Giving Some Thanks.

We were lucky enough to have some great company for Thanksgiving.  Auntie Mumu came up from Cali to spend some time with us.  We cooked, watched movies, made fires, went bowling, played pinball, etc.  And we did the Turkey Trot, which thankfully, it was not raining for.  3 plus miles on Thanksgiving morning is a good way to get it started...

Manzanita Days.

A few of my favorites...

Arcadia

Hug Beach

Cannon Beach

Fall.

We managed to carve a few pumpkins we got at the patch, joining some neighbors for the fun.  Both Silas and Ru like digging out the insides more than carving the outsides, so I ended up doing the hard part.  

Silas had his last soccer game of the season and scored an unbelievable four goals.  We were proud of him and excited the his team won their final game after having a VERY losing season.  

(mentor and protege)

Pumpkins and Birthdays.

Things are slowing down for just a bit before the get going again.  Three out of four of us started school in the fall, Ruby celebrated her fourth birthday, Silas's first soccer season has come and gone, as has Halloween.  Trying to catch up on putting more pictures up.  

Apple Tree.

We've been picking apples lately from the tree in the back yard, if you find a good one, everyone is jealous! Here is Ruby picking in her new dress I made her for the first day of preschool.

Crabs.

When we were on summer vacation on the Oregon Coast, there was some crabbing being done. We caught a lot of crabs, but not any that we could keep (those darn ladies).

Beach Activities.

Bicycling.

Burying treasure to find next time.
Collecting treasure to bury (sand dollars).
Getting chased by the waves.

Happy As A Clam.

We made it out to the coast for a few days for a mini summer break. We love to head to a certain spot on the Washington Coast because it is so easy to get to (no ferries), the houses have hot tubs, and we get to take Orson. It has become a favorite thing for the kids, and this time we surprised them and had the car packed within a couple of hours and took off! Best surprise ever, Silas said.

Rarity.

Sculpture Park.

This week was a camp week. Silas went the the Pacific Science Center for "Spy Camp" and Ruby went to "Bee Camp". The weather was pretty crummy, so it was nice that the kids were being entertained. The week before, we went to one of our favorite places downtown, the Sculpture Park.

Today is Saturday and tomorrow we are surprising the kids with a beach house vacation until Wednesday. We are heading out to the Washington coast and hoping to relax for a few days. HOT TUB! CRAB! BUNK BEDS! When we return, Mumu will be here and that will be awesome.

The Fourth.

As usual, the fourth of July was a beautiful day. It always marks the beginning of the summer here in Seattle and this year was no exception. The neighbors came over and the day was filled with: baking soda and vinegar rocket launches, slip and slide, sno-cones, good food, and ended with Ruby falling asleep in a chair on the front porch while the city fireworks went off around her.

Low Tide.

One of the lowest tides of the season took us down to Golden Gardens this morning. We looked for critters and found only a few, but the kids were able to play in the shallow water.

Tea Party (No, not THAT one).

Silas hosted a tea party this morning with his friends. They were all wonderful guests.

The Porch that Jeff Built.

The railing went up on the porch and completion is within grasp. A nice stain and some trim and we can check this project off. Next up, painting the front.

Today summer vacation began. The kids are out and so is the sun (sometimes)! We are trying to balance camps, school work for mama, last days with our very best neighbors, beach time, stay-up-late time, a new babysitter (who starts tomorrow!), and much more.