Swimming Lessons

I had wanted to sign the kids up for Swim Lessons this summer but it was already August and we had just been so busy.  Our generous neighbors, The Harrelsons, suggested we use their pool while they were away for two weeks.  She even connected us with Ellie, a very sweet high schooler who came to teach the kids.  Private lessons right across the street was fantastic!!  Both kids love to swim and are fish in the water.  They both also improved their swimming and comfort in the water.

Often after lessons we would lounge awhile in the pool.  So cool to have neighbors with a pool!! 

As a small token of appreciation (because how can you really ever repay the extreme generosity of neighbors) the kids walked their dog, Anna.  Benjamin's favorite part... picking up the poop of course.  Let's be clear though, he just watched me pick it up but he loved the whole process.  The pooping and the picking up. 

 

The Seattle Storm

Our wonderful neighbors spoiled us again this summer with courtside seats to several different Storm Games.  What a blast for all of us. 

Josie and Benjamin both were given shirts and did the Conga dance on the court.  

Later in the game Benjamin was pulled out on the court by Doppler and he completely played along and hammed it up for the crowd. 

 A few weeks later we had tickets and I had a really bad headache.  Josie's friend Elliott was happy to have my seat.

Benjamin was partly excited to be at the game and a lot excited that Elliott was there too. 

Sometimes the noise was a bit too loud for Benjamin. Although he still had to cheer on The Storm even with ears covered. 

Zoo Concerts

As usual, we had a blast at several Zoo Tunes concerts.  The line up for this summer included Lucinda Williams, John Hiatt and Ziggy Marley.

Since we normally have "family nights" with Jodi and Josh on Wednesdays we just packed up the picnic baskets and have family nights at the zoo.  What could be better?  

Pools, Parks and Parades

The summer was filled with more time in the pool and parks than ever before. 

 Drying out on the rock at Seattle Center

 Marty was the Emcee at the West Seattle Parade which came with front row seats on the back of pick up truck.

 We met up with Josie's good friend, Elliott and everyone was happy, especially Benjamin who just LOVES Elliott. Check out his sweet hugs.

 Elliott maybe has had a bit too much of Benjamin... she has gone cross eyed.

Slumber Party and Book Club

Josie really wanted to invite some friends over and have a "book club"  When only her two best friends could attend we decided to turn it into a slumber party/book club.  Bryn, one of her best friends since age 3 months and Elliott, one of her best friends since kindergarten both showed up and we ate Josie's favorite, spaghetti and meatballs.  They watched a movie and were very good about including Benjamin in on their fun.  The girls then turned the upstairs master bedroom into a party room and colored and played and sang and read for several hours before falling asleep.

 The next day they all spent time building structures.

 And then had a picnic lunch in the backyard.  Benjamin, needing a bit of male back-up, invited his friend, Henry over.

 We ended the sleepover/book club event with a walk to do some blackberry picking.

 So thankful for these two girls and their friendship with Josie.

With the berries we came home and Benjamin and Josie helped me make jam