Our little fish

Ella LOVES to be in the water, especially under the water. Her favorite thing to do in the pool is "bobs", where she holds her breath and goes underwater for a second. She'll do it over and over again. As you can now watch for yourself.

Birthday season

So I mentioned Jameson's birthday, but his was one of many in the last couple weeks. Jameson shares the 20th of July with Grandma Margaret, and Seth's birthday is the 17th. And just last night we were at Tom and Ruth's for a get together for Kristen's birthday. I know it's not the same as an individual shout out on the blog, but here's a big group "Happy Birthday" to all of those we love with birthdays this month.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Happy Birthday, Jameson!

Gabe and Nancy's little boy, Jameson, turned 1 on July 20th, and we headed to Bellevue the weekend before that for his birthday party. It was great to get out of town for a couple days. Aside from the bday festivities, we made it to a Mariners game too (I think the game we saw might have been one of the first in the record breaking streak of losses they've got going now). The M's might have sucked, but it was fun anyway. Seth and I really love going to games at Safeco. Saturday was full of family and birthday activity. My Mom (Grammy Sharon), Zac & Kristen were there - Papa Jim was home with a nasty cold. Nancy's family from California were also there - Larry & Erika (Nancy's brother and sis in law), Larry's 3 kids - Alex, Nick, and Audrey, Gloria & Jim (Nancy's Mom and step dad), and Tom (Nancy's Dad). Gabe and Nancy threw a great party..... lots of yummy food and good people to spend the day with. Jameson seemed to have a good time at his first birthday party. Cake, singing, and lots of gifts..... Happy Birthday, Jameson! So glad we could be there to celebrate your 1st with you!

ready for the M's game

Ella having her hand painted by Nicholas - he is quite the artist!


Jameson, Gabe & Nancy


time for cake



what's a little cake between cousins? Luke sampled just a little....

lots of girls to help open presents - Jameson is literally surrounded

My brothers and I with our spouses and kids (minus Ella)/ Grammy Sharon and Uncle Phil & Aunt Pat (Sharon's brother and sis in law)

Strawberry jam

Swim Lessons

Ella started swim lessons last week and to say she likes them would be an understatement. They're everyday this week, and the only bad thing is that they're at 4:55 in the afternoon which means there's a whole day of asking if it's almost time for swim class.....

An action packed weekend

We had 3 days of great weather over the holiday weekend and we crammed as much activity in as possible. We went to the splash pad, went for a hike, went swimming at the local pool and BBQ'd a bunch, including celebrating the 4th out at Zac & Kristen's with a BBQ. Finally starting to feel like summer around here!

Abby shares a birthday with the USA!

How did Ella get so lucky to have a friend like Abby?

Happy Birthday, America!

Tis the Season

The season for picking strawberries has arrived. It's late this year considering all the wet, cool weather we've had. We headed to Knapp's Farm up in Greenbluff on Friday afternoon and had fun picking - about 6-7 pounds! Luke got to ride in the backpack, and Ella actually did a great job of finding really good berries and carefully picking them too! So fun... I see a tradition coming on.

Knapp's Farmhouse

ready to head out to the fields

Ella with our flag - to mark where we stop picking

the boys obliging me a quick shot

you've got to try one of these! :)

our beautiful berries