Around the House

We had a pretty unsuccessful few days of potty training with Hudson at our house this past week. Call me crazy, but after last week I am happy to be buying Huggies size 5 again. We'll try round two maybe in a few months. Needless to say we had a nice few days of just staying put and finding creative things to do within a couple seconds of the toilet.

Rodeo Boys

A couple weekends ago we headed up the road to our cute little county fair and rodeo. The boys were dressed in their duds and feeling like real cowboys. Noah had his pistol in hand the whole time looking for some action (except of course when he was downing his corn dog).

Fruits of the Summer

The blackberries are one of the highlights of living here in Bremerton, WA. Can't get enough! Ben and Noah's garden has yielded some yummy goodness as well as some of the fruit trees on our property. Funny (but major bummer) story: Our peach tree this summer was filled with gorgeous peaches (a rare treat for the northwest). Noah comes to the back door eating a peach. I was wondering why he was eating it because I had told him that our peaches weren't ready to be picked until daddy returned from sea (about a week from that point). Keep in mind we never get peaches on that tree (except maybe one a year). At that point I looked out at the tree and saw just one lonely peach left! "Noah, what happened to all the peaches?!!?", I said. "I shook them all down so that Winchester and I could eat them", Noah said. Sure enough, that dog, my son, and possibly my youngest son ate every last peach. Needless to say, the boys have since been trained not to shake the fruit trees!

Major Changes

This is our neighbor friend Olivia. She and Noah have been friends since before Noah was 2 and she was only 6 weeks. Amazing how God grows these little ones so quickly! Hudson has made the change from crib to toddler bed. More recently, we moved his bed into Noah's room and they are really enjoying being together. This last shot is in need of a "major change". Although pretty, my attempts at making the famous la pizza margherita (Queen of pizzas) have failed. For any Naples fans out there who might have a recipe or a link for Naples pizza crust, please send it my way!

Tractor Time!

On the last day of our trip to Spokane we headed for the Tractor Farm. It was a boy's paradise! Hudson is hugely infatuated with "tacos" (his sweet way of saying "tractors") right now. We got so much pleasure out of just watching the boys run from tractor to tractor. Noah actually got to drive a tractor by himself... a memory I am sure he'll keep for a long time!

Day on the Lake

On the first day of our trip to Spokane we rented a ski boat at a military beach and had a super time. We got a little red from the sun but we were still able to enjoy a great afternoon on the water.

Spokane, WA

We spent four days with my parents in Spokane, WA- about a 5 hour drive from Bremerton. We had a great time and made many memories.

A Date to D.C.

Ben had some training for work in D.C. so I got to tag along with him for a few days. The boys stayed home with grandma so this was a big treat for all of us. We got to spend a little time with my older brother Tim and his wife Bonny. I also had a little time with their kids the next day at the Natural History Museum. Aside from getting to stay in a posh hotel (compliments of the US Navy), a couple dinners out (without kids), and going on a fun run from the Capitol to the White House, Ben and I were able to have some sweet and unique time together before his new job picks up and before baby #3 arrives.

Evening Walk

I took the boys for a walk down our road and we ended up at the beach which we hadn't done for a while. As usual, they were enchanted with the rocks and water. We are blessed to live in such a beautiful place.

Scenes of Summer

It has been a full summer already with lots of imagination, sunshiny days (which is a treat for Washington), popsicles, cherry picking, and pool time.

A Happy 4th

We spent this year's 4th of July at a church picnic. It was great fun and we were so thankful to be together this year (unlike the past few years because Ben was on patrol).