Yakima Vacation

Well this summer we took three separate (but equal) vacations to see family. The first was a much needed relief from the heat of Texas in Washington. We visited Dana's family in Yakima and had a blast!! There were some planned camping trips that were cancelled because the weather decided to rain on us one night and then give us a fire ban the next (talk about the extremes) but we still had fun! We got together with all the family in town for a cook-out, we relaxed, caught up with mom and dad, and just generally had a great time. At the end we traveled to the other side to see Dana's brother, Brian, and Tammi and family. (Thank you so so much for letting us crash guys!) Thanks to everyone for the great hosting!!


Dana's aunt and uncle own apple orchards and this is a picture from their backyard. Umm...can anyone say gorgeous? After this family get together we went to Dana's cousins house to see his ranch, complete with tiny atvs and lot and lots of bulls (he breeds them). I never grew up on a farm but honestly it was about the coolest thing ever (did you know you can herd bulls with sheep dogs?). I always learn something new when I visit Dana's fam.


This is Dana's younger brother Matt. Dana went with Matt and his Dad golfing one morning (I slept in of course). Dana won but just barely and really we think he was probably not counting a few strokes (just kidding love). We really loved seeing ya Matt! Next time we'll get you down to Texas, Matt and buy you some sweet leopard print boots...that's a promise!


We ate great the whole trip but in Washington we got to try some seafood (which amazingly we don't have a lot of in Texas, go figure). Dad made us some salmon and we grilled almost every night. Talk about spoiled!


Last year we looked around Dana's old town (Aberdeen) so this year we went on a tour of Dad's old stomping ground which is just a few miles from Yakima. This is his old high school which had a HUGE gymnasium (seriously, I've never seen one as big). It was great to see where he grew up and hear his stories.