At the end of August, before the twins started Kindergarten, Jake took the twins and Meredith on an epic summer finale trip to Washington state. The girls had been looking forward to their trip all summer, and after having everyone home all summer long, it was a much anticipated break for me! Eleanor and I bid farewell to the jetsetting quartet and they were off! Needless to say between the squabbling twins and a two-year-old in a full length cast, Jake received many awed looks and “World’s Greatest Dad!!” comments from strangers in the airport!

According to Jake, the girls were great on the plane, thanks to snacks, Ipods and in-flight movies. We had the three girls sit together, with Jake beside them in the aisle.

After a flight, layover, another flight and an hour’s drive, they were excited to arrive at Uncle Kip and Aunt Gigi’s farm in Mattawa, WA.

Since there’s no town or anything nearby, I was worried the girls wouldn’t have enough to do and would drive everyone crazy for the five days they were on the farm, but I definitely underestimated the power of wide open spaces! The little wild animals roamed freely around the farm and exerted all their energy outdoors so that they conked out at bedtime without a fuss!

Raspberry picking in Aunt Gigi’s amazing raspberry patch.

Pizza night– the girls loved helping make pizzas and watching them be fired up in the outdoor pizza oven.

The girls’ favorite part was touring around the farm and seeing all the animals, especially the adorable baby cows.

Meredith didn’t let her cast stop her from hobbling around the barn to pet each and every cow. Poor calves looked terrified of her!

Pure joy.

So exhausted she conked out standing up!

Meanwhile, back at home…

Elle and I had the dreamiest staycation of all time! We got to bond, cuddle, enjoy relaxing walks and afternoons by the pool, and I got more things done that week than I had all year! I’m thinking this will definitely become an annual tradition, as the timing was perfect with it being the week before school started. It was such a refreshing break and I was able to recharge and get totally organized for the new school year.

Kip and Gig have five kids, but only the youngest, Mason, was around the hang out. Meredith became his best buddy and tagged along with him like a little puppy.

Climbing rocks at Wild Horse Monument.

Overlooking the Columbia River.

Sammy was here.

Throwing rocks into the Columbia.

I guess we need a treadmill! Anytime the girls slipped away, Jake would find them in the basement trying out the exercise equipment.

Lounging with their new doggie friend by the pool.

Endless activities!

Movie night!

The entire trip I kept hearing about all the delicious treats Aunt Gigi treated them to.

Four wheeling excursion!

The girls loved going to a local fair and all of the animals/greasy food that came with it!

Gigi and Kip said the girls were great, but the times that they inevitably did get cranky or whine, Kip would say, “No speaking Waaaaaahmby!” Meredith loved it so much that we’ve since adopted that phrase here and whenever the twins whine, Meredith with chime in with, “NO SPEAKING WAAAAAAHMBY!”

Jake found Meredith chilling with Mason and a bag of doritos while he played his video games. This was basically her heaven.

More “resort” activities.

The twins raved about how they were allowed to put as many m&ms in the cookie dough as they wanted.

Their reaction when Jake told them they were leaving the next day:

Aunt Gigi helping with the girls’ hair before their early am flight the next day.

On their way home.

Layover in SLC– hi Grammy and Grandpa!

Ginormous breakfast.

Elle and I were so happy to have the girls and Jake back and the girls couldn’t stop talking about the next time they want to visit. Not being there myself, it was a little nerve-wracking wondering how they would behave, but I was pleasantly surprised to hear from Gigi that they did awesome.

She posted: “My little brother Jake came to visit with three of his darling daughters this week! He is Dad of the Year in my opinion! Keeping up with these energetic gals is one thing but to keep them on a schedule, and do all the little things too?! He made sure they picked raspberries each day, had a physical activity, cleaned up after themselves and used their manners. The girls were so well behaved and funny I’d have them back tomorrow. Thanks for visiting us on the farm!”

I was so grateful for Jake, Gigi and Kip making my staycation a reality and thankful that everyone had a great time on the farm!

Lots of love,