Day Trip 2: Woodland Park Zoo

I was a little bummed when I found out that the Aquarium didn't have penguins, but the zoo more than made up for it.  These little guys were fun to watch.  Oliver enjoyed them, as long as he wasn't too close to the glass!

 I really liked the Woodland Park Zoo.  The walking trails were so beautiful, like walking through a garden.  And then you look up and see a wolf:

 The grizzly was my favorite.  He was so amazing.  So huge.  Beautiful and well, right there!  Terrifying in a not scary but awesome way.  I'm not sure if that makes sense.

Cooper said, "I can't believe I'm actually on a cougar.  I've never been on a cougar before!"  Insert 'laughing until you cry' emoji.  

 And notice how Oliver isn't wearing any pants?  Yep, that's right.  He peed out during lunch.  Probably the first time he has EVER done that.  So, of course, I wasn't prepared.  He went around the entire day without pants.  Good thing he's 2!  At one point in the afternoon, he looked down and said, "Oh dear.  Where did my pants go?"  Hahahahaha.

Despite that, the day was a success and we all had fun.  Grandpa and Nana joined us for our zoo trip. I'm still trying to figure out how they managed to avoid all my pictures...but we sure loved having them there with us.  It made it all the more fun.  Phew!  We're pooped now.

Seattle Day Trip 1

This year, we decided to have our summer fun be three day trips to Seattle.  Daycation day 1 started off at The Seattle Aquarium. 

I thought the Aquarium was pretty neat.  All the kids loved it.

Jelly fish are always my favorite

Oliver was a little scared of the seal.  We were up close to the glass when he came along swimming fast, and boy did it make Oliver jump!  The other kids thought it was cool to be so close.  Oliver jumped whenever anything swam right past him.  He liked having some space.

After the Aquarium, we headed over to Pike's Market to see all the sights.

The Gum Wall is just plain gross, but fun to see just the same.

Then we went to the harbor and ate ice cream and waited for our boat tour to begin

The Harbor Tour was really fun.  We all liked being on the boat and we had some really awesome views of Seattle.

After a long fun day (and a sunburn for me...oops) we ate dinner and headed home.  I love having a vacation that lets me sleep in my own bed.  

Girls!

Girl's Nights Out are the best.  Especially when they are with good friends.  These two ladies have literally saved me this year.  I'm grateful for Tricia and Lisa.  

 The next day was spent with more GIRLS.  I was asked by our Stake to teach at the Stake Activity Days Event.  I taught about scripture study which proved to be a blessing in my life probably more than any of the girls.

 And it was fun to spend the day with my girl.

Girls really need other girls.  And women really need other women.  This weekend was a strength to me.

Strawberries!

It's strawberry season!  So we went picking.  The fields smell so good and it's super fun to pick perfect beautiful amazing yummy berries!  I could have added more adjectives, but you get the idea.

 Cooper didn't want to be in the group selfie

 He was too busy picking!  We ended up with over 10 pounds.  It's hard to quit.

 On the way home, we stopped at Appel Farms for cheese samples.  They have some amazing cheeses!

 Once home, I made jam, strawberry cobbler, and pigged out on fresh berries.

Berry season is the best time of year up here!

Cuties

I think he's outgrown his favorite ride...lol!

 Scootering

 The only thing she begged for at the grocery store was a giant carrot.  It's so easy to be a yes mom in moments like that.

 Tubby fun

 Cooper might have a mini trike, but he no longer has a mini toddler bed!

 He couldn't be more pleased with his big bed.  We had fun putting it together and he LOVES it!

Last Day of School

Last day of 3rd and 5th grade!  

 They grew up a lot this year, and I'm proud of them.  I am not ready for Ethan to be in middle school, but here it comes.  I'm glad they had a year here where they had school together.  I think it helped them both.

I enjoyed going to Ethan's "moving on" assembly and clap out.  It was fun and weird for me at the same time.  I'm starting to realize how all these little kid years will be over in a blink.

Now on to a summer of adventures.  It will go all too fast, so we're going to try and enjoy every minute!

Father's Day

I've never felt more grateful for the Father's in my life than I was this Father's Day.  My Dad, my Father-in-law, my husband.  All losing themselves in the service of the Lord and in the service of their families.  My sons could not have better examples of real men.  My daughter couldn't have a better example of what she deserves someday for herself and her children.  

Happy Father's Day!  I love you so much!

Home, Work, Play

Tubs are fun

 And so are human piles

 Silhouettes of Oliver

 We had fun going and visiting Todd's new office.  His year of working at home has sadly come to an end.  I sure loved him being home, but seeing his office was fun.  Oliver picked Fluid Mechanics for his story.  Lol.  Todd's glad to have faster internet for work and we have fun going once a week to visit and out for lunch.

 Playing with Dad

 We hosted an end of year party for Ethan and his friends.  Wayne couldn't come, but Leo, Levi, and Weston did.  I felt grateful to meet these boys and see how they all interact with each other.  I am so grateful that after being friends for years and years, they let Ethan into their circle.  What good kids!  Here here to the end of elementary school!

The Deming Logging Show

I've never seen my father-in-law so excited.

 And when my boys saw all the diggers and loaders, they were pretty excited too.

 And you know what?  I had a lot of fun.  They do some pretty cool and impressive stuff.

 Some made me a little nervous.  Kind of like being at a rodeo.  But mostly just fun.