A Dream Come True

We took the kids to a city-sponsored event at a local community center tonight. Jane thoroughly enjoyed walking around with her free balloon and cotton candy. The highlight for Will was touring "emergency vehicles" (as he likes to call them) and talking with real-live police officers. He was VERY excited! On the way home, he said, "Mommy, forgot to tell police officers that I love them."
We responded, "Don't worry, Will. I think they knew." :-)

Will checking out the police cars


Sharing a snow cone and cotton candy

Will showing a Police Officer the police cars that he brought

Jane enjoying her first experience with cotton candy

Summer Days

We've had a beautiful and hot summer in Seattle so far. What the Simon fam has been up to lately: days at the beach, fun in the kiddy pool and at the Klahanie pool, lots of baby showers and weddings, golfing, a week spent in the a/c at my parent's house, and the unfortunate discovery of a nut allergy for Will.
Recent photos:











Brie (due late August) and her wonderful mom, Carol

with Leah, who is due mid-September

Clauson Family Reunion at Suncadia

We just returned from a family reunion at Suncadia Resort near Cle Elum, WA. The Clauson Family (my mother-in-law, Nedra's side) gathered together for a wonderful time celebrating Grandma Mary and her legacy. There were 32 in the group including 10 of Grandma's Great-Grands (Ben-3, Caleb-3, Timmy-2, Will-2, Cadence-2, Brielle-2, Clara-1, Jane-1, Maddie-8 months, Peyton-3 months).
The Whole Clan

Grands and Great-Grands (minus Luke, Kerri and their four kids who couldn't make it to the reunion)

Janie and Clara

giving Grandma a pedicure

Some of the cousins at the park (Will and his cousin, Timmy are only 2 days apart!)

Clauson siblings

Ride in the golf cart

Family Walk

Will and Uncle Dave reading

Snuggling on the couch

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