Flashback: August 2019

And the 40th birthday surprise happened early in August!

Rich loaded me up in the car with the kids like any other Saturday morning to run errands...but this time after grabbing a coffee with the kids he dropped me off at my favorite boutique in Bothell and had an epic surprise. 

Yes, he had the owner open early and I got to "shop 'til I drop" all by myself...so MUCH fun! There were beautiful flowers waiting for me and Tara even had a gift for me.  So spoiled!

...BUT it didn't end there.

Rich and I did a little bar hop, dinner out and night at McMenamins where we were kid free and even got to sleep in.

We started with cocktails at the cottage and foot massages after. Then dinner at Amaro and a nightcap by the fire at McMenamins.

A great night out followed by a low key morning with coffee and a walk around town, our little town that we got to see differently because we weren't rushed around.

Back home and back to reality....but this is 1 of 3 cute faces that makes it all worth while.

Fun times with the Washburns...so nice having friends that are basically neighbors!

Ut oh....waking up with 2 turkeys in bed?!? We run a tight ship around here.

This summer...we set aside some Family Fun Days.  Different than a normal day, but a random day (typically Friday) that we set out on a local experience.

In early August we set out to Mt. Rainier...you can't tell from this picture, but there was a bear that we watched from the hill and the kids were absolutely mesmerized. 

Stretching our legs.

Pictures at a viewpoint.  Thankful for some strangers so all our pictures weren't selfies.

Lunch in the back of the truck before a little hike.

Rich and I have gone to the Grove of the Patriarchs before and it was fun to show the kids these amazing trees in the national park.

And we're off...proud of these little legs who were excited to hike!

Posing with some BIG trees.

The family...even LJ peeking her head out.

Check out the size of this tree?!?

So thankful for doing LIFE with this guy. We sure don't have a road map to this parenting thing...but we are trying to figure it out and enjoy the ride.

Skipping rocks with dad.

Heading back up the hill...all smiles and tired legs for this crew.

On our way home, we found a little place in Orting and had lunch. 

This girl is mama's shadow...if I'm in the bathroom, she's in the bathroom.

This was one of the best things this summer...discovering Bothell UMC kids summer camp lead us to find a church that is becoming a regular part of our weeks.  We have searched for a church for years and this one finally feels right!

LJ and I got to come watch the final performance.

The performance.  The kids learned a few songs and got to sing and dance at the final performance.  They also helped raise money to kids in need.

Power UP! Raise your game.

Post VBS swim session at McMenamins!

Those buns. 

Another summer adventure...this time the Ballard locks.

Snuggles with GG!

So, I guess we did have TONS of fun this summer...I mean, I knew we did, but geez...it's like adventure zone.

This day was Remlinger Farms.  I can't believe we had never been it was such a fun day.

Rides just the size for my 2 year old children...I mean, my 5 and 6 year olds who hate rides.

Cheese!

THIS.

This is my absolute favorite picture of the summer...it captured us in a moment and it's a memory of being just in the moment with my people!

Cool bikes to ride on a track.

Pretty sure this was for 2 year olds...but it was a quiet day and the guy let G and M go.

Time for the train.

Nothing better than when these 2 are getting along.

Millicent was adventurous and went for the pony ride.

Checking out the live animals in the petting zoo.

The oldtimers car...LJ was napping so the big kids and I went on the ride.

We even spotted Daddy and LJ from the ride.

The mini ferris wheel.

We called this the cucumber ride...but it was corn.  hahah! Again, for the toddlers, but they let the Meyer kids ride.

A DAY well spent....passed out on the way home.

Here we go...checking out Bothell UMC on a Sunday.

She sleeps...at nap time. Different days...but napping she sure does.

And then....she was TEN months old.

She was starting to walk, popping some teeth and really coming into her own.

Lady Woo Woo!

A trip to the ZOO...with my Zoo and Easton.  So fun to have Heather and Easton join us for a trip to Woodland Park Zoo.

Getting their faces painted.

And treats...a plain sno-cone for Griffin and a mixed fruit for Millie!

Last stop...the Flamingos for my little flamingo lover.

Auntie Heather with all the kids.

That's a WRAP Zoo Day.

Parent's Night Out.

To celebrate Heather's birthday...we got to enjoy a chef's dinner at Heritage in Woodinville.

So much FUN and love spending all our time with these two!

Back to the park to enjoy ....when the hard days come (and they do)...I think about the moments that really matter and it's right here....just swinging, hugging, laughing and loving.

Wrapping up August with a shake at Tipsy Cow for these two.

These ladies joined me for a little leadership training to put some things into action this fall!  It's so fun having my Isateam be family!

Pulling herself up...walking around and just being BIG blue!

So....that was almost the END of summer until End of Summer Family Bash was created. We decided for ONE last trip to the lake to end Summer 2019 the only way we know how....TOGETHER!