August 10-14

We're baaaaaack.

It has been really cool watching Hugo and Grace together. It's one of my favorite parts of these family gatherings in Leavenworth. Luna is still the "ring leader" but these two are coming into their own. 

Not to be totally outdone by her sister, Grace dons a bucket for an impromptu performance.

One of the things I don't love about the east side of the Cascades is the heat. It was high 90's most of the weekend. We moseyed on down to the river to cool off. We found a great spot where there were only a couple of other folks. There was a current for those of us interested in getting in that, but there were also plenty of spots totally absent of current, so the kids could frolic. We had a really good time and felt sufficiently cooler by the time we had to head back to the house.    

 I love this shot of Luna.

Content. 

I'll have what she's having.

Mmm. No. None for me, thanks.

Wet Luna getting in on the action.

Back to the Icicle Gorge Trail with the whole fam this time. Can't believe how much it has changed in a month. Still spectacular though.

The rock in this part of the gorge is stunning.

"Dad, take a picture of me hugging this tree."

Thank goodness for Uncle Pat and Aunt Emily.

Hot, sweaty girl. She was a trooper.

"Can't go through it; can't go over it. Have to go under it."  

"Are we there yet?"

Thanks for the walking stick, Grandpa.

Over and out.

Always observing. That's my girl. "Dad, aren't these cool?"

Snack time!

Did I say out?

A man and his dog.

Cooling off with Aunty Em. 

Finally back in the car. She found this golf ball on the trail and it HAD to come home with her.  Put in her bed when we got home and she opens an eye to say "where is my golf ball?" Right here, sweetie. Right here.

Saying good-bye (thanks Oma and Grandpa for the date night) and she comes running after the car.

Full speed. Look at her go!

Thought we'd check out a Mariners' game with some friends. Never been out to the Pen but thought we'd give that a try, too. Wow. It was better than the game. The baseball game.

Believe in Yourself

"Alcohol Enforcement" - You better be drinking!

They mean business.

Black t-shirt guy was striking out all night. He was giving it a major league though.

Duuuude.

Sorry we didn't take more shots. If you ever go to Safeco though, check it out.

Only in Seattle is there a 20 minute wait for coffee at 10:43 PM!

Summer Style

It's pretty casual in our household during the summer.  Not much of a schedule or routine, just a lot of relaxing and hanging out together.  As I was getting ready to head out on a 3 day backpacking trip the girls and I kept it pretty low key, just enjoying some time in the backyard, soaking up the summer weather.

Still in PJ's late in the morning, the girls decided they were missing their rain boots.  Nice ensemble, eh?

Gracie wanted to test out Luna's new princess bike

What says summer more then slurpees?

Oh, yeah.  Just me and my girls kickin' it in the back yard

Saying good bye to mommy as I leave with Jenny for a girls weekend backpacking trip in the Willowa's

Gracie was not happy with my departure.  Thanks Brian for letting me go:)

Have fun Mom!

First Week of August

I'm not sure where the summer is going, but this week I started mourning its loss. Lynnelle reminded me that we have almost a month before we "report."  August usually seems to absolutely disappear, but I'm trying to get over myself and enjoy the time we have. The girls make that easy. They have made this summer so wonderful, so beautiful. Being a daddy is the most fantastic thing. I feel so fortunate to have had this time with them. We have looked at ways we can try and get better control of our lives once school starts again. Hopefully, we're not kidding ourselves and that we will be successful in taking better advantage of the time we do have during the school year to stay connected and really enjoy each other. Usually by October, we feel like we are just hanging on to a runaway train. I'm thinking this year might finally be different. We'll see what happens! In the meantime, enjoy checking out what we have been up to so far in August.

Grammy has been wanting to get to the Butterfly Gardens on Vancouver Island for some time. Well, we were finally able to make that happen. Grammy, thanks for all you do for us and for the girls. We are very happy to have you here and to have you in the girls' lives. I'm glad we were able to do something like this to show our appreciation. Also glad to know you enjoyed yourself as much as we did.

Warm summer days mean lots of time in the pool and in the backyard. Yay! And now it's usually with clothes on!

Aunt Dona sent the girls a gift. Thank you, Aunt Dona!!! Luna was excited, but it was her tired time of day. Sorry she's not more obvious about her feelings. She wants to wear her hat everyday.

Grammy got one, too!

Mommy was at WWU for a week. On one of the days, we decided to hang out in the front yard, pretty different than usual. Luna has been wanting to do chalk on the sidewalk and also to make a hopscotch (what do you call it?) "court?" So what the heck; we did it! 

 Grace is a VERY proud member of the Community Co-Op.

Once the front sidewalk was sufficiently covered, we moved to the walkway. She wanted to draw us making dinner. 

Those are Luna's hearts.

Luna drew chalk on the sidewalk; then managed to put lots of it back on her face. 

Our neighbor's gorgeous flowers.

If you're in our part of town, our next door neighbor at 524 W. Illinois Street sells beautiful dahlia bouquets for just $5. 

Grace is a doll. She often carries one of her dollies or stuffed animals (today it was Piggy) giving love and hugs all the way.