New Pool

One of the best purchases this summer: A new pool from Costco.

A very cool feature: Sprinklers on each side.

Blake, in particular, was fascinated with the water fountains.

It also has this way-cool slide.

Happy baby. Two teeth!

We enjoyed inviting friends over to have some fun in the sun with us.

Good Boy

Bouncy House

Another favorite past time for the summer - the Bouncy House. The best Invention. Ever.

We are lucky enough to be close to two places that let kids and parents play, for a reasonable price, until the kids are passed out in the back seat of the car.

Wish they had these when I was a kid!

The place in Kent has this huge monstrosity... THE FORTRESS.

Dana, my little daredevil, LOVES it.

Lots of upper body strength and confidence help with this...

Baby you can drive my car

Blake and Dana are really enjoying each other's company lately. They can actually play together. One of their favorite activities is riding the car together. It cracked me up every time.
And then zoom around the house!

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!