Can we play baseball, Dad?

Bryan's favorite question has been asked of him a lot lately. The kids are enjoying backyard ball, complete with helmets, and painted bases.

This baseball is serious stuff!

Yes, he puts the wrist band on his elbow. All the cool kids are doing it.

Cheese!

Sunriver

We spent the weekend enjoying Sunriver with the Waibels. It was beautiful weather and a great time!

We took a few bike rides, longer than Mitchell's previous rides by far. He was a champ!

The scenery wasn't too bad either...

We met some friends at the horse stables and took a break to pet the horses.

Then we continued on to the toad rescue.

We scooped toads into the bucket and transported them safely across the bike paths to their migration destination. Big helpers!

Bedtimes were much later than normal, but the kids did pretty well.

Bryan took the three big kids on a bike ride as the rest of us packed. The girls were good little riders!

The three girls (all near or at 3 years old) got along well.

Colorful kiddos

We all made it! We enjoyed the rides, the walks, the visiting, good food, fun at the swim park and a relaxing weekend. Thanks, Waibels!

Stranger Danger

The kids participated in a Stranger Danger class last night with Erwin and Lorry at their dojang.

They listened to the lessons and then got to do some practice escapes.

Mitch wasn't too fierce, but he started to get the hang of it.

Shannon started out super shy, but she finally got braver.

She did manage to get the scream part down!

The kids had a hard time seeing Erwin as a bad guy (Shannon said he didn't have mean eyes) and they really enjoyed getting to hit and kick him. We'll try again!

Alaska

Our onslaught of Alaska photos follows.We had a great time, beautiful weather, not-so-great fishing, but fun with the family. Shannon and Mitchell would spend their entire summer there if given the chance! And we'd happily leave them . . .

Grampa rigged up a fishing boat for them to play in and from which to catch "buoy fish".

We went on lots of exploration walks.

Swinging was a BIG hit!

So was bathing in their tub of choice.

They won't fit much longer!

Shannon put together some dreamy outfits . . .

They loved tromping about in the big boots!

Serious loggers.

Halibut taco beach feed with the neighbors.

Not complete without s'mores!

Beautiful full moon and Mom and Dad's 40th summer as a married couple. Ahhh.

We went to Castle Island and did a brief explore.

Riding the boat was just as much fun as being at the island!

The kids LOVED hitting waves and their captain made them think it was special.

We made it back to the cabin!

Alaska: pants optional.

Hanging out the fort Grampa built.

Early morning coloring with Papa.

Who knew swimming was part of the AK experience? Dad and Bryan started it.

Then the kids escaped from nap . . .

and joined in the swimming fun!

Cold, salty water and two happy kids!

Bryan's fishing get-up - it proved to be successful!

While the guys fished, we toured the bay at low tide and hung out with the neighbor dogs, Spike and Nugget.

They wore each other out playing fetch and running wild.

Bryan landed a couple Kings!

Another high tide adventure included a canoe ride for three. No children or oars fell from the boat!

Another day, another swim.

Shannon loved to 'help' in the kitchen, just like she does at home.

Soaking up sun.

We love the cabin adventures! Thanks, Mom and Dad!