We've been keeping pretty busy the last couple weeks, but managing to  have a lot of fun as well. This summer has been so busy, it hardly seems like we're "settling down." Wenatchee is beginning to feel like home, and it's such a good feeling! 

A few weeks ago a bunch of country bands came to the gorge, so all us Barnes kids got together and spent the day. We saw 6 bands total. 

Watching Steel Magnolia, Josh Thompson and  Easton Corbin on the "small stage." And yes, I promise, Joel did actually have a good time.

 Darius Rucker and Brad Paisley were the main acts later on in the evening.

The next weekend we headed up to Chelan to hang out with our good friends the Sandersons and check out the Music festival. Leah was in town, which was an extra bonus!

 Jason looks a little unsure about how he should handle more than one child at a time

 It actually turned out to be quite the good time. It started to rain around dusk, so they started one of the largest bonfires I've seen. 

 It was fun to relax, enjoy the lake and listen to some good music. There was a little dancing to be done as well :) If you go to Sarah's blog she has some great pictures of that. Wade is quite the crack up, I can't say what exactly he was doing in this picture, but something to get me laughing.

 Tristan wanted to take our picture. He did end up actually getting our faces in 1 or 2 of the 30 he took.  I think he might make a fine photographer someday.

Harvest

Harvest was running a little later than normal this year, so I was able to spend a week driving truck. It was a fun reminder of our dating days, chatting it up over the CB while Jason sat in his luxury air-conditioned combine and I sweated it out in the wheat truck. This year wasn't quite the same, but it was fun nonetheless. A big thanks to the Mittelstaedts for letting me help out!

Labor Day

We had such a blast at lake roosevelt this weekend. We were thankful for one last hurrah before the fall weather sets in. I think our days of air conditioning have ended, but I do love looking forward to cinnamon apple cider, cozy fires, and autumn leaves. 

The boys prepping themselves for some serious tube wars...

We were all very thankful for the campfire!

Shawn brought a wakeboard so Jason gave it a try.

Brian learned how to ski.

Saying goodbye and capping off the weekend with a Doxie's burger..or 2..

My best buddy

Seattle

We got some time to explore Seattle last weekend. Who knew there was a whole wall of gum.

really? disgusting.

found myself an alaskan sourdough

The drumline came out and performed for everyone before the game. They were pretty great.

Quest field! There were a few confused Packers fans wandering around.

We couldn't complain about our seats! Thanks Korolls!

What a fun weekend! It was topped off with Sunday at Olympia, which was a wonderful privilege!

A Montana Wedding

Last weekend my sister got married in Thompson Falls. It was a gorgeous wedding, and nice to finally have some good weather!

Wade was very excited to tell me that he ate ALL his icecream.

Who looks this good in a close-up with a face full of drool?

Out and About

A few weekends ago we got a quick hike in up behind the local ski hill with the Grillos. The trail led to 2 different lakes which were both gorgeous with nice clear water. We were anticipating a relaxing swim in the mountain lakes, but when we got there the weather was a little less than warm.

Dakota was quite the trooper!

We went to Saturday night of the Chelan Rodeo. We hadn't been there for a few years, and were pleasantly impressed.

Dakota, Pam and Joel came with us.

Mission Accomplished

The third weekend in July Jason, Josh and Zach participated in the STP, a bike ride/race from Seattle to Portland. For most it is a two day ride, but some of the hard core(crazy?) riders will do the whole thing in one day. So yes, of course, they completed the one day ride. Jason only got a little over a month of training in, so it was quite an impressive feat! They all did amazing, I admire their determination.

We stopped to see the boys along the route in Tenino, Centralia, Lexington and the grand finish in Portland

Waiting for the boys at the 100 mile mark!

Chewing on rocks is definitely more fun than just standing around

They finished!

I couldn't pass up this view on the way home. I want to say this is Mt. Ranier, but am not positive.