Seattle day

One day we drove up to Seattle and had adventures all day. First, Fremont troll, where we met up with Carly and her kids again. Audrey loves this place. 

trying to recreate a pic from when they were much smaller

Love Carly's babies! 

 Then the group of us headed to the Seattle pier to eat at Ivar's, feed the seagulls, look at the Sound and shop at the Market (donuts, mmm!).

Thomas is adorable! Makes me miss my kids being little.

Ian was a huge fan of the clam chowder.

 We said goodbye to Carly and headed to the Pacific Science Center, where I haven't been since I was a kid.

  Spencer took the boys back to Puyallup and Audrey and I hung out in Starbucks for awhile, waiting to meet up with my sister and her daughter, who were coming up to see Wicked with us. So amazing! While I'm spoiled and it was my fourth time seeing the show, it was Audrey's first and she was incredibly excited. She's been listening to the music for months. She absolutely loved it. I think it may have been the best cast I'd seen--definitely the best Glinda.

 LONG day, but so fun. I always love Seattle--wish the traffic were a bit easier to manage, but that's why we packed it all in one day.

Our summer vacation begins!

We spent a month in WA this summer, and started it off with a visit to Great Wolf Lodge. It did not disappoint! All five of us had an absolute blast at the water park and sleeping in the fun themed room. Great way to end a long road trip before driving the last hour to Grandma's.

We spent the first week celebrating Declan's baptism, Mr. B and myself being sick/holing up at my parents', Mr. B taking the kids to NW trek, Beth taking the kids to play, us having the Bernards kids at my mom's to play, and enjoying being with our family.

The second week started with a trip to Titlow Splash Pad in Tacoma to meet up with Carly and her kids. Thomas and Walter are so cute, and the time with cousins was priceless.

We got to meet up with the Bernards family a few times in WA too. I love downtown Tacoma--Chihuly glass, museums, shops, food. 

Declan's baptism

This summer we had a long and wonderful trip to Washington state to be with our families. The impetus for the trip was Declan's baptism--we wanted to be with family and we definitely got our wish! All of Mr. B's family came, and most of mine (minus two brothers plus some cousins). We had a family picnic later in the day where even more family came to celebrate our family friendships. Magical.

Declan, eight years old and baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints!

The Brien and Rood families--Declan's parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Could he be any cuter??

He was baptized in the church building I spent most of my formative years going to church in. Memories!

May

Ian was Albert Einstein for his famous person speech. He wrote a report, then a speech, then memorized it and performed it over and over for an hour in a living wax museum. It was awesome.

 Mr. B turned 40, woohoo! We celebrated with a morning date hike to Garrapata and raspberry trifle for dessert on his birthday and a BBQ with friends on the weekend.

 I went on a field trip with Declan where we learned about sea lions, saw them do incredible tricks, and got kisses from them!

 We toured the Oakland temple open house, and then the boys and I had fun in Oakland while Audrey and Mr. B served a volunteer shift as ushers/shoe coverers.

They're getting tall!

The view of Oakland from the temple.

A steam train ride, fun! We also went to a bookstore, watched Detective Pikachu at a cool movie theater, and played at a playground. I love having fun with my kids.

Declan's 8-year-old pics

April

Audrey performing at her school's open house

Declan had a wonderful birthday: karate party at American Karate, gifts and delicious food on his actual birthday, fun things coming in the mail.

Declan's last class play with Ms. DeTomaso. So cute!

Gold Rush Day--4th grade is incredible at this school.

I volunteered, helping with the Jeopardy game station.

Good Old Days Breakathon--Declan and Mr. B marched in the parade and broke boards. 

Mr. B's band played at Good Old Days too.

Mr. B and I got to see Post-Modern Jukebox in concert--incredible!

Date with Mr. B to hike at Point Lobos.

Seal pups in gorgeous water!

For my birthday, I got to spend a week in Provo with Amber--so much fun!