We're Learning...

Feeling The Heat

Now that it finally decided to be summer in Spokane, it has difinetly made its presence known. With much rain this spring (all the way through mid-June) and temps in the 60s, the past month has been SUNNY skies, 1 rainshower (which was mostly a shower of dirt) and a couple dust storms. Temperatures stay mostly mid to upper 80s but this week we've been mid 90s and it hasn't been pleasant. With no AC, we try to find things to do outside in the shade or water.

Reid has some law friends who have decided they want to be more outdoorsy during their time in Spokane so we all went to the state park in Spokane and did some hiking. This is the Bowl and Pitcher Trail in Riverside State Park. The trail follows the Spokane River.

Reid and I went white water rafting down this part of the river in June and none of these rocks were visible at the time. Tells you how dry it's been.

Hope everyone else is staying cool! We decided this week we are going to drive back to Kansas on our trip home in November. While it will take more time, it will cost us less money! Plus we want to introduce Snyder to the great midwest!!

Way Out West, The Story Goes...

Since Reid is hiking Mt Rainier in a couple of weeks, he wanted to head to Montana and climb a mountain a bit higher in elevation. Long story short, there was no "true trail" and Tara ended that idea quickly. So to make the trip to Montana somewhat worth it, we stopped in Sandpoint, ID on the way back home and camped.

Our second family camping trip

Lake Darling where we set up camp. It may be pretty, but the mosquitos made it not so fun

At the high point of the trail

Beautiful mountain view on the hike back down

Before we headed out of Montana we stopped at a river we crossed to see how Synder did in the water. While he was more than willing to walk around the shallow areas, we thought it would be a good idea to show off some swimming skills. I don't think he was too pleased with us!

Seattle Trip

We took a weekend and went to Seattle with some friends. Of course we had to hit a few of the tourist traps!!

Pikes Place Market. There are soo many beautiful flowers here! Oh and the tossing of the fish :)

We took a ferry to Bainbridge Island and had a wonderful lunch at the marina.

We even had time to watch the Mariner's take on the Yankees! We picked the best game of the series because the Mariner's won!!!

Happy 4th Of July

We headed to Coeur d'Alene, ID for 4th of July this year. Besides it being a chilly 4th, the fireworks were rather disappointing. We will probably be staying in Spokane next year.

It's Been A While...

So far we've had a crazy busy first half of the summer. Add that to our computer problems and it left us with not much time to update. So here we go with a mega-post...

Josh came to town for a visit! We love having visitors!!! We took Josh on a hike...

which also happened to be Snyders' first hike. He did pretty good and has gone on more since.

Next up was a white water rafing trip down the Spokane River. The river was high and running really fast (thanks to all the rain we've had) which made for great trip.

That same weekend the Collins clan came to town! They were brave and drove all the way here with my grandma! It was soo great to see them.

Next up was a hiking trip in Idaho. This picture was atop North Chilco Peak. We continued on...

and set up camp on South Chilco Peak! Snyder came along and learned to hike in his pack, but he still needs some help sleeping in the tent.

Reid's summer internship is going great. He is still catching up with depositions and will have to give a presentation about everything he's learned in the next few weeks. As for Tara's job, no update on if she'll get to keep it or move to full time. But for the time being, she is still busy working away!

The weather here has been fabulous this summer! We haven't had a day over 85 yet, and only a handful of days in the 80s. We are not missing Kansas this time of the year!! Not much else to update on. We are heading to Coeur d'Alene with some friends tomorrow for the 4th, going to Seattle next weekend for a baseball game and the first week in August Reid is climing Mt Rainier. I can't believe it is July already!!