4 years & 1 year

Back in May I had Brody's 4 year pictures and Ollie's 1 year pictures taken.  I finally had them printed up. 

Here are a few from the photo shoot.

This is going to be the cover of their album.

Annika was with us so we had a few silly face pictures of these two. 

Idylwood Park

While we still had a little bit of summer and before preschool started we decided to go to Idylwood Park.  We were joined by the Welke's and our friend Emily.   I did not bring my camera but Lori was able to get these adorable pictures of the boys. 

Sleepover

When Brad and I went to Michigan our good friends, the Welkes, took Brody & Colt for the night.   They were able to get these cute pictures of their campout and breakfast the next morning. 

Twilight Meet

It's Cross Country season which means most of our Saturdays are filled with a (longer) practice or a cross country meet. 

Last weekend was the Twilight Meet in Marysville.  The weather looked ok (although there was a forecast of rain) so I decided to take the boys up there.  

The boys always have fun running around and for the most part it is relatively easy to watch them.  I have great help from parents (except when it's race time, that is when it gets tricky).  The boys really did a great job and we had fun watching the Saints race so well. 

Ollie & Colt wrestling.

Brody & Colt above a sand bunker.

We were able to get a picture with Brad (he is usually focused on his coaching so I try not to bother him with things such as picture taking).

The boys eating a snack and cheering on the girls.

We left before the awards ceremony but Brad took a few pictures.

His girls were 1st and his boys were 2nd. 

A very proud and happy coach.

Summer (one of his superstar runners!)

Family Night - Park & DQ

We had a rare evening with nothing on our schedule so we decided to make it into a family night.  We went to a nearby park (we rarely go here but it is such a nice park) then we ventured over to Dairy Queen. 

Going down the slide.

I loved the way Ollie ate his ice cream.  He put in so much effort with each spoonful but hardly made a dent in his scoop of ice cream. 

I love you!

Ollie's vocabulary is growing every day.   I was able to get this video of him saying "I love you!"

Brian & Shannon

Last weekend we went to my friend, Brian's wedding.  Brian & Shannon were married at Kitsap Memorial State Park.  It was a beautiful evening to celebrate a marriage.  (We are so thankful Fafa & Grammy offered to watch all 3 boys on very short notice.  We ended up taking Colt with us because he wasn't feeling very well the day before and was still very tired.) 

Brian and I have known each other since he was born.  Our parents have been neighbors and are still neighbors after 34 years.   Growing up I thought everyone had neighbors that stayed neighbors forever.  Now, I realize how valuable and wonderful great neighbors are.   

Brian and I have so many great adventurous memories together. 

Snow days: building epic snowmen, real igloos, giant slides, sledding down hills (usually to steep for me but never for him). 

Saltwater Park: Walks, hikes, trekking through the water, climbing the cliffs

(when it was clearly marked as illegal).

Working: Selling vegetables, smashing cans, snapping green beans. 

Playing: water balloon fights, swimming in our pool and at Angle Lake, cops & robbers (yep,we really did), kick the can in the dark. 
Special Events: Senior Year Tolo (most laid back dance date I ever went on), running (a lot) to help me train for my first marathon.

Family Adventures: Camping (first time I had to dig my own hole for the bathroom), hiking, 4th of July, Almost dying when the van was stuck on a cliff in the snow. Fishing.  

Brian & Shannon

(I have only met Shannon a few times, but she seems like a great match for Brian.

I'm so happy he has found someone. )

Brian and his mom, Mary Jo. 

I was able to snap a picture of me & Brian before we had to leave.  I wish we were able to stay the entire time but I am so thankful I was able to celebrate this special day with him.  It is so wonderful to know that my family can be part of his new family.