The Virginia V

Last Saturday we went to Harbor Days in Olympia and took a ride on the Virginia V. She is a steam boat. And it rained on us.

There was lots of pirate stuff for the kids.

Sail boat pictures for my dad.






Coming back into the dock with a view of the state capitol.

Jamesy's favorite new thing

And if you touch any of them while he is playing he screams "MINE!"

B+R O'Neal

It had been too long since we were last in Astoria - and it is good to know that that my grandparents are doing so well and still enjoying one of the most beautiful cities in the NW. We swam at the aquatic center, ate fresh fish and chips, saw the boats, shopped the farmer's market and listened to Ian threaten over and over to stay with Grandma and Grandpa when we left.

The mountain and the lake

Today we met the Penrods at Rainer National Park for a family hike.

Ian and Grant inside a giant tree that had fallen over. They did a lot of exploring and pretending they were ghosts???


There was some water - and when there is water...




Earlier in the week we met the Penrods in Lacey for a swim in the lake. There aren't many better ways to spend a hot summer day.




James found his binky and bunny in my bag and couldn't resist. Seriously - he cannot hold his bunny and not snuggle it up to his face.

He is getting older

August 17.



He woke up to find this waiting for him.

Amazingly - I actually threw a party for one of my kids without the help of my mom (was bound to happen at some point).
The invites.


The set-up. Shark cupcakes again.

The entertainment: a 100 ft slip-n-slide in Grandma Leonard's backyard.

(some of) The friends and the fun.




Thank you so much Grandma Leonard for letting us host the party at your house - you are the best!


Things I love about Ian at 4:
1. He says really funny things everyday. He remembers everything he hears and repeats it at random moments when it totally doesn't fit (or is embarrassing for his mother).
2. He catches james as he comes down the slide so he doesn't hurt himself. And he plays with him on the swing set all day.
3. He asks me to snuggle him.
4. He loves legos and reading chapter books before bed.

Two square tournament

The players.

The champion. I'm so proud.

Some close-ups of the uniforms.

Since we've been home.

We went to the zoo with the Penrods.
Ian and Grant.

Evie and James.




The boys love being back with their dad.

And james is still the dirtiest kid on the block.