Natalie's family vacation...

We joked that this "family" trip was all about Natalie--we were basically just there to pay for everything. We had a lot of fun camping in Hazel (that's the new name we're trying out on the Aristocrat, by the way) in Pendleton and in Northern Idaho. Of course, Natalie loved Silverwood Theme Park and we had a lot of fun too. The only challenging part--sleep deprived kids + hot weather + 16 hours round trip= a lot of whining. But it was definitely a memorable trip and here are a few of the highlights for your viewing pleasure...

Sleeping Beauty: Early morning in the trailer outside of Great Grandma's house; Natalie sleeps great in the loft space, what a big girl!

A stop at the Chocolate Factory just outside of Pasco, Washington.

Hazel--our home away from home, all set up at the lovely Farragut State Park in Idaho

First ride at Silverwood... can't beat a good carousel ride!

And they're off!

Unfortunately this is how Jameson saw most of Silverwood; fortunately for us, he was a champ about it!

First solo ride; after this one she was ready for her pilot's license

Mini ferris wheel-type ride

Daddy and Natalie on the train roller coaster (hey guys, you're supposed to have your hands in the air!)

Starting to sense that it's past naptime (yes, this was DURING the ride, but it was just a quick power nap and then she went back to flying the helicopter safely.)

And, here's another one of Jameson watching all the fun from his stroller... (he's going to feel very robbed when he's old enough to see these pics someday!)

Evening train ride - we saw buffalo and even got robbed by real actor train robbers! Both kids loved the train ride--Jameson enjoyed finally getting out of the *%$& stroller!

Day 2 at Silverwood--Daddy and Natalie on the log ride

And here's what the log ride looked like just before Jeramy made that face above. I started out holding my hands up at the top and you'll notice not even mid-way down, I'm clutching to the sides of that log for dear life; Natalie loved the ride so much that she went twice - once with Daddy and once with Mommy (amazing how she doesn't look a bit freaked out!)

Still clutching...

Bumper boats!

This time, she stayed awake during the entire Helicopter ride!

The amazing 16-acre Silverwood water park; too bad the cloudy skies and breezy conditions made for a chilly day in the water--we didn't stay too long!

Swimsuit model

Not sure what this was a reaction to, but something sure got her attention!

Drying out and warming up

I'm starting to feel really guilty now...

Mmmm, huckleberry ice cream cone (and yes, she ate the entire thing!)

That's Jeramy at the top near the center of the photo hanging on for dear life...

Mommy & Jameson enjoying the park's beauty (in case you were wondering, Jameson got a much-needed reprieve from the stroller when Natalie voluntarily climbed in and took an hour nap. That was a nice and quiet hour! Sigh.)

Daddy & Natalie enjoying Beaver Bay Beach (love that name!) at Lake Pend Oreille

Love this photo!

Hunting for rocks in the lake; maybe we should have put the swimsuit on before coming here...

Jameson did not want his feet anywhere near that water!

Enjoying the view from the beach

Our cute boy

What a bunch! Great grandma with Natalie, Jameson and cousin Trenton

One of the best parts of the trip was when Callyn and Maikol camped for one night with us and played at Silverwood with us. Of course, you'd think I'd have thought to get a picture with them but apparently not. It was fun to spend a little time with them hanging out by the campfire and riding the rides (Cal & Jeramy even went on one of the crazy roller coasters that left Jeramy visibly shaking!) 

Overall, it was a fantastic vacation but by the end of the week both Jeramy and I were looking forward to going back to work to relax. Can't wait to do it again when Jameson is a little older and can enjoy more!