Keepin' it real

So our summer wasn't all traveling.  We did summer chores, kept up with reading and writing, and spent a fair amount of time at home just doing fun summer activities.  Like finding really scary green snakes in our backyard...wish I had gotten a better picture, it was such a vibrant green color.  Glad I never saw it again though.

 

 Exploring down town...

Water fun in the backyard.

A couple of fun trips to Utah to play with cousins...

And go to water parks to take awesome selfies with cousins...

 Maren really loved to try the really fun slides this year, she even got up and over the rollar coaster one.  She'll have to give me pointers next time.

 And Dave says he doesn't love this place...hmmm.

Putting the pully system Dave rigged in the garage to good use.

A little trip to the farmers market with this little lady on a stormy evening was the best, even if the kettle corn truck left early because of the rain.

Jacob decided to keep things interesting for us and break his arm on the 4th of July.  We were at a BBQ with friends and he was jumping on the trampoline with bigger kids.  One of which decided it would be fun to launch Jacob high into the air.  Ha came down on his arm.  Jacob told the doctor.  "He launched me, and it was good."  I had to laugh, because apparently Maren had tried to launch him just before this and hers was not good (not high enough).  At least he had fun?!?

We did swim lessons at a different place this year, and were really glad we did.  It was warmer, and the kids all learned a ton.  Wish we had time to fit in another session!

 Jacob was still able to swim with his broken arm.  His cast was made of a mold-able plastic.  It was awesome he didn't have to miss out, although I spent about an hour of everyday blow drying the thing after he would get it wet.

We also spent a few afternoon out at Highline Lake just playing in the water with friends.  One of the times we rented a couple paddle boards, which were a hit with everyone.

Jacob turned 6 in July.  He had a friend party at a local park, and we did a scavenger hunt with pictures I had taken of closeups on the playground.  It was a hit.  He loved his ninja turtle cupcakes, and I loved that he was so easy to please.  

 I know this is not the best picture, but it totally shows Jacobs personality.  He was unwrapping a gift one of the kids had wrapped several times over for him.  He finds such fun in the simple things, rarely complains, and is always the first to jump in and help with things.  Can't wait to see where life takes him.  Love this happy smiley little man to pieces!