July

July was packed with friends and family and trips. For the 4th, Matt came up and Ella decided he was pretty great. Lismarie and her family came over again too. We had a fire and roasted marshmallows and enjoyed the fireworks. My kids are getting into more explosive fireworks, so I'm always a little nervous. They wear safety goggles and ear protection and have done a good job the last couple years, so that's good.

Safety, safety!

Early in June, I was supposed to do a Fun Run in Seattle. A couple of things came up and it didn't work out for me to go. Instead, a few weeks later, I hosted one in my neighborhood for a few friends. We convinced the kids to run laps for donuts. It was great. Well, in July another friend hosted one at a park near her house. Donuts are the right motivator, I tell you what!

I took another trip back to Portland to visit family. The Brady family wanted to go for a sail one day, so we had brunch together before heading out.

These ladies all taking pictures of all the kids.

As the boat was getting prepared, we noticed a boat behind us tipped waaay too far over. Someone was out there helping them get properly situated and we all clapped for them when they were upright again. 

Sean loves going sailing.

(I opted out of this trip, but was there when they left and returned)

I was sent a couple of pics that David took of Sean at the wheel. What a natural!

Part of the reason for the trip was a birthday party for Lorainne. There was a lot of cousin time and I got to drive these three sweeties around with me.

The party was a great time! The kids all danced so hard late into the night.

We also spent some time enjoying the Brady backyard in its full summer glory.

With popsicles of course!

I went home for a bit. I got to catch up with my friend Chelsea who was in town for a few days. Matthew got to go to a couple days of a summer camp at the library. I also needed to process some of our plums. I dried some and made some bread and fruit leather. Mmm. I love those plums.

A couple days later we met up with the Brady fam in Tacoma. Some of the crew went to a Mariners game in Seattle. Most of the kids slept outside in a tent or on the trampoline.

I love when they get to just be goofy kids together. It's one of my favorite things. 

From there we all went to the airport to see Bethany's family safely off on their trip home.

I sent the kids to Nicki's for a few days because I went to stay with my brother Adam and Grandpa while my mom went to my Uncle Clinton's funeral. It was hard not to be able to go the funeral, but I knew it was definitely more important for my mom to be there. Amy came to town for the weekend with her kids. I see my siblings one on one fairly often, which I like. However, when combinations of 3 or more of us gets together, I just laugh so much. It was so, so good. Being able to laugh about wiping your grandpa's bum makes it a little less awful.

My kids usually participate in our library's summer reading program. After 10 hours of reading, they get a free book and a couple other little freebies. If they read 100 hours, they get a t-shirt. Sean has earned a shirt a few times, but this is the first year Matthew has earned one. He was so proud of himself. He mostly reads comics, but he read a couple actual books this summer. I just loved seeing so much reading around my house and in the car all summer.  

And my hydrangeas in full bloom for your viewing pleasure!