Fourth of July

I love the fourth of July! We have so much to be thankful for—living in the United States. First thing in the morning, Evelyn and I spent some time drawing flags and discussing the fact that today was America’s birthday. I explained how blessed we were and how we have this big celebration to

show our gratitude- with fireworks, food, and fun activities. Later in the day, I overheard Evelyn talking with her cousins—they were jumping on the trampoline with the sprinkler underneath.

“Well, I suppose I just have to get wet on America’s birthday, don’t you think?”

Still later, she was VERY upset at the fact that I was too tired to attend the firework show at 10:30 that night. The thought of keeping the kids up that late and staying out myself was a little much after our long day in the sun. Evelyn fumed at me, “MOM! Why would you want to miss America’s birthday party! I really want to go~!” I think I pretty much dug my own grave on that one. Maybe I should be a little less enthusiastic next time I’m explaining a holiday to my little girl.

Trains

There is a fun beach near our home called Sunny Side. Trains consistently roll through—very close to the shore. The trains are fast and LOUD. Some of the cousins are scared of these trains—so naturally, I thought Dane would be a little concerned. But he wasn’t in the slightest. In fact, he was obsessed with watching the trains pass. He was in heaven. I guess it’s because the subway trains in NY are extremely loud and whiz by very close to the waiting passengers—so he’s used to it by now.

Funny thing though, when the garage door goes up at my parents’ house—he is scared to death. He looks all around, trying to find the source of the sound—it’s very startling for him because really, he’s had no experience with a garage or a garage door! I guess that’s city life for you!

Camping

A few pictures of our little camping adventure at Nisqually. This is the camp ground that our church owns. I grew up going to Girl’s Camp here and it’s been fun to return with our family and roast hot dogs, make smores, hike about and sing camp songs. Evelyn and Dane love the woods as much as I do.

Highlights for the kids were finding sticks and stones, playing at the river with Papa and of course, eating as many marshmallows and chocolate bars as their little tummies could hold—a rare treat for them!

Girls Night Out

I must say, one of the best parts of my visit home was a special girls night out trip that my mom and dad planned for the girls of the family (minus Jen who was sadly out of town!) So kind of my Dad and my wonderful brother Mikey to watch the kids overnight while my Mom, sisters and I spent some time shopping, eating, staying up late and chatting the night away in Bellevue. We didn’t venture far from home—because that wasn’t the point! The point was good quality time together. Time that I very rarely get to spend with the girls I love most in the world.

I’ll admit, I was worried the kids would be upset that I was gone without their Daddy their to tend to them. But, when I returned, I quickly realized I was not missed much! They were spoiled rotten by their Papa and Uncle Mike.

When I asked Evelyn if she had missed me while I was gone, she calmly and quietly said…. “mom, can I tell you a bad word?”

She looked at the ground, shifty eyed-- then said, “no.”

Strawberry picking

I’ll say few words about this event… Dane spent most of the day eating strawberries. When all was said and done, he had little to show for his efforts in the hot sun. Evelyn was excellent at gathering berries and storing them away for later use, rarely did she pop one in her mouth. All the while she was thrilled to inform me that Princess Aurora from Sleeping Beauty was also asked to gather berries by the three fairies. Our family has always planned berry picking trips—it’s a lot of work, but also a lot of fun. And who can argue with the sweet rewards of strawberry shakes, and/or delicious home made jams?

Cousins

Evelyn and Dane have four cousins—Noah, Adam, Kate, and baby Lizzie.

Did they ever have fun together! I always find it so sweet—the fact that my kids seem to know that cousins are very special friends. Even after months without contact, they are completely in love with these children who are their family. It is so special to me--- to watch my kids love and adore my siblings’ children. I hope they always remain close.

This time around, Evelyn and Adam again acted the part of best buddies. We often referred to them as partners in crime as they had the tendency to act a bit naughty in the company of one another! Dane adored his little cousin Katie and he also clung to older cousin Noah. Of course both my children squeal with delight whenever they see baby Liz.

Around the town

I love the picturesque neighborhood where I grew up. The little town borders the Puget Sound and so the sun setting behind the water is definitely a beautiful sight! We had a lot of fun visiting farmer’s markets, playing at the various parks and spending time at the beaches. I didn’t take as many pictures as I normally do (pregnancy has zapped all my energy). But here are a few shots I snapped around the town.