Our Summer Vacation

 We decided we'd better squeeze in a vacation before school starts on Thurs. We spent the weekend at my parent's cabin. It has hot water and electricity so it is OK that there is no internet connection or cell phone coverage. We were met by some big jumping critters that had managed to get into the cabin.

 The next morning we were finishing a late breakfast and this furry fellow came meandering down the mountain. The two older boys had just came down from a hike along that same path...thankfully they didn't meet!

 Since dad and 2 of the boys went fishing the rest of us were left to our own devices....we went fossil hunting in the rock pile in the front yard.

 Found a few....don't know if you can see it

 Till evening there were some bored boys that decided to make up their own rules to some games.

 One more hand of Rook and then a few of "I doubt It"  (glorified game of lying!)

 Hope made us all pose for a picture. She is trying to take the place of her big brother the family photographer....one of the boys was heard to mutter..."Metri never made us do this!"

 

On Saturday we headed to the Grand Canyon (Pennsylvania)  We decided that everyone is fit enough to hike to the bottom. It was a steep climb and a total of 2 miles. We were a bit concerned about one of the family being able to make it...not the yawning one.

 

 We needed to tell the youngest one to SLOW DOWN multiple times...even on the way up!

 We made it to the bottom...hiked our skirt to the knees and followed big brothers...

 Didn't take nearly as many pictures on the way up...but we did make it to the top and nary a word of complaint from anyone!

Now on to the last couple of days before school and packing for Ch*na...or at least planning. I'm hoping to see the I-800 approval this week