4th of July Weekend

This year we went to Crescent Bar for a family fourth celebration!

The kids were in the parade this year!
Alexandria drove the electric jeep - Dana rode beside her and tossed rubber duckies.

The theme was "Island Fun" - so we decorated the jeep and played island music from the Ipod.

The babies rode in the wagon behind the girls... they were so stinkin' cute!

Dana stayed up for her first Fireworks show.

Yey! Pop!

We all enjoyed our holiday weekend.

The kids and I went over early on Wednesday with Papa John.
So we had some days to kill before Allen and the rest came over on Friday.

Blake loves his 'big boy' chair.

We had fun hanging out outside but we needed more entertainment.

Nothing a kiddie pool can't solve!

Papa John added some warm water and we were good to go!

Blake checking out the water.

Dana called it her 'Water Park.'

She later discovered she could dip her head in the water...

And then let the water drip down her face.

So funny when she did this!

Dana helped Papa water the flowers.

Then it was back to the pool.

"Kick baby! Kick!"

Blake had fun with a sprinkler.

Saturday brought beautiful weather... and a chance to go boating!

John's family; Chris, Karin and their daughters Lexie and Sammy spent the weekend with us.

All four kiddos in the tent.

Allen grilled some amazing pork loin for dinner.

Dana loves going fast on the boat.

The stunning view of the Columbia River from the boat...

The sandbar was pretty mellow this year.

A view of the concert venue at George from the river.

There was a large brush fire that started on the side of the highway, sending smoke down our way... it was a little smelly and ashy for the greater part of Sunday.

Made for a pretty sunset. We got to watch the local fire department battle the fire with helicopters taking water directly out of the river - it was kinda cool!

Happy Birthday Blake!

We found this great bubble machine at Costco...

It was a huge hit! The cakes! Yummy from CJ's Bakery!

Good buds - Dana, Lucas and Lila.

Allen was the grill-master.

MorMor and Grandpa John got the coolest gift...

Blake's very first BMW!

Of course, Dana got the first ride.

But Blake did get to enjoy eventually!

Happy Birthday to our very special little man. We love you.

Indoor June Fun

When the weather is crummy out, you get creative with indoor entertainment...

You have fun with, what else, Tupperware! Still some containers in there to pull out Blake!

Dana has figured out she can fit on the top shelf... She loves to pull all the containers out, climb in and shut the door...
no claustrophobia in THIS kid.

Blake having fun with an air pump. Dana's all-time favorite show - Elmo's World on Sesame Street... here she is watching the episode about sleep... so she insisted on making the ottoman into a bed... (an ottoman in front of stereo equipment is essential for a house with a very busy 1 year-old)

June Backyard Fun

June weather has been hit and miss around here... when we do get a nice evening we all jump at the chance to enjoy our yard...

Blake likes to practice drinking out of a big-boy cup...
Although, he still needs more practice - here's his soaked shirt (and Daddy).

Dana showing off HER ability to drink from a big-girl cup.Best Craig's List find - a new play set!

Slide!

Dana's favorite way to be pushed on the swing... She just yells "Feet!" Such a dare devil.

Blake's got a bucket swing so he can enjoy too.

We look forward to lots more afternoons spent in our own backyard.

Or as Dana calls it "Dana's Park."

We hope to invite lots of friends over to enjoy with us!

Oh No... a walking fool...

Blake has been practicing his walking...

After about a week of practice...

He's doing great!

Bloomsday