I'm Still Around

Don't give up on me yet. We've been busy - staying outside by the pond or at the beach because it's scorching hot outside - or sweltering - as Stella said to me this afternoon. I've been taking a lot of pictures, I just haven't been spending much time on the blog (probably because I'm verrrrrryyyy.... ummmm...particular and I like my blog to look pretty, so I can't just- quick throw a blog together - it's a problem really, I have major problems...). So friends, I'll leave you with this picture of Ava and let you know...



...there's more where that came from.

My Little Monkey...

Jumping on the bed.









It's hard to believe that not too long ago my little monkey looked like this when she was "jumping" on the bed...

...sigh... If I could freeze time, I would. Ava's growing up just like the rest of them. This morning I went upstairs and she came to me hollering - MAMA (come to think of it, that's how she always says my name - a big, loud MAMA). I picked her up and she looked at me, scrunched up her nose, pointed to her bottom and said "poo poo." Sooooooo, I'm looking for someone who is well-trained, loves children (and poop-y underwear), and has the patience of Job, who will come and potty train my daughter when it's time. Anyone?? It's not my favorite job, but I'll breathe a sigh of relief because I got a few months yet.

Summer has been great so far. It's been busy- haven't been blogging much and that's OK. Last week was Vacation Bible School. Stella had a lot of fun. This weekend it's Mt. Constitution with some friends. More fun times ahead! I can't wait. I'll keep you "posted" ;)!

Summertime, and the livin's easy...

Tricia came for a visit back in June. My kids love her. Well, they love all their aunts and uncles, but it's a special treat when Aunt Tricia comes because they can weasel her into all sorts of fun and games. For the week she was here she was their Kung-fu master, tag-chaser, swing-pusher, and fairy-house-maker. We love for her to come and we hate for her to go. That's it, we need to find a way for her and Koby to move to Washington.

Happy 4th of July!

Stella, Ava and Jonah wearing their cute, red, white and blue outfits from Uncle Koby and Aunt Tricia.

The 4th of July wouldn't be complete without the annual 4th of July parade in Friday Harbor. Stella and Jonah waved to every float, person, or truck that passed by (secretly in hopes of some candy). It was a hot day and the parade was extra long because of the Friday Harbor Centennial Anniversary but, they loved it. Ava conked out the minute we got in the car which was surprising considering the amount of candy she consumed.

After the parade it was out to the pond for a bbq, a little swim, a little siesta... Kelli, Steve and their family came up the Thursday before the 4th and stayed for a long weekend. Have I mentioned I love my family? Well, I do. I wish we all lived next to each other. I miss them when their gone. Stella, Jonah and Ava had tons of fun playing with their big cousins.

This is my first attempt ever at taking pictures of fireworks, so you might need to cut me a little slack ;). Not having a tripod and having my shutter speed set to super slow...let's just say it was hard to keep still. They're fun though. I love how the ferry looks with the tree, and then with the reflection off the water...I think they look cool, especially since I didn't really see much of them because I had my eye glued to the camera.

Sunday, at Grandpa and Grandma's

Here is a picture of all the cousins. 7 of them have names that start with A, 6 of them call me Aunt Sara, 3 of them call me mom. I love them all.

Mother and daughters

I love summer.

Just because...

he's cute...

...and just because I kinda like him.