Blog Post # 2 for Today!

Playing catch up:

Way back at the end of June, we had a fabulously fun-filled day. We started out the morning at Sammy's cousin's birthday party at the park and then Sammy and I drove up north to go to our friend's party by the lake. Lots of fun and lots of cake was had that day.

The hula hoops were a huge hit:

It was cute going to Rachel's party. Sammy was the only one under seven or so. I think she was in heaven with all the big kids. And the big kids were very kind to include Sammy. Especially Rachel. What a sweetie. Check out where Sammy sat herself. Right next to the center of attention. That's our Leo. I guess I don't need to worry about self-confidence...at this age, at least.

The next big event was the Fourth of July. Another wonderful time at Andy's place right on Lake Union. I'm not sure how it happened, but the fireworks were completely in view this year, rather than partially hidden behind a rogue tree. It was spectactular. I had such a great time at this party this year. Here's Sammy fixing the keg of beer that David brought.Sammy, "Auntie" Lara and Uncle Tony joined us and Sammy was able to stay up for the entire event. Usually there are other kiddos around, but she was the ONLY one there! And what a trooper she was. It helped that there were tons of people that oozed attention on her. I think watching the fireworks through the first-time eyes of Sammy made the whole events super special.

We love summer!

For various reasons (weather, jobs, etc) most of our summer has been crammed into August. And we have been having a grand old time! We have gone camping...twice.

This was a lot of fun. We went with my folks and Uncle Tony to Marble Creek in the North Cascades to celebrate Sammy's 3rd birthday. We had a great time and the weather cooperated, for the most part. We even remembered to pack her Birthday Suit!

The following weekend, we took off for Hood River to go camping with Sammy's cousin. We had bought the guys a river rafting experience for Father's Day and it sounded like they had an absolutely awesome time! I'll have to wait to post one of those pictures. But they are cool!

While the guys were rafting over a waterfall, we took the kids to a very neat secluded beach. What a blast they had - and of course, Sammy's favorite thing to do was coat herself in sand. The next day we took the kids to David's aunt's farm and the kids got to see cows and ride on a tractor! This weekend was much hotter than we are used to - around 104 on Friday and Saturday, and then it rained on Monday. But we managed to stay cool. It was so fun to watch the kids run around and play together. They had a ball!

Well, Sammy's awake, so I am going to read her a book. I'll post more soon.