Sassy pants

I had the opportunity to have a fun night out with my wonderful friends a few weeks back. It was a much needed night on the town and I could not have asked for better company. Kirstin did an awesome job organizing a special evening (complete with cocktails, a great dinner and a sassy bar), we all got dolled up and I think everyone really enjoyed our time together.

Not too bad for a bunch of thirty somethings, I'd say

Not quite Pele...

The Camas Washougal soccer season kicked off a few weeks ago with mini camps for the younger teams. It was a great way for the kids to get out on the fields, run some drills, meet some new friends and get acquainted with the game. Carter really enjoyed himself the first two days, but by day four, he was kind of "done with it." He's certainly not an aggressive kid, so it's not always easy getting a foot on the ball. I just hope that once he gets with his team and plays a game or two that he will enjoy himself. It's great exercise and he loves his uniform, so it isn't all for nothing.

Carter and Andrew will be on the same team - first team practice is on Thursday.

This is how it went a lot of the time, especially in the beginning. Lots of playing around and not a lot of paying attention. They definitely improved as the camps went on, though, and seemed to learn a lot.

Water break

Pink cheeked after a fun hour of soccer!

Finally found his fins

We have a swimmer on our hands! It has been amazing to see the complete transformation in Carter during his two weeks of swim lessons. He was a kid who was very timid in the water, avoided getting his face wet and pretty much just like to splash around in the shallow end. But we were persistent with him and continued taking him swimming most weekends...and it was SO worth it to see him flourish during his lessons. He was in a pre 1/2 class with three other kids and loved it. By the end of the first day, he was jumping around, dunking his head and seemed 100% comfortable in the water. By the end of the session, he was fully swimming and it was amazing to see. We couldn't be more proud of him and the progress that he's made.

This was the first day - still trying to keep his head above water most of the time.

But he was willing to do this...

Getting ready to swim

Diving in, great form, kicking those legs. Way to go, Carter!

A Visit from GG

We enjoyed a nice visit with my grandmother last week. She travelled from Idaho, via Tacoma, and spent a lovely two days with us. I think the kids really enjoyed their time with her, as she is their only surviving great-grandparent. Carter was a little rough at times, but she was a trooper and kept up with them on walks and playtime at the park. She had tea parties with Kennedy, played Memory with Carter and enjoyed story time at the library. It was a great visit and we were thankful for our time together.

Drink Milk

Think milk might want to consider a new spokesperson for their add campaign?

Sometimes I can't get over her cuteness...I desperately need to remember these moments when I want to pull my hair out due to her naughty behavior. She's a firecracker this one, don't let the cute face fool you.

Enjoying a happy hour drink at 360 Pizza, one of our favorites!

A hiking we will go...

As most of you know, I'm not a huge fan of exercise. However, I am a huge fan of beautiful sunny days and fun times with my family. We headed out to Multnomah Falls and made the short trek to the top. I actually wished we could have hiked a little more, but with Carter asking "are we there yet?" and "how much longer to the top" about every 2.8 seconds, it was probably a good thing that it was only about 2.5 miles round trip. It felt great to be outside, enjoying our wonderful area on a gorgeous summer day. Kyle and I are both looking forward to a time where we can hike a bit longer without carrying either child. That'll be nice.

Carter was all about posing for the camera today and I got several cute smiles.

"Mom, take my picture in these rocks."

Kennedy rode in style. We attempted taking her out of the pack, but it was SLOW going. A little too slow for my taste, I'm afraid.

Nana and Carter snapping pics of the waterfall

the beautiful gorge behind beautiful kids

At the top and feeling good.

Carter and Nana

happy to be free of the backpack

This about sums up the end of the hike. Tired legs, sore feet and a boy who was happy to be done! Oh the drama.

Until next time...

I often find it difficult to put into words how much I love and appreciate my mom. And sadly, I'm afraid I don't always do the best job in showing her, either. BUT, we are so thankful for the time that my mom so willingly spends with us each summer. Some might shudder at the thought of having their mom/mother-in-law stay with them for 3 or 4 weeks, but Kyle and I are so appreciative of all that she does to help, and we're always sad to see her go. The kids seemed to grow even more attached during her stay this year. Kennedy can now say "nana" as clear as day and each of the kids were able to do special things with her on their own. I cherish this time, am so grateful for the help and love watching the kids enjoy their Nana. How blessed we are to have her!

In the 3 1/2 weeks that she spent with us this summer, we packed in a ton of fun things. Here is some photo documentation of our wonderful time together:

We LOVE Nana! Lots of time spent reading and playing,

fun trips to Oaks Park,

buying elephant ears at the zoo,

plenty of playtime at the park,

tea time at Cafe Sip n' Play,

celebrating birthdays and helping to make them special,

trying to snap photos of moving children,

babysitting so Kyle and I could enjoy a fabulous night out with friends,

tea parties,

second trip to Oaks Park,

lots of time for loving (especially thankful for mom getting up with the kids every morning!),

and hiking at Multnomah Falls on a beautiful morning!

Thank you Nana, we love you to the moon and back!