Happy 91st Birthday Grandma!

On July 22nd my grandma celebrated her 91st birthday! She means so much to me and has been such a huge influence in my life. We went to Seattle two weekends ago to wish her a happy birthday.
My Aunt, Uncle, Grandma, Brett, me and the boys took a trip to Snoqualmie Falls to celebrate.

Water fun

Just a few pics of the boys splishin' and splashin'

Let's go golfing

Friday night we took Josh and Matthew for their first official miniature golf experience. We all had a blast!! I love that the boys are at these great ages that we can all enjoy family activities like this together.

A.C. Gilbert's Discovery Village

Last Tuesday I took the boys on a little road trip to the A.C. Gilbert Discovery Village in Salem. We've heard great things about this Children's Museum and it definitely didn't disappoint. One of the major highlights was the bubble room where I think they could have spent the whole day. They have a really great outside play area as well. Unfortunately it was super hot so most of the equipment was too hot to play on.
A little insider tip... A family membership is just $65 and it gets you in not only there but to lots of other museums across the country free of charge. We are looking forward to going to OMSI lots with our membership.
Such a fun and memorable day!!

Seattle

For my birthday we headed to Seattle for a little mini vacation before Brett started his new job with Flock. We stayed with my Uncle and Aunt and had such a great time. The boys sure do love their Great Uncle and Aunt!
The first night Josh got to have his first experience grilling. After dinner we went to Lake Washington to duck watch and chase and to play at their great play structure. The next day we went to the Space Needle and the Pacific Science Center. The boys loved the Space Needle but I think the little carnival rides outside were their favorite part. Who doesn't love bumper cars?!
We had so much fun and can't wait for our next Seattle venture.

The Graduate

Joshua graduated from preschool Friday. It's so hard to believe that our little guy is not so little anymore! He'll be a big kindergartner in the fall.
Teacher Patty has been the greatest blessing to our family. Josh has really flourished the last two years at Jake's Place and I am so thankful we're not saying goodbye yet. Matthew can't wait to start in September!
Here are a few pictures of the last few wonderful memories of Josh's preschool days.

Just for fun, this was Josh's first day of preschool. He looks so little!

Last day of school - pajama day!

Field trip to Gidding's Farm

Cyrus, Josh, Charlotte, Matthew and Lucas

Teacher Patty tells us that she thinks Joshua's spiritual gifts are peace and kindness.
And what she appreciates most about him is his love of learning, especially bible stories.

Reunited

Janelle and her family visited this last week from Alaska. It was the first time they have been back to Portland since they left three years ago. It was so much fun to spend time with one of the friends I hold nearest and dearest to my heart.
We got to spend an entire girls day together. We had lunch at Panera, went to Starbucks, did some shopping, went and had our makeup done at Origins and then went out for a little early birthday celebration with some of my favorite girls. It was a blast!!
Our kiddos had so much fun together! CJ and Josh were best buddies when they were 2 so it was so sweet to see them pick up where they left off. Adrian and Megan are so super cute too!
We sure are going to miss you Janelle, Derek, CJ, Adrian and Megan!!! We love you so much and are so blessed to call you friends.