Summer Weeks

Summer is going quickly . . . and we seem to be filling up our days.We've had a busy couple weeks with visits from Rachel, Nina, Grama and Grampa Allstot, swim lessons, multiple thunder storms, and a couple trips. Whew!

Mitch elected to do some reading one morning, much to Bryan's delight!

Shannon loves to play with all of MBJ's toys!

Grama and Grampa Allstot brought little viking and valkyrie hats from Alaska's little Norway.

Bryan had a work conference in DC, so the kids and I went to Ephrata for several days. We stayed with my Dad (Mom is away) and did Camp Grampa. Part of camp involved painting!

We spent an afternoon at Grandma and Grandpa Johnson's house, too, and enjoyed some play with the train and a ride on the riding lawnmower. Then we went to Great Grama Sally's for a day. Mitch enjoyed our childhood go-cart! Neither the steering nor brakes work, but fortunately the car is immobile for now.

Shannon enjoyed her Gram's company! She also loved swimming with her (as did her brother!).

She also spent lots of fun time with Grampa A, learning the merits of croquet among other things.

Super Mitchell and Shannon love to swim!

We are eager to welcome Bryan home!

Blueberries!

 Mitch and I went blueberry picking this morning with a couple friends. The season is nearly over, but we had a nice time and got some tasty fruit. Mitch was a good picker; surprisingly patient. He didn't eat too many until we got in the car, and then it was time to feast.

 We'll try again next summer before the heat and wind take their toll.

Hot, Hot, Hot!

It's so hot here! We've had temperatures in the 100s for a few days now and, while we're grateful for a/c, we're ready for a break.

Shannon loves being outside when it's possible. This child has the fairest skin and turns pink in a wink of an eye. So, we're sunscreening fools here and she's perpetually sticky.

Mitch is in a parent/tot swim lesson for the next 2 weeks. He reportedly put his head under water today so we're making progress. He certainly loves going to the pool and really enjoys the waterslide. His swim lesson instructor is a nice girl and Mitch has started telling us, "I love Kayla". Hmmm . . .

Bryan and Mitch went to our local airport to check out some old planes that were in town. MBJ got to walk on some wings, peek inside and have free reign of the runway. He really wanted to go flying, but we'll wait a bit for that jaunt!

8 Months of Shannon!

Shannon is 8 months in the world today!
She is a true joy for us, showering her family with smiles and sparkling eyes. She has been crawling for nearly 3 weeks (since June 12) and is very deliberate in her movements. She can pull herself up to a standing position and is gearing up to take some steps (assisted, of course!). When happy, she claps her little hands and grins from ear to ear. There are still just 2 teeth in her mouth, which she uses to gnaw on carrots and apples and any paper product (she is part goat after all).

Mitchell continues to be her focus, and she tries to eat what he eats, play with his toys, and follow him with her eyes if not her whole self. 

We love our smiley girl!