Beating the Heat

Friends

We Love Them

Why I've been M-I-A

1. Those kids are just too cute to not play with
2. Working! I am loving summer because I get to play with my camera.
3. Soaking up the sun.

When I be back - who knows. Enjoy summer.

Two of My Favorite People

My brother was 11 years old when I moved out and 13 when I was married (I am moved home and out and home again in those two years, but that is besides the point). 6 months after getting married Jeff and I packed up our stuff (um.. a futon, full-size bed and kitchen table) and moved to Texas where he was stationed in the Air Force. All to say, I didn't know that kid too well. He grew up while I was out of the house. Sure I have memories of him as a kid, but I didn't know him now as a man (weird).

I was lucky enough to have my brother get stationed at the neighboring Army Fort here in Washington and I have really enjoyed the opportunity to get to know him and his wife. The two of them will celebrate their first wedding anniversary (also Dean's 21st birthday) while Dean is serving in Iraq with his unit (squadron/platoon? - I don't know army speak). Then just 4 weeks after he deploys their first baby is due.

But before all of that comes to pass my family's time in Washington will come to an end. We move September 1st, and will have to say goodbye to the these two FRIENDS that we have grown so attached to over that past few months. I am so blessed that God has given me the opportunity to get to know my brother as an adult, to see the man he is and get to know and pray for him on a deeper level.

I don't look forward to saying goodbye to them as we move away. I'm sure I'll see them again at holidays and maybe on some vacations, but it won't be the same. Maybe God will cross our paths again in our Military futures.

Mom Lacks Common Sense

What is wrong with the picture above? No, not technically... I will concede this is a terrible photograph, but I want you to notice my lack of common sense. A toddler, running in flip flops, down a gravel sidewalk. Hmmm... what could the outcome possibly be..

Look at his adorable little lips just moments before we went on our walk.

And about 5 minutes into our walk/run on the gravel sidewalk.

That is one fat lip. Poor M just kept crying all night when he'd roll over in bed and his lip would brush his pillow. Lesson learned at the expense of M's face. Sorry my little boo.

And of course I have to include a shot of the other two from the day. So here is my protege.

And my ballerino?

Too True

http://thepioneerwoman.com/homeschooling/2009/07/a-homeschooling-discussion-by-mrs-g/

Check out this link! It made me giggle.. and echoes my feelings and experiences (well I don't know about the booze and monkeys part). ;)

Visitors

My husband's parents came for a visit last week and spent 9 days playing with the kids during the day and playing Rumikub and Sequence with us at night. The last few days Jeff's Aunt and Uncle came over from Idaho and we had fun catching up and visiting. Here are some pics from our day at Owen's Beach (we kind of love that place):

Saying our goodbyes: Grandpa and Grandma

Aunt Rose and Uncle Richard