finally...boating weather is here!

Summer has finally arrived here in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. I feel the sunny days and warm temperatures are our reward for putting up with months and months of grey and rain. And for the majority of those 10 months or so, the boat sits in the garage taking up valuable storage space. But on these rare, glorious, hot summer days I am so thankful that we have the chance to get out on the water and enjoy our majestic surroundings.

A few weeks ago we headed up to Lake Merwin for our inaugural boat trip (we're lucky enough to be going again tomorrow) and had such a wonderful time. It was just the four of us and the day could not have been better. It was sunny and warm, the kids loved riding in the tube and jumping into the water. I even managed to come close to rock star status in Carter's eyes as I dusted off the water skis and took a little spin. It was a fabulous family day!

Excited kiddos!

Who's ready to go boating?
these two

Going for a dip in the icy cold waters. Lake Merwin is a reservoir that is filled by Mt. St. Helen's snow melt...brrr!

Our first tube trip -

an example of how much I love my kids. I really don't love cold water, but it was so worth it to hear their squeals of delight.

I think the tube had a slow leak, so by our second time I was getting a lot wetter. Kennedy loved every second, though.

Carter helped Daddy drive

Mr. Brave decided to hit the tube by himself, he did great!

Princess Kennedy is 3!

Way back on July 9th, Kennedy celebrated her 3rd birthday with a pretty, pink princess party. It was such a special day for her, as I believe this was the first birthday where she actually realized everything was for HER! She was very sweet and very excited about her party. She woke up that morning (even earlier than normal) and quipped, "it's me party today?" We kept the guest list smaller this time around and I think that helped Kennedy enjoy her self more. The kids decorated crowns in the 'Royal Design Studio', got the fingernails and toenails painted in the 'Princess Beauty Parlor', listened to a story, ate lunch and enjoyed cake. It was such a fun party to put together and my mom was a huge help - I felt so relaxed and was really able to enjoy the festivities too.

Kennedy waiting to welcome her guests up the pink carpet

Miss K and Auntie Val - these two share a very special bond and we were so happy she was able to help celebrate Kennedy's big day!

Kennedy went upstairs and opened a present early, sneaky little girl.


The boys - Kyle, cousin Brady and Carter

Our first guest, Princess Lillian and her beautiful mommy, Kirstin.

Nana! What would we do without her?

Of course the boys had to be silly

Baby dolls and princess accessories were the big gifts of the day.

A singing card

3!

Here are pics of the decorations -

Welcome to the Royal Palace

Favor bags

Wishing I would have rented slip covers for the chairs, but I loved how the table looked.

Princess Kennedy is 3

I was thrilled with how the cake turned out. I had purchased a groupon from Beaverton Bakery and just ordered over the phone. My only stipulation was that the cake needed to be pink - I LOVED how it looked!

4th of July Fun

Sadly, it's now August and I'm still trying to catch up my blogging from the beginning of July. Oh well, better late than never!

We had a fabulous 4th of July celebration this year...I could really do without the booming fire works that exploded each night (for a week!) in our neighborhood, but I tried hard not to be a Grinch on the 4th. We ended up heading downtown to the Blues Fest on the waterfront and met up with three other families. It was a gorgeous afternoon, and the kids did surprisingly well. We were able to enjoy some good music and great time with friends.

Festive kiddos
Thank goodness for snacks...there wasn't a ton of room for the kids to run or play, but they sure enjoyed eating!

Carter and Ethan

How cute is this little guy?

A group shot - Care and Cheri, Carter, Adrian and Eli

Nana and Kennedy finding new forms of entertainment

When we got home, we let the kids do a few sparklers. I'm kind of anti fireworks, but I have fond memories of sparklers and the kids really enjoyed them.

Such sweetness

Family Time

Family is such an important part of our lives, and I know I've said it many times before, but I'm so thankful for our loving, supportive and generous family members. I'm also so grateful that Carter and Kennedy have cousins that are close to them in age - it's so special to see them interact with one another. Not to mention I get baby time without actually having a baby, it's the best!

Carter and Brady celebrating Grandma's birthday.

This little guy is so sweet and mellow, such an easy baby and so easy to love!

Carter helping Grandma with her candles

Happy Birthday, Grandma!

We were so lucky to have Stacy, Bennett and the newest addition to our family, Sloane, visit for a few days at the end of June. Sloane was just a month old and so tiny. We had a busy week, but we managed to squeeze in two short visits. We are all anxious for our time in Eagle Crest so we can get to know her better.

Kennedy's excited to have another girl in the family and was very gentle with Sloane.