Our park

             No luck this time in catching those little fish that live in the creek.  He'll keep trying!

Breakfast at the Park

Last week we packed up early and headed to have breakfast at our neighborhood park.  It was a great way for all of us to start the school day!

Stinkypants 1996-2012

We will miss you sweet kitty!



Brian and I sat with Stinkypants during her last minutes with us.  It was hard watching her breathing with such difficulty.  But suddenly she stopped laboring for breath and while laying on her side, started making a running motion with her feet (the way an animal will do in their sleep).  Once that stopped, a moment later she arched her back and stretched out most comfortably, as if someone was petting her in a fashion she loved.  In that relaxed postion she left us.  It left the most peaceful feeling mingled with the sadness.

Slumber Party

Kylie had a sleep-over party with two dear friends this past weekend to celebrate her tenth birthday.  The girls went pottery painting, had dinner and cake, went swimming, played Mad Libs with Aunt Bean and simply had fun together.  It was a great time!

Clara, Eryn and Kylie

gift time

cutting cake



with Shea

I want to add that Kylie, Eryn and Clara (whom are all older sisters!) were so sweet and gracious about including Shea in their games and fun!  You girls rock!

Crafted by Boppa

Boppa brought the children a special surprise on his last visit to see us.  A counter he made for their play kitchen.  They have loved it and have used it many times over to make divine playdough meals.  I love it when the children are showing someone new through the house as they always mention that their grandfather built the refrigerator and [now] counter with such pride.  It always gets a "wow" from their friends too!

Just Like Daddy

10!

Happy Birthday Kylie!  Welcome to your "Double Digits"!  We love you more than words can say!

(a little more art work that I love from our girl!)

A Walk in the Woods

We went for a hike with our friends not too long ago.  The kids had a great time climbing trees, collecting treasures, running, walking and talking.

Tall mushroom

Monkey Shea

Monkey Sophie

Ky and Clara

tree leaner



checking things out with Kaj

leaf hunters and gatherers



peek-a-boo

Finger painting

A little mucking around in the paints...

Pillow Mountain

Shea loves building a "pillow mountain" on our couch.  He gathers every pillow he can find and piles them up as high as he can or he makes tunnels and other comfy areas.  His creations are starting to get more involved and detailed. 

Gaming

Game on

Kylie and Shea have been playing many board and card games this summer.  Inside or outside, by themselves or with our neighbors, the games are on and happening.  The other day they created an Uno Machine (after many Uno playing sessions).  They hung a silk cloth to divide the step stool down the middle.  They would take turns tossing cards into the holes on the side and calling out the suits.  Uno amped up.

The Original Uno Machine