We've tried to limit the video gaming to early mornings, before breakfast. Otherwise, this is what they look like all day:
We started our extended family time weekend with Pop's arrival last week - it was a hot, hot day and he forgot his swim trunks, so the kids splashed him in an attempt to help him cool down:
We've had some good dinners, fun campfires and lots of lazy afternoons. All while these mushrooms grow and grow...
Last night, we visited Mel and Maisha's new home in SE - they had all sorts of fun things to do with the kids, including soccer at the park. Uncle Jon and Lindsey joined us, too. Nice family time.
Cool old car repair shop behind their house:
Portland parks are all this gorgeous:
The tribe, walking back home for some cantaloupe...
We packed up the ammo and headed to Nana and Papa's for a little bit of afternoon fun while Baba and Pop (who is visiting for a few days) ran their errands. While we were there, we had a yummy lunch, the boys played croquet with Papa while the girls wandered and chatted and then the ice cream truck showed up just in time!
We take our Nerfing seriously around here:
Papa showing us pictures from his big fishing trip up North...
These are the type of days over the summer that we long for during our long, dreary rain season (which happens to be September through July here in the NW)...
Swim lessons...
After a fun lunch at Panda Express, we sit patiently outside of piano lessons, waiting our turn (that'd be Andrew giving Mom bunny ears)...
Attempting to look innocent (or cool?)...
After swim lessons and piano lessons, we come home and...
Swim!
Silly boys, protecting their assets...
The flock enjoys their afternoon stroll around the yard...by the way, Jennifer is a drake. He's a beautiful one, at that - violet wing feathers, green head feathers and a total sweetheart! No eggs fromn that one, but at least he's good to look at!
When the boys are enjoying the pool, Mom gets to enjoy a few pages of a magazine...
I'm not even going to show you what happened to our kitchen last night. Let's just say that sneaky dishwasher leaks and really relaxed landlords = lots of black mold. Before we (as in Mike and I - the boys were visiting their father last night) lost our cool, Mike suggested we go out for a treat. We picked up our treats and headed to the river and just sat...and talked...and relaxed....for a long, long time. I told you - the most gorgeous place to live.
Mike's slug project. He's gone through a 6 pack of Pabst, a pound of salt and $8 worth of worthless hazelnut shells. Out with a flashlight every night, with hopes of rescuing just one more strawberry.
Our drive back from scout camp. We seriously live in the most gorgeous place. The river follows us everywhere.
Ahhh....another slap in the face reminder to this mama that her babies aren't babies anymore! Andrew went off to scout camp yesterday for the first time ever! He was SO excited - packing for 3 days (but still managed to forget a pillow and soap!) Baba, Matthew and I all drove him out and stayed for awhile, making sure he was settled in. He's with good friends, amazing leaders and seemed so thrilled to be there. I'm super proud (although SERIOUSLY anxious last night when we had a major thunderstorm! Poor kid is anxious enough in the dark - but without mom, in the dark, with a bunch of strangers? Ack! Can't wait to hear how that went!) Onto the good stuff....photos...
Super handsome Scout...
We sent cards to be delivered via Pony Express this afternoon...Matthew wanted to do one, too.
Greeted at the gates of camp by real cowboys, cowgirls and horses!
Gathering with our pack...Matthew was a bit clingy the entire time, but luckily Andrew wasn't!
When the trail boss introduced himself as "Andrew", our Andrew walked right up to him, stuck out his hand and said, "Hi Andrew! I'm Andrew!" It was adorable!
Checking out the homestead. He's bunking with buddies Ryan and Carson...they'll be cozy, for sure!
After a brief meeting, Trail Boss Andrew asked Scout Andrew to carry the flag first...he was SO super proud! So were we! :)
Matthew, getting a ride back down the hill (I swear Mike set him down at some point!)
It was hot, and little brother was feeling a bit left out - so we bought him a slushie at the trading post...it was a bad idea, as it ended up giving him a sick tummy on the drive home. Too much sugar. Oops.
This camp is adorable! (Gilbert Ranch at Butte Creek) - looks like an old western town!
We stayed long enough to watch the McNasties stampede in on their horses!
Here's a cool video of the stampede!
Driving home, Matthew asked us to pull over for some fresh air. Thank goodness for such a loving, gentle Baba who took him for a walk, found some ladybugs and distracted him from his tummyache. We are so blessed. (terrible photo, but it was too sweet not to post)
