July week 3

One of our friends owns a horse and she is super generous and gives rides to kids. One morning we met up at Brier Park and got to ride Cinnamon. Colter loved it so much and for many days after wanted to "play Cinnamon" all the time.

We really lucked out in the fun date department this month, thanks to Nana being in town. My mom watched ALL the kids (that's 7 folks), while we went out on a double date to the greenlake chip and put and then to Dicks for shakes. It always feels so special when we get to spend time without kids. Besides my sister getting nailed in the arm by a golf ball that no one would claim, it was all fun.

Grandpa Willie came into town and on Saturday we took him to the farmer's market for some tasty donuts, beautiful flowers, fudge, and other market yumminess. We also went down to the beach afterwards for some train spotting.

That night we met up with the Heavilands, Wornicks, and Kelsey's mom and boyfriend for a dinner at Mukilteo beach. We were really hoping for a fire pit, but when we got there, they were all taken. I walked around trying to figure out who might be done first and we parked it by the one I guessed on. Wouldn't you know it, but the group left within 5 minutes of us getting there. Score!

We met my good friend Sam at a new beach in Everett. It had a train bridge, great little stream to play in, and a fun beach to throw rocks . I have seen how life changes a bit when the kids start attending school, so I am trying to really cherish this time and freedom with the kids.

My friend Stephanie came into town from Texas and there were also birthdays during the summer that hadn't been celebrated yet, so a girls night was arraigned! We had such a special time laughing, telling funny stories, and just enjoying some uninterrupted time together.

The next day, the kids and I drove up to visit Stephanie at her parent's house in Big Lake. It is a such a beautiful area to explore! We took the kids on a walk in the woods where much berry eating and "saw mill" working took place. Stephanie provided us a delicious lunch, and then we spent the afternoon playing around the house. Colter is getting to an age where he's starting to play with other kids. We played "bear cave" for a loooooooong time. Seeing the look on the kids' faces when I jumped out from my hiding spot never got old.

And the fun continues....