Labor Day in Hermiston

In August my poor sister Emily had to have an emergency c-section while she was at Education Week in Utah. She lives in eastern Oregon and had to deliver so quickly that my brother-in-law Darren didn't even have time to get there. He had to watch the delivery via Skype and then fly down the next day. Then her baby was in the NICU for ten days and the whole experience was crazy and stressful. I thought she'd arrive home and not want to see anyone for months, but when my mom drove her home to Oregon and she invited us to come visit for Labor Day, I couldn't say no.

Ben basically studied for the GMAT the whole weekend, except on Sunday when he made Paul get out his Lego collection and they built an epic fortress.

Teddy climbing in the garden, like he does. He ate his weight in tomatoes off of Emily's plants. The kid has an addiction.

The highlight of Emily's house (for my kids anyway) is the sandbox aka an area on the side of the house where the grass doesn't grow. 

My kids played there with Gabe for HOURS. Also, their faces in this picture are awesome.

Post-sandbox baths

 Ben is a decent self-taught photographer, so Emily had him show her how to take a few newborn shots. Sweet baby Luke was so cute in them.

This photo is blurry, but is showed what we did most of the weekend- we sat on the couch and watched BYU football and Fixer Upper. I love watching decorating shows with my sisters and mom. Emily and my mom were so fun to be around.

Nayeli's photo of cute and hilarious Gabe

 Did I mention Teddy has a tomato (and salsa) addiction?

Ben playing Paul's trumpet and reminiscing on his own days in Junior High band.

We didn't get out much since Emily had a new baby and was still recovering, but one day we went to lunch at a fun restaurant in town. The portions were huge, but so were our stomachs so we didn't complain :)

 Mickey Mouse pancakes for the kids

Ben's gigantic omelet

 Nayeli and Gabe are becoming such cute friends and it's so fun to see.

 Nayeli loved baby Luke

She later asked me, "Mom, when we have another baby, can you have a girl baby?" Whoa. Luke was cute enough to make anyone baby hungry... but I think I'm still catching up on lost sleep from Teddy. All in good time, Yeli girl, all in good time :)

Thanks Emily and Darren for a fun weekend!