Busy Summer Report......yeah, that's a good excuse!

Is time sprinting? It is half way through July, and then it will be August, and then there are four months until Christmas.....
Please don't tell me you have started shopping. Thanks.

On our walk last night my husband exclaimed for two blocks regarding all of the things he wants/needs to do with the kids before school starts. #3 made his dad a handy "Everything I Want to Do This Summer" list and has been steadily checking them off. Happily pulling weeds and swimming lessons were at the top of #3's priorities- not really.

Just so he will remember that he actually did have fun this summer here are some of our moments so far:

First of all: Serious guy stuff like- knocking holes in walls and helping Dad move the laundry room shower was high on the list. This was necessary so Mom could use the tile she bought at a yard sale and we wouldn't have to listen to her crow about "the best deal ever!!!"

I would post a picture of the completed project, but alas, we ran out of tile and now are waiting some weeks to get our special order. Drat!

After such a blow #3 sought inner peace....until he fell over.

He still has to shower upstairs with the rest of us.

After dealing with our inner-peace-issues, we took a jaunt to Idaho to hang out with our family there and those who had travailed from Arizona. We had a grand romp involving large quantities of sugar and fat- mixed with some less than graceful physical activities.

Bowling was a hit with the kids.
The little darlings apparently got their stance from their mother.

Free hair cuts were part of the travel package at this hotel. Thanks to the family barber. He is starting up a new business if anyone is interested in a trim.

Not really.

..besides- you couldn't afford him, unless you live in Arizona.

One of the memorable/traditional outings we indulged in was the yearly outing of "the boat".

We have had this boat since I was in junior high and it has become a beloved family... icon. Someone could get a new boat, but it just wouldn't be the same family experience without all of the quirky rituals necessary to speed us and the boat on our way. Actually, this year the motor ran like butter, and the entertainment value was depleted when no one had to race to the back of the boat and pump the ball connected between the fuel line and the motor.

Buckaboo entertained the youngest group with sugar and songs, while Papa taught the eldest how to drive a boat. I think they cemented their coolness-status for years to come.

Have you ever been to the area around Mt. Rainier?

Oh, my goodness! You have to take yourself there at some point in your life. It it a testament to the creation. While we were there we had the thrill of seeing our uncle race. It was very educational and the testosterone packed. The boys were amazed- and I am glad they are not anywhere near driving age.

We also did a lot of this:

Nothing says "good family fun" like making brownies with Dad!

When we were dating my favorite sidekick put these on his husband-resume. I was sold! Hot guy with chocolate = a deadly combination!



The best part of our summer was attending the sealing of my amazing sister's oldest son, Little "C", to his parents. We never thought it would be possible, but miracles occur- sometimes when we least expect them. He is now part of a forever family, just like his brothers. Words can't describe our joy!