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.

Summer Days

So it is finally time to play catch up on my blog in preparation to print my annual blog book. So here goes...I thought I'd start with some pictures with captions of our fun summer days. After the 4th of July we had the most beautiful weather that I can remember after almost 9 years of living here.  My kids were all at such fun stages and pretty easy to take places. We really enjoyed each other and the beautiful place we live. 

Fun with Friends in the neighborhood.

I tried to do some fun science experiments with the Sadie and Connor. This is the classic vinegar and baking soda, but with food coloring.

Always fun to have a tea party with Eliza.

Farmers Market and our "free apples."

Hikes together. (This was supposed to be candid because they looked so cute all 3 in a row walking together, but then they totally posed!) 

Visits from the ice cream man!

A trip to a new little ice cream/soda fountain downtown.

Sadie learned to ride her bike on two wheels!

Sidewalk chalk is always a must!

Cool days at the park.

Blury-but had to include because one of their favorite things to do is take a free bus ride downtown to and from the farmer's market.

Dollar summer movies. Eliza was very good this summer, enjoying her popcorn and sitting on my lap!

Free Summer Bowling!

Eliza went through a backwards hat phase...also disliked wearing socks, so she was always taking her shoes off to get the wood chips out when we were at parks.

I just love this picture that Sadie took of Eliza on my phone.

Good times in our backyard.

July 4th, 2012

It is often said here in the Northwest that summer truly starts (weather wise) on the fourth of July and this year it was true. We had beautiful weather for the silly Tumwater parade--we couldn't talk Ryan into joining us--so the kids and I set off to enjoy the VERY small town, yet festive, parade.  Later in the day we had good friends for a BBQ and then over to the fireworks show. Happy Birthday America!!

Eliza wanted to be a participant in the parade! 

A good looking bunch!

Charlie enjoying some coke!

Ready for the fireworks!

Connor never has been one to enjoy loud sounds of fireworks!

Strawberry Picking 2012

We decided to take advantage of "you pick" this year and enjoy some delicious Spooner strawberries. The kids were good little pickers and picked 9lbs before we knew it. We didn't even make any jam because they were gobbled up so fast! 

Elize did more eating than picking!

On the little tractor ride back from the fields.