phil.adelphia. If you're less than three hours away or are on my drive back to Wisconsin, let me know and I'll drop in.

I replied:

Seriously, you are in Philadel.phia? I'm an hour and a half south of you (in D.over). What brings you to the East Coast?

Which lead to:

Dude, let's have dinner.

So, we made plans to meet tonight and split the travel time.

Who was this friend that I haven't seen in person for about five years?

Nick!