We always try to make it down to Vancouver for the weekend of the annual Sausage Festival. Jonathan and his family have been going since they moved to the town circa 1990. This year was to be the last one, so we just had to make it. Auntie Ashleigh even flew up from Oakland – it’s that important. We had a terrific time, saw lots of old friends, and lamented about the fact that this would be the Last Sausage Festival. Well, there was a happy ending, because the week following, the festival was somehow saved. Hooray!

The Vortex. I was surprised Kieron wanted to try it, and I know he really regretted it once the ride took off.

Silas and Nana saying “oh dear.”

Wow, that was so much fun.

A better, milder ride.

Pushed Silas’ comfort zone a little though.

But in the end he decided he loved it.

Intro to gambling

This boy loves slides. The bigger the better.

Time to eat.

Saturday night is the notorious Omelette Party at Joe’s. This year did not disappoint.

Joe & Jono

Auntie Ash & Lindsey

The next morning we took the boys back to Joe’s. They loved the waterfall in the back yard.

At Grandpa’s bench.

Picking pears in Nana’s front yard.

Don’t worry, Kieron wasn’t exactly under the ladder, it just looks that way.

Here’s what else we were up to during the month of July:

Jonathan hiked Mt. Si and watched the sunrise.

We pet sat our neighbor’s guinea pigs, Salt and Pepper. They were cute, but messy.

There was back yard sprinkler fun

And swimming lessons

Reading

And lots of park-hopping

Also lots of bike rides

Playing in the sandbox

More reading

Know how everyone hates going to the DOL? Next time you’re there, just be glad you’re not there with three young children in tow. I will admit, they were very well behaved (until the last minute or two), and I was fortunate to arrive when I did. Shortly after we got there, at least a dozen more people showed up. Whew!

We had lots of cute bird visitors this summer

There were playdates and water balloon fights    

Some monkey business in the tree house

Makes for tired boys

You can barely see him, but right in the middle is our baby bunny who was born this summer. We saw him almost every day, and enjoyed watching him grow. 

Our good friends, Jen, Oliver, Bjorn & Elina visited us one more time before they left for two years in Singapore. Sniff.

This is a science project the boys did with M&M’s. When placed in water, the “M” floats off the candy.

Typical

Visit with Auntie Ashleigh =  good excuse to go to Red Mill for burgers

And also to the Pacific Science Center. Our boys are scared of the butterflies!

The highlight: the silly mirrors

In January we spent a weekend with Nana. We had a great time, and the weather cooperated, so we got to play outside a lot. The boys were enthusiastic to help in the yard. A big pile of firewood was delivered, and they showed off their strength and endurance, stacking firewood for a good hour. On Sunday we watched the Seahawks beat the 49ers and enjoyed a gourmet taco feast by Mark.

The boys had a blast helping stack a big pile of firewood.

“I’ll get the heavy ones, Nana.”

On the rope swing

Each boy got a ride on the mower.  Kieron was delighted that his middle name, Scott, was on the front of it.

Reading stories with Nana

Baking a quiche