It has always been my intention to keep this blog as a record of our family...somewhat of a electronic scrap book, as I've never been very good at keeping up with the real thing. Now it seems as if I'm neglecting this form, as well. I can't believe that the summer is half over and I've yet to post anything new. We've been busy and I've a list of at least 20 posts to catch up with it all. Unfortunately, we're having some trouble with our computer and the wireless connection, so we've been internet-less for over a week. (Thank heavens for iphones!) Although I'd love to post some pictures of all that we've been up to, I'm afraid a written review is all I have to offer. I'll add some pictures once the computer issue is resolved.
At the end of May, Carter finished up his time at Circle of Friends preschool. It was sad to say goodbye to teachers and friends, but it helped to know that Kennedy would be starting in the fall. They had a great end of the year "fun day" and singing program on the last day. Carter has grown and changed so much since he first started preschool...it really is amazing. He's reading on his own and doing wonderfully. This summer he's started to enjoy chapter books, which has been a lot of fun for all of us. I love to see his passion for reading, as it's something that brings me so much pleasure, as well. He made some great friends and was always well behaved in class. I think he loves to learn new things and took school seriously for that reason...it's a good thing, too, because at home he's silly all of the time. In fact, most of his poor choices come from him trying to be silly. Five has been a rough year for us in some ways, although I still will see glimpses of my sweet, loving boy. I know he's there, but some of time he's hidden in his attempt to be cool. I'm both nervous and excited to see what Kindergarten holds for him.
We started off the summer with an awesome vacation to San Diego (for Lego Land primarily, with a side trip to the beach) and then on to Phoenix. It was a terrific ten day trip and the kids had a blast. Both really enjoyed their time at Lego Land, and I'm glad that we started their 'theme park experience' there. It was a beautiful park, no long lines or big crowds but as a trade off the rides were geared towards the younger crowds. It's a park best for kids 5 and under, I'd say, although Carter and I managed to find all of the roller coasters and enjoyed those, too. Our week in Arizona was great. The weather was perfectly warm and sunny the entire seven days and we all needed it to dry out from our soggy spring. They kids loved swimming in the pool each day and were most content doing just that. During our stay we saw family, went mini golfing, saw a movie and swam, swam, swam. It was a great vacation and just what we needed.
We made our annual trip out to Cannon Beach to visit with the Sackman family. It was a beautifully sunny day and we all had a blast. We always leave wishing we had more time together, but are thankful for the opportunity to spend a great day at the beach together. We wished they lived closer!
Towards the end of June we had a wonderful week of VBS at church. This year's theme was Son Surf Beach Bash and the kids loved it. Kennedy was old enough to be in a group this year and did great. Thankfully my mom was here to help, staying with her for the majority of the time. It made me feel better, since she can be somewhat of a loose cannon and you never really know how she'll take to new situations. Thankfully it was a very positive experience for her. It was such an amazing week of faith and celebration with the kids. It was fun to watch them learn and experience the love of Jesus. Carter and Kennedy both learned a lot, loved the music and time of worship. I was fortunate to be a part of VBS, as well, and feel like I got as much out of the week as the children. It was awesome to see God at work, both with the leaders and the kids. It was a great week!
Nana made her annual trip up to Camas and it was such a help to have her with us. She is like the energizer bunny and never stops going...which was a tremendous blessing for me. The kids love having her with us and enjoyed their special outings together. Trips to the zoo, OMSI, Kids Club, swimming and the park were some of the highlights.
We celebrated Kennedy's 3rd birthday with a pink princess party. It was so much fun to put together and I couldn't have been happier with the way everything turned out. She was so very excited - waking up at 5:20 that morning, asking "me birthday party today?" She was giddy and seemed to enjoy every aspect of her party. It's so hard for me to believe that Kennedy is already 3. Yikes! My baby isn't so much of a baby anymore. She is equal parts sweet and sass...well maybe a little more sass. She is strong willed and determined and wants to do everything that Carter does. She's definitely not one to be left behind. She's shy with strangers, but otherwise talks non-stop. Her speech is progressing, but most people still have trouble understanding her. We'll continue to work on that. Kennedy loves her new big girl bed and enjoys playing in her room. She is very independent and can entertain herself for long periods of time. She loves imaginary play, both cooking in her kitchen and taking care of her baby dolls. She also loves to read, sing, dance, play outside, ride her bike and snuggle. She is finally potty trained and doing well with it (it was a nice incentive to have swimming lessons starting a few weeks before her birthday). We love our Miss K so much and know that God has blessed us with a spirited little girl who will hopefully grow up to do wonderful things. Our family certainly wouldn't be the same without her.
Along with the big events of the summer, both Carter and Kennedy are taking swim lessons and doing fabulously. They both passed their first sessions and moved up to the next level. Kennedy is fearless in the water, so we're happy for her to be receiving some formal instruction. Carter learned lots of new strokes and is so serious when it comes to learning in the pool. He works very hard and is improving quickly. Kennedy started gymnastics and loves it and Carter is taking golf lessons. He'll be starting soccer in a few weeks, as well.
And I was afraid we wouldn't have enough to do to keep us busy this summer!?!
Hoping to post pictures soon!
Another beautiful day at Cannon Beach
Actually touching the sand...it didn't last long but she played a bit more this time.
All the kids
This is the way she rides
Carter had the BEST day. He loved running on the beach, exploring the tide pools, playing in the sand and hanging with the big kids.
A little windy but overall a beautiful day at the beach 
