Happy Fourth

We had a wonderful 4th celebrating at Lake Tapps. I think the kids were in heaven--lots of attention from our wonderful friends and family, lots of sun/pool time and plenty of delicious food. We love being Americans and are grateful for all of the sacrifices that have been made to make our country what it is today.

Laundry List

This was one of those weeks where if someone were to ask me what we did, I might not have a whole lot to list. And that was kind of nice! More and more I'm realizing that life and especially parenting is about the little things. Take last night for example. After dinner, I took Will to the grocery store on a "special trip," we played out in the yard, read together as a family, played "Good guy-bad guy" for about an hour, put the kids down and then John and I spent some time together without the kids. We didn't DO a lot, but it was a meaningful night spent loving our kids and each other. I like those kinds of days!
Here are some recent photos:

Recent Videos

Jane and her Baby Doll

Sometimes I wish we had a DVD player in the car, but mostly I'm glad we don't

Jane post-sand on head dump

Interviewing Will about the doctor

Jane showing off how good her walking is getting

Will and Great Gpa Mel

Visit with the Grands and Marisa's wedding

We had a very fun past week. My Grandparents visited and it was so much fun spending time with them. Will and Jane LOVED playing with them and Will could even say their names (Grampa Mel and Gramma Margaret). I'm headed out to Minnesota later this summer for a visit without the kids so I'm really glad that this visit included lots of baby/grandparent time. Very special memories for me!
On Saturday, we went over to the cabin for our good friend Marisa's wedding (Marisa, aka Moose is a friend we've both known for years). The wedding was at the Kiana Lodge on the Suquamish Indian reservation, which is only about 30 minutes from my family's cabin. So, we made a weekend out of it and brought the whole family, including my parents.
If anyone is looking for a wedding venue, this place was unbelievable. I didn't get many pictures of it but I think it was beautiful. Gardens, green lush lawn, set right next to the ocean with a view of the water. WOW! Congrats to Steven and Marisa!

The wedding was on Father's Day. After cinnamon rolls and a card from the kids, Johnny got to enjoy the delicious wedding food. A Father's Day will not be complete in our house without Johnny getting lots of good food!

The new Mr. and Mrs. Berry

Goofing around at the cabin

Playing with Grandpa Mel and Grandma Margaret

Willy J

I LOVE Will's age right now. Sure there are difficult moments (like Tuesday when I tried to take the kids out for ice cream and Will decided to yell and scream that this (McDonalds) wasn't a REAL ice cream shop. Before things could get too out of hand, I decided to cut my losses, pack up the kids and leave).

Overall, though, I love how funny, loving, curious and down right adorable he is.
Here are a couple recent examples of this:
1. I got a few cds for my birthday (thanks, Andy and Libby) of Bible verses set to music that we really enjoy. I didn't realize that Will was really listening to the words of the music until he said, "Mommy, sing 'Here We Go' Song."
The'Here we Go' song is based on Matthew 28:19 (Therefore go and make disciples of all nations...)
So, I started singing it and Will totally started saying the words on his own "Here we go, make 'sciples of all nations, baptize...what comes next, mommy?" Of course, I melted!
2. We always try to teach Will to say 'Please' and 'Thank you' but today, unsolicited, after giving him a snack, he said "Thank you, Mommy, Love you, Mommy." This is BIG!!
3. We saw some middle school guys rough housing in the park a few weeks ago. Two of them were wrestling in the grass. Will, standing on top of the playground yells, "Mommy, those Man is snugglin'"

Jane describing her birthday cupcake

A Ladybug Picnic

We had a wonderful day celebrating little Jane with our family. Thanks to all for loving our girl so well and thanks to Laurel for taking so many pictures for us so we can remember Janie's first birthday!