Woodland Park Zoo

Nadia and I decided that a cool summer day would be perfect for the zoo. We drove to Seattle for the day to enjoy the animals at Woodland Park. A good time was had by all! Who doesn't love good friends AND animals??

Sadie's and Laine's Ear Piercing!

I have told Sadie for a long time that she can get her ears pierced whenever she is ready. She and her friend Laine discussed it and decided they wanted to go for it! So the moms and the daughter's set off for the mall and got them done. The girls were both a little nervous, but were pretty brave. It was a fun "girly" outing to do together. I was scared more of the aftercare than the actual piercing, but Sadie was very diligent about reminding me to clean her ears, and so far no problems. She is loving changing her earrings now and showing her Kindergarten teacher when she puts a new pair in. One of Laine's earrings accidentally fell out a few weeks after piercing, and she decided she would rather wait to get earrings again until she is a teenager. So cute!

Laine getting ready!

Sadie was all smiles!

Dinner after at the mall food court! 

"Mini- Me's"

Showing off the side view! 

Soccer Camp 2012

Sadie and Connor both did a soccer camp in August. I'm not sure how I didn't get any pictures of Connor (oops!), but he REALLY enjoyed it. I thought the camp was really well done and good for both kids. Connor hasn't played soccer on a team since he was much younger, but really enjoys playing. Sadie was very excited and tried her best, but I'm not sure it is "her sport" just yet.  I'm happy that they both participated with happy attitudes and had good experiences. At the end of the camp I told Sadie that I had signed her up for a soccer team with some friends for the fall and she said that she would like a "break" from soccer. So...I called and asked for a refund! :) 

I think this is Connor. :)

Grandma and Grandpa Camp

The kiddos got to go to Portland to spend some time with Grandma and Grandpa and Uncle Lance for a few days. It is always a time that both the kids and I look forward to every summer. I can't even remember everything I did while they were gone.  I know that Ryan and I got to go out a few times, I got some closets cleaned out, worked out, went to Nordstrom by MYSELF. :) I am so appreciative of being close enough to grandparents that WANT to spend time with my kids. I would have loved to have been so close to my grandparents growing up. My kids are so blessed to  have such special relationships with them.

All strapped in and ready to roll!

Anette sent this to me on my phone of the girls matching before going to church.

Kandle Park Wave Pool

We took a day trip a short drive to Tacoma to Kandle Park, to spend the day at the new wave pool. The kids and I LOVED it. It was clean, not too crowded, and just a short drive away. We had some good friends the Penrods, and Cammack's to hang out with too. I think we will for sure return next summer.

Eliza and Mim

Sadie and Eliza

Connor and Thomas

Sisters

Long Lake

Our friend's, the Downings, live on a beautiful local lake. We spent the day playing, kayaking, and laying out in the sun. Eliza even took a long nap inside their house so I could even relax a bit. As we were driving away, Sadie and Connor both said that it was the BEST day of the summer!

Sadie and Lauren

Connor

Connor and Mason kayaking.

Playing water polo.

The girls trying to catch some fish.

Bremerton Fountains

It was a beautiful day and my adventurous friend Nadia invited us to go to the Bremerton fountains to play for the day. The kids had a great time. After Eliza stopped being scared of the "eruptions" of water, it was perfect for her because she could wade in the water herself with out help, which she LOVES to do. I'm not too sure about the hour drive. It's a shame that Olympia doesn't have more water features for the kids to play in. I guess that is what we get for 9 months of rain a year. It was nice to do something different for the day with good company!

Waiting for the fountain to explode!

Happy girl.

The beautiful sound that the fountains are right by.

Had to get Cold Stone ice cream after a day in the sun.