More August memories

Mr. B and I played hooky one day while the kids were at school and went hiking out at Andrew Molera State Park. Then we took our packed lunch to the River Inn and sat in the Adirondack chairs they have in the river. Glorious day!

 Our friend let us know that the frogs were out at the Frog Pond Reserve in Del Rey Oaks (Monterey), so we headed there for family night and caught (and released) tiny, adorable frogs. So fun!

 Ian and I made this poster for his friend's birthday--great last minute gift and his friend loved it.

 I hosted a book-themed baby shower for a friend who is in my book club, Shauna. It was so fun to put together and we had a great time.

 

 Mr. B and Audrey got to go to the Oakland temple for a baptism trip--they had a great day!

August

As soon as school started, the weather improved, so as soon as the weekend came, we headed to the beach. We are lucky to live close enough to walk here, but the weather doesn't make it this inviting very often.

 I spent a day going to the Oakland temple and then doing some clothes shopping while the kids were at school. Mr. B dropped them off and picked them up--love that he can work from home sometimes.  It was a peaceful and restorative day.

 First day of school! Declan 3rd grade, Ian 5th grade, Audrey 7th grade.

Mr. B progressed to his blue belt in karate. He is so impressive to me!

Back home to finish summer break

Once we got home from our month long vacation, I just wanted to be alone. So the kids went to camp, ha! Unfortunately, Ian really hated his camp and quit going after 1 1/2 days. But Audrey and Declan enjoyed their camps, and Audrey got a bonus week of camp going to Girls Camp for the first time. She loved it. We were pretty lazy, and that was great since once school starts--lazy days are over.

Our "pets" that made themselves quite comfortable in our absence. 

Just eating lunch. He's a cutie.

I made these cross stitch ornaments by obsessively stitching anytime the kids were on screens and then again after they went to bed.

We visited the Aquarium and saw that the otter on Cannery Row had been updated.

We played at the school one day and saw that new wings had been painted for posing. Go Falcons!

This beautiful heron walked slowly around the field at the school while we were there. We saw him land and take off. Gorgeous.

The kids had playdates, doctor appointments, Ian got to go to Gilroy Gardens with a friend, Spencer went to SPAIN on a business trip, and we said our final goodbye to the Bernards before they headed to Abu Dhabi. Full and fun summer!

July in WA

We finished our WA trip the first few days of July, staying so we could celebrate the Fourth with our family. We had a few final adventures:

Grandpa helped these two make a profitable lemonade stand--they were sooo happy!

My parents took us on a jetboat excursion down the Willamette River in Portland. It was FREEZING, but we had a good time, and any time with my parents and Ben is worthwhile.

Getting ready for fireworks--we had a fun Fourth of July at the Briens, and thrilled that Mr. B's brother, Sam, and his family came down for the day. 

Mr. B's adventures

Some days on our trip I had to work, either grading essays or editing books, so Mr. B took the kids on adventures. Of course he had them while I was on my little getaway too. And right at the end of the trip I got really sick. Some photos of his time with them:

I think this might be NW trek--no one remembers. 

Blackberry bushes at Grammy and Grandpa's

Lake Sacajawea Park in Longview

Seaquest Park and Mt. St. Helens Visitor Center

Lots of bbqs and smores and outdoor fun in this backyard.

Fun at Lake Sacajawea Park Fourth of July festivities

Aunt Amanda always spoils these kiddos!