A visit from Grandma

 I think everybody's been waiting for us to have another kid so they'll have a reason to make the trek from Utah.  A couple weeks ago Trudy was able to come visit.  She came up once a couple years ago when Jerel broke his arm, but she hasn't been up since we moved to our new house.  We spent one day up at Mt. St. Helens.  Isaiah was pretty nervous about going there because it's an active volcano and he doesn't want to get blown up.  But we assured him there are warning signs before a volcano erupts and that we would be plenty safe.

 Ryan and Amy must have told Trudy about the 4T hike and she wanted to do it while she was here.  So I borrowed the backpack carrier for Eliza and off we went.  Jerel had to work that day, so he once again missed the 4T.  One of these days I'll get him to do it.  I like doing it myself, except that my back (and shoulders and neck) get sore from carrying Eliza that far.  Miraculously, this time she walked!  The entire way!  We've turned a corner!

 Being first is very important, even if it means shoving people out of the way.

 I'm not sure if this is the longest uphill stretch on the hike, or if it just seems that way because it's straight so you can see really far.  Eliza and I lagged behind Grandma and Zay on this part.

When you say, "Hey guys, let me take a picture!"

When you say, "Guys, remember there's a treat for cooperators!"

So I didn't do any editing on this picture but it is weirdly partly color and partly black and white.  Odd.

We stopped at Newport on the Willamette River for lunch.

 When we were almost home from the long hike, the kids suggested we go swimming.  I guess they forgot the part about how long hikes make you exhausted.  Eliza didn't last too long in the water, but Zay wasn't done, so I bundled her up and laid her on a lounge chair.  She fell asleep pretty quick, wet swimsuit notwithstanding!

 I love that she will hold still long enough for me to braid her hair!