Yakima and the Adventure Challenge

Last weekend we made a day trip to Yakima. Jer got a car wash token from there so we figured we should go check it out. We stopped in Sunnyside and the Darigold cheese factory. The kids enjoyed looking at the big machines and watching the workers clean up "yucky cheese" from the floor.

We bought cheese curds to eat as a snack and continued on to Yakima.
Our first stop was at Ron's coin and collectibles. Jer collects coins. It was an interesting place. Christine couldn't get over the scary bat guy toys they had. Tim just wanted to touch anything that should not be touched.

After lunch we went to Johnson farms. An orchard in the middle of Yakima. We had planned on picking our own apples, but it was raining so they didn't want us in the orchard. They were very kind and let us buy the gala apples for the u-pick price ($.39/lbs). We also got some white peaches and some pears.

Last Sunday we found out that someone in our ward had apples we could have so I went and got another big box from them. Monday I bought a water bath canner and the fun hasn't ended since. We have a lot of fruit in the freezer and the empty jars on the counter are gradually getting full.

This weekend on Friday we went to the Richland farmer's market. We decided we like the Pasco one better. They have better prices. We did buy some really good rye bread though and have enjoyed eating it toasted the last few days.

Saturday we participated in the Adventure Challenge. They have the Sacagawea Heritage Trail
that goes through all three of the tri-cities and follows along the river. Every year REI and many other businesses sponsor the adventure challenge. You can bike, walk, or boat along the trail. They have 18 check points where you can sign up to win prizes. Some of the stops had freebies like free water bottles, key chains, and coupons.

Of course we stopped for a bathroom break and let the kids get out of the pull behind. They enjoyed watching the boats go by on the river. After 3 hours and 18 miles of bike riding we all enjoyed a nap.

Jer had a work bbq in Benton City. It was fun to meet the people he works with. The bees attacked our food while we were eating and Christine almost got stung by a bee that flew into her juice bottle. Luckily, dad caught it in time and we put the lid on. She considered keeping it as a pet, but after some persuasion from mom and dad decided she should let it go.

The hosts of the bbq have a pool. I didn't bring the kids swimming suits but they enjoyed putting their feet in and playing with wet noodles (meaning the pool toys not the kind you eat). Tim was not happy when he had to put the noodle down (even if it was to go get dessert). Another great discovery was the tonka dump trucks toys.