Sweet # 9

On July 29th, 2014 we celebrated our ninth wedding anniversary.  It was a beautiful late July day just like 9 years ago so we decided to take our normal hike down to Alki beach via Schmitz Park and hang out at the beach and eat dinner at Pegasus.  
While at the beach we tried to recreate one of my favorite wedding photos:
OK, this first one we didn't try to recreate because there is too much calm to recreate this with two kids.  But I do really like this one as we look out calmly wondering what our life together will be like.  I can honestly say that it was been filled with more joy and laughter than we knew possible.

 This is the one we were trying to recreate as a family.

Lots of tries and laughter and never really captured it but had fun trying.

 On this one we nearly maimed the kids as we swung them directly into each other...

And what is a trip to Alki without dipping your toes in the water.  We certainly take this beautiful beach for granted having it right in our backyard. 

The day after our anniversary we headed to Ephesus for dinner.  Thanks to Mom and Dad for a anniversary gift certificate. Happy 9th, Marty.  Here's to many, many more fun years together.

West Fest 2014

One of the highlights of summer for the kids is the annual West Fest that shuts down the main streets in West Seattle and transforms them into a part carnival, part fair which equals a whole lot of summer fun.  One of the best parts is running into other West Seattle friends, this year Nate, Will and Charlie. 

 Standing in line with Charlie. Why is it when these two are together they always look like they are plotting something?

 Josie, the ever doting and good sport of a big sister sitting between Charlie and Benjamin on the ferris wheel.

 Wheeee!

 Whoooosh!

 Whoa!

 Climbing up the rock wall.

 And a goody for jiggling up all the food in their stomachs.

 
 Before we left, Marty took a turn on the big tilt a wheel.  He looks a little out of place with all the kiddos.

 And the evening ended with a beautiful West Seattle Sunset.

Good Times in the Pool

 Our neighbor's pool was a big hit all summer.  SOOO lucky to have such generous neighbors.

 Oh, the energy burned and fun times had in this pool.  SO much fun and right across the street!

Hair Just Like Daddy

In July Benjamin began pulling out handfuls of hair.  He was getting huge bald spots and it just looked so painful as he would grab a fistful and yank.  He kept saying, "I don't want any hair up there.  I want to look just like Daddy!"  To avoid further damage and to keep people from asking if he was going through chemotherapy we decided to buzz cut it.  

 Here is the last shot of Benjamin with most of his hair after the first swipe of the clippers ....

 Marty kept saying, "Really, dude.  You are going to lose it soon enough.  You might want to keep it" But nothing could change his mind. You can still see some of the bald spots where he pulled it out instead of it being cut.

 He loves his new do but at first he touched up top and said, "NO!! I don't want ANY up there.  Dad doesn't have any up there!"
And here he is, "Buzz-cut Benjamin"

Soccer Camp

Benjamin and Josie attended the UK International Soccer Camp for a week in July.  It was hot but not stifling and they both LOVED it.  It was the first time that the two kids were at the same place at the same time and I didn't need to be there.  Since Benjamin has had separation issues in the past I decided to stay and exercise by walking around the field for the time they were at camp.  Benjamin loved it SO much that the next 4 days I was able to leave go swimming or run errands and each day I returned he was smiling, giggling and enjoying every minute of it. 

 Josie was on the same field just in a different location and she also really liked it.  She had gone to this same camp a couple of years ago and was a bit miserable as it was the hottest week of the summer.  I remember that week, it was near 90 degrees by 9 AM and the poor girl nearly melted.  Thankfully it wasn't nearly as warm this year and she loved it.  Although she didn't want me to take any photos so there are very few of her.

Several of Benjamin's friends from preschool were on his team. 

 Really, I have never seen Benjamin so consistently happy.  This was probably his best week of the whole summer.

 Every day after lunch Josie, Benjamin, Elliott and I would head over to the park to eat lunch.

 Another rare one of Josie

 Heading to the park after camp for lunch.

 He loved sitting on his ball and listening to the coach.

 His team even won the end of the week scrimmage.

 Josie with her team and coach

 End of the week awards ceremony.

Some photos that Marty took on the final day: 

 The last day of camp was July 11th.  The ever popular free slurpees at 7-11.