Kayak Ride

Carmen and Max are loving being on and in the water this summer.  We've been trying to kayak more often.  It's fun seeing the shoreline from a different perspective and watching the birds. Each enjoys taking a turn paddling but mostly splashing each other.  We're lucky to have these little adventures in our own backyard.

Who are these kids?

Voluntarily doing dishes? 

These can't be my kids. 

Lately washing and putting away dishes has been fun for them.

Keep it coming!

Summer Fun

We have been enjoying summer and staying busy.  The weather has been beautiful and our schedule full, but fun.  Here are some things we've been up to:

Visits to Edmonds beach.

It's become one of our favorites.

Playing in the sand, finding sea treasures and watching the ferries.

Carmen had her first pedicure.

She chose hot pink toes with a white flower.

She felt so grown-up.

The kids love watching American Ninja Warrior.

It's a fun show where everyday people (with often amazing life stories)

compete on a crazy obstacle course that is super challenging.

The kids have been busy building their own obstacles and acting out the competitors.

Our house is a disaster at times, but their creativity is shining.

Of course there have been more swim meets.

Two per week.

Here are the girls waiting ever so patiently for their relay

and practicing their silly faces to pass the time.

No summer would be complete without some excitement from Max.

At a recent swim meet our dear boy managed to fall from

the bumper of a truck after petting some pretty cute dogs.

The end result was a pretty good gash to his noggin, lots and lots of blood and a scrape on his arm.

Thankfully no stitches or glue required and it all healed quickly.

That's our boy!

We've been spending time at the pool for free swim

and hanging out with friends.

We had a grown-up night out and finally did the Seattle Underground Tour.
We've lived here long enough, it was time to see it.
It was fascinating to hear the stories and see what used to be.

Max started swim lessons.

He's really improving and loves being under water.

He loves it so much that sometimes he forgets to listen...

Carmen had a sleepover with one of her best

Kindergarten buddies from school. There were lots of shenanigans.

The sign of a successful sleepover!

Despite being busy, there is always time for a quiet moment.

Happy 4th!

Getting ready for the community bike parade.

Bikes decorated...check.

Red, White and Blue on...check.

Ready for a fun ride around the neighborhood...check.

 Next up, games.

Dizzy bat, snake, toss game.

Fun with water balloons, over 300 of them.

It made for a fun, entertaining afternoon waiting for the fireworks to start.

All thing glow--glow sticks, glasses, necklace, bracelet and wand.

Someone is ready to watch the fireworks.

Not quite sure about the loud booms.

Safety in numbers.

Goofy girls.

Best buddies.

Relaxin'

Swim Meets

Three swim meets down, four more to go.  Thus far the season is off to a great start.  Carmen is enjoying being on the team and has been a trooper at the swim meets.  She is gaining confidence and continues to improve. 

All 'capped' up and ready to swim.

The cutest 6-year-old relay.

All of the swimmers write their events on their arm.

Carmen is pretty exited about displaying her races.

Ready for backstroke.

 Each kiddo has a big buddy.

Carmen's buddy is amazing!

She writes her notes, gives her gifts

and is at every single one of her races cheering her on.

The power of a big buddy is pretty incredible.

 All set to swim in the 100 free relay.

Getting ready to dive.

As the season has progressed her diving has dramatically improved.

First is was more of a jump, now it's more of a dive.

Sometimes it's on the side, sometimes off the block.

She's working on it...

Can't wait to see what the rest of the season has instore!

Visit

We have been so lucky to have family visiting.  Auntie Tasha, Uncle Dan and Cousin Zane are back for the summer.  Hooray for catching up over good meals, long walks, having evening jam sessions with Auntie on the ukulele, Max on the drums and Carmen on the piano.  The kids have been over the moon to play with Zane--water balloon toss, countless backyard soccer games and wrestling.  Uncle Dan has been teaching the kids how to play chess and they also got a checker lesson.  We are enjoying every minute.