Circle in the Sand

We spent last weekend at Pacific Beach, WA. It was an eventful trip and aside from a very cranky toddler and Matt battling a kidney stone, we did have a few fun moments.
Everyone traveled really well to the beach and I looked back at one point to see Shelby reading a book, her little feet crossed in her seat. Camden was making a map on the Etch a Sketch.

Shelby enjoyed the sand until she got cold...or wet....or dirty....or, well, who really knows why 19 month olds get irritated? Camden finally got to fly his airplane kite (a birthday present from Mark, Arin & Maggie). It has a clever little propeller that spins too. Grandpa Lee flew his kites also and even let Camden fly one of them. Too bad the wind blew it out of Camden's hand....watching Grandpa chase after that string all down the beach is a priceless memory, however. He did get it back.....thanks to the guy in camping spot #8.

Grandpa brought a styrofoam airplane that Camden LOVED. The wings broke off each and every time it landed...and it flew a lot over the weekend.

Grandma showed Shelby the water and maybe Shelby was able to see it over the grass that was taller than her right in front of her face.

This year Camden really enjoyed running into the ocean waves. So much so that it made me nervous as I imagined a riptide taking my little guy out to Japan. He barely stopped running long enough to help me build a very small sand castle.

At the campground where Grandma and Grandpa Lee stayed, there was a playground where the kids (and Grandpa) played.

Camden also got to roast some marshmallows...he didn't want to eat any, but he enjoyed roasting them (and lighting them on fire....and shoving the flaming lump into your face to blow it out...)

We all enjoyed meals in Grandma and Grandpa Lee's motorhome. What a treat to have meals right there by the beach, prepared by Grandma! Thanks for a great time!

And, two videos - one of Camden flying his kite and the other of the kids having a grand time on the swings.

Lazy Hazy Crazy Days of Summer

Here's a picture overview of some of the miscellaneous things we've done over the summer. As typical, I've uploaded way out of order but maybe that doesn't matter to anyone but me anyway. First (or last, however you look at it), we've rototilled the back yard to plant new grass and install an underground sprinkler system. Camden was a big help, especially when it came time to throw rocks over the fence.

I've been working a lot in my new and improved classroom. My roommate (seen below) painted the entire room and updated the chairs, the lights...it's amazing what she's done. The kids "helped" a few days and she was kind enough to show interest in Camden's cars.

We visited the Ballard Locks one day with some friends. The kids got to watch a very big boat with a crane on top go through.

During our heat wave in early August, I couldn't take it anymore so I packed up the kids and we headed to the Yakmia Valley for some time with the grandparents. Everyone had air conditioning and the kids enjoyed time with both sets of grandparents. The Lee basement was a fun hideout as we played with grandpa's precious PT Cruiser toy. Camden spent a lot of time washing it with toilet paper.

And they also got to play with grandpa's water toy....

but the highlight was playing pretend horse racing in the buckets full of water.

We visited with Cliff and Gwen for a few of the hot days.

Time in the pool prior to backyard rototilling.

There is a construction site up the street where new houses are being put in. Camden and Matt visited (trespassing, I'm sure....) to see the big diggers. Camden calls it an "instruction" site.

Matt took the kids for a day to visit the Lee family at a campground. It had tree hugging, fun with cousin Maggie, and a playground. Apparently Shelby's favorite part was putting cups in the cupholders on the chairs.

Shelby rocked the light saber in her cherry swimsuit.

The Superman cape was passed down from generation to generation. Shortly after this picture Camden jumped off the couch and hurt himself.

We visited the Kidsquest Museum to keep cool and Shelby kept talking to the bronze raccoon. I caught her giving it a hug and kiss.

They have little houses just Shelby's size.

and water, water, everywhere.

Some crafts have been done on the deck. No good crafting can be done, however, without your tutu.

We visited the Museum of Flight and it is interesting to view from upside down.

And, finally, some random videos. One of Shelby's stomp dance (don't try to figure out her outfit, please). Another of Camden filming her singing EIEIO (with a very nice hair-do), and a third of the kids just having fun together.