Airshow

Girls and I in front of a Navy plane. 

 We recently had the privilege of attending a FREE airshow put on at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.  The entire event was free to the public and it was a blast.  We also had the chance to go the night before for a "Hangar party" for military families only.  They fed us supper, had a band, several booths set up and some even met the pilots!  I would have to say this was one of the best times we have had as a family.  The girls absolutely loved it and Kevin and I enjoyed it too!
We are just so thankful for the opportunities that are presented to us, especially ones that are FREE!  You can't beat that. 

C-17  - these planes are so huge!  It's so exciting that we actually get to see these fly at least 2-3 times a week.  Living near the airbase is so awesome! 

The girls inside a Stryker vehicle.  This is the vehicle that Kevin's unit uses. 

Lauren piloting a Blackhawk helicopter. 

She loved it.  Can you tell? 

This moment was truly amazing.  This parachuter jumped, carrying the flag during the playing of the National Anthem.  Still brings tears to my eyes. Loved it. 

Army Golden Knights Parachute team

Golden Knights

Golden Knights

Stealth bomber

Super sleepy girls.  It was actually a warm day (for here) and we were out in the sun for about 6 hours.  The girls were pooped! 

Here are a few videos of the airshow.  Some of the acts just took our breath away.  They are at the beginning of the post.  Sorry! 

Choo Choo

Kevin and I surprised the girls with a trip on the Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad on Saturday morning.  We've been looking at things to do around the area to get out and explore.  We're in a new city and state and now that we're settled and Lauren's potty training is more consistent, we thought we'd get out of town for a bit. 
The Railroad was only about 45 minutes from our house and the price was right considering the length of the trip, military discount and the kids being free. 
When we first arrived the girls were ecstatic.  They were running around yelling "Choo Choo!" and were asking when we could ride on the train.  Once the conductors started warming up the steam train and preparing it for our trip, the girls got a little skiddish and decided they didn't want to go anymore.   We had about thirty minutes to kill and with each puff of the steam and toot of the whistle, they began to get more and more used to it and by the time it was ready to go, they were all smiles again.
The ride was approximately 2 hours with a 20 minute break about 2/3 of the way. 
Lauren kept saying "This train is so fun!" and "I love this train!" 
Kaelin kept saying "CHOO CHOO! and ALL ABOARD"  -- I kid you not, she said "All aboard"  at least 30 times.  Very loudly as well. 

As far as being "scenic"  ...ehhh...  We can actually see more of the mountain just a few minutes from our house.  We were closer to the mountain on the train but there was a huge hill blocking the bottom half.  It was fun to see fisherman in the water and a few creeks and streams but other than that, nothing spectacular. 
We did happen to see either a hippie commune or a meth lab..or maybe it was a mixture of both.  Not sure.. but I know there was too much stuff to be campers.

Overall it was a great trip.  Short and sweet and no potty accidents! That's just the way we like it.  We had decided to bring her potty chair with us since she isn't a fan of public bathrooms quite yet.  We just set it in the back of Expedition. She only had to go once after the train ride so we got her in the back and I held up a blanket and she did her thing.  I just dumped the pee in a container and bagged it up.  Had I been near anything other than a parking lot, I would have just dumped it out.  It's kind of a pain but seriously better than having to change clothes if she would have had an accident.  You do what you gotta do! 

I am not sure we'll ever do this again, but I am glad we went this time.  We definitely saw a few places on our ride there and back that we want to check out on a different day.

Happy 4th of July

Pike's Market

Yesterday we decided last minute to head into Seattle and check out the market.  We said several times.."It's going to be busy, we should have gone during the week".  We should have listened to our gut.  It was absolutely insane.  The crowds + double stroller + 2 toddlers + stressed out parents = not fun.  We were warned that it was going to be a pain with the stroller but we just didn't feel comfortable having them walk around.  Needless to say, we will not be returning until the kids are atleast 5 feet tall.  I witnessed a girl around 5 years old get elbowed in the face by people trying to push through the crowds.  Just not worth it, in my honest opinion.  We may venture in again and leave the kids at home with someone but it's definitely not a place for little ones on a busy weekend.  I did manage to snap some pictures.  Enjoy.