Clay

When we went to the river a few weeks ago the kids collected clay from "Clay Island", a little spot on the far side of the river.  They did this the last time we were there and the clay sat in my garage for months before I finally tossed it.  This time, Ryan decided he was going to sculpt with it.  Natalie joined in the fun and the two of them made the most amazing mess I could ever imagine.  Oh, I mean the most amazing sculptures I have ever laid my eyes on.

At the Beach With Dad

Love these guys!  They had a blast at the beach with their dad, and I enjoyed every second of quiet time while they were away.

Note To The New Teacher

The kids found out who their teachers were today.  Ryan and Natalie were pretty happy with who they got, but Kendall was so disappointed.  Her first grade teacher moved up to second grade for the upcoming year and she was hoping she would have her again.  If she didn't get her, she had another teacher in mind.  She didn't get either and was feeling pretty bummed.  I encouraged her to write her new teacher a note and leave it for her when we go to Meet the Teacher on Tuesday.  This is what she wrote:

I love this girl!  She is so sweet!  I know she's going to have a great year!

Boys!

Ryan and Eli have been spending their days at mountain biking camp this week, and are loving every second of it.  Eli has been staying with us, and it's been so much fun for Ryan to have someone to pal around with in his free time.  They've been picking blackberries, playing football and drawing on Artforkidshub.com.  I love how well they get along!

Daddy's Girls

These girls are so happy to have their Dad home more after that grueling (but fun!) baseball season, and are so happy he's not coaching football this year.  They're soaking up as many snuggles as possible.

The Eclipse

We didn't make any big plans to view the eclipse, because I had to work.  Me and my co-workers did climb out on the roof at the office to watch it, though.  It was pretty cool.  I was so surprised how much light the sun put off when it was 90% + covered by the moon.  I really thought it was going to get a lot darker. 

Blackberry Cobbler

Ryan and Eli whipped us up a pretty amazing blackberry cobbler for us tonight.  It was so good!  Thanks, boys!

Lake Merwin

David's Uncle Tom invited to his cabin on Lake Merwin for a little family reunion today.  We hadn't been there in years - 15 to be exact!  It was fun to see him, and other family members we hadn't seen in a long time.  The kids had so much fun swimming in the lake and sliding off the pontoon.  I'm still kicking myself for not getting a group picture - what was I thinking?! 

Dahlia Blooms

I purchased dahlia bulbs on RFH's online auction this spring, and have anxiously been waiting form them to bloom all summer.  FINALLY, a couple of them have and they did not disappoint.  They are magnificent!

Date Night With Kendall

Love this girl, and love when I get to spend one on one time with her.

Mount Rainier Adventure

Ryan and I had the best date day at Mount Rainier.  It was a gorgeous day and that mountain did not disappoint.  There were spectacular views around every corner.