AYLEXIE GOT HER POINTE SHOES!!!

Aylexie has been walking around on her toes since she learned how to walk. She has been taking ballet now for the past four years and has looked forward to the day she could get her pointe shoes. Well, today was her dreams came true! She came out of the dressing room and the lady who fit her, said "look at those legs!" When she looked at her feet, she said that she was definately doing the right thing by dancing. Her arches are perfect...she said many ballet dancers would die to have her feet! She's been smiling all day! She can't WAIT for the Nutcracker this December!

FREEZING WATER IN GRANITE FALLS, WA

Thomas' favorite cousin-Trayton
Thomas with his rock to add to his collection
Jeff, Ashley, Jenny, Brittany & Aylexie being VERY BRAVE!!!

This past weekend, we decided to take a trip up to Everett, WA to visit our families. We had promised to take the kids camping this summer, but, I've learned that time flies way too fast. They were happy enough to go spend the day at their favorite river spot...Cascade Park in Granite Falls. The water was SO cold! The rock they're standing on usually is a few feet above the water, but it was almost covered and very slimy. Jeff got bored and challenged everyone to swim to the rock. (I refused!-I admit I'm a big baby when it comes to getting cold!) It was so cold, that it literally took your breath away and hurt! All in all, they had a lot of fun. We went back to John & Sandi's and had dinner and S'Mores. YUMMY! Sunday, we went to my Mom & Dad's to celebrate my baby brother's birthday...(Brandon's 27!) It was a lot of fun and as usual a lot of great food!

GOLF CAMP-1ST & 2ND!!!

Wow! My girls had SO much fun at golf camp this summer! They really tried their personal best and worked hard. Jeff took them chipping and putting at least twice a week and then to the driving range to practice getting the ball up in the air! Their championships were this past Tuesday...They decided to head to work with Jeff on Monday morning so he could drop them off at Heron Lakes to get ready for the tournament. Thomas and I were eating breakfast and it started pouring rain and then we heard the thunder! I called Jeff and heard that a call was coming in on our line...it was the girls. They obviously couldn't practice that morning. Jeff is so passionate about golf, that he took them out to practice at the driving range by our house.

Their scores were very good-Aylexie's score was 49 and Ashley's was 70. Aylexie placed 1st and Ashley placed 2nd. Ashley got a trophy for most improved player this year. WOO HOO!!!

BROKEN GLASS

Okay-after our hot day at the zoo, Ashley & I were wiped out and wanted to watch the Olympics. Jeff took Aylexie to practice putting and chipping in preparation of her golf tournament. I was sitting on the couch and heard a lout BOOM! The glass instantly started cracking. UGH! Luckily, it was only the outside pane. Jeff and I taped it off Saturday night, but it started breaking apart whenever anyone walked across the kitchen floor, so he thought he'd better clean up the mess before someone got hurt. I'm just glad it didn't break both window panes! It was TOO hot and muggy outside to not be able to use the air conditioning!!!

GUARDIAN MANAGEMENT PICNIC AT THE ZOO

Jeff hoola-hooping
I couldn't get it to work!
...waiting in line to ride the train
Thomas and Jeff on the train
Aylexie's fairy face painting and Dad being silly!
Thomas didn't want to get his face painted-this was his silly face.
Ashley with her face painting of a dog.

Getting ready to see the animals

Digging for "fossils"
SCARY!

This past Saturday, we went to the zoo for Jeff's company picnic. The kids were SO excited! It was going to be another hot day here, so we planned to be there right at 10:00 and dash to see the animals before they were all hiding from the heat (100+). We got to see a lot of animals, but the highlight of the day was taking the train ride.

DINNER WITH COUSINS

My kids were so excited to have Taylor, Brittany, Brooke & Trayton come down from Everett for the day. Jared had a piano move right across the street and brought the kids down to play. It was hot! We went swimming, jumped on the trampoline, ate popsicles and had dinner. What a fun day!

SEASIDE

Jeff & Thomas
My little miracles (Ashley's not so "little" anymore!)
I was FROZEN!
Jeff & Connie...
We decided to spend the day at Seaside. The weather was supposed to be sunny-sunny doesn't always mean warm at seaside! I FROZE! Jeff kept laughing at me because I had 2 jackets on! The kids had SO much fun. They loved searching for shells and digging in the sand. It really was a beautiful day. I can't believe it's already August. This summer has gone by WAY too fast. I love the relaxed atmosphere that summer brings. We've been hanging out at Lakeshore Athletic Club by the outdoor pool. It's great to not be constantly worried about where my kids are. They're all great swimmers and enjoy every second of being there.