on my street

We typically take after-dinner walks as a family, to the end of our street and back. We happen to live on a long, dead end street that feels like a meandering country road.

happy fourth of July!

These were taken last year on the fourth of July in our neighborhood. Have a very happy Independence Day!

camping...in the yard

One of the best things about summer when you're a kid is camping in the yard, right? Snuggling in with your book and your flashlight...

The boys set up a tent outside a few days ago, and have been pretending and preparing for camping. Last night, Alexi agreed to let them sleep outside and camp with them. They started out sleeping in separate sleeping bags, and ended up in one. And by 10:00 pm? Cal was asleep in his bed...inside. (He got scared.) Abbott and Alexi made it until morning. (I was inside - I don't camp in the yard.)

a summer sunset

This photo was taken last night from the deck off our bedroom. I like to sit there until the sun goes down, and then sit some more under the moon. Reading, writing, chatting with Alexi; sometimes just sitting. If it were comfortable I would sleep there, listening to the waves and inhaling the salty air. I settle for an open window. Summer bliss.

July, already

Yes, July. This will be a full month for us. I'm finding myself spending less and less time sitting at the computer to write, so I'll be posting a bit differently this month. There will be photos - there are always photos - and if I have words to share, I'll share them. I'll attempt to capture how our daily living changes from season to season, and how it remains constant.

Yesterday was a magic summer day for the kids and me, biking together. Still water. Wildflowers. The rustling of a slight breeze in the shore grass. Birds. Interrupted occasionally by Cal's revving sounds. And Abbott's intermittent chattering. Time stood still for a few hours.

Upon our return home, Abbott photocopied his coloring page from the restaurant, and set up a restaurant of his own in our living room, complete with coloring pages. Then he made invitations for all the neighbor kids.

summer life

I flat out love summer.

our weekend

a friend's pirate birthday party
dinner outdoors at our favorite neighborhood restaurant
Seattle Sounders soccer game
entertaining friends
evening on the beach

The weather was gorgeous.