Austin's 10th birthday trip

3 years ago as we were driving around our area we started seeing this cool Amtrak train drive by every so often.  It was called the "Cascades Amtrak" and the kids asked if they could ride it. I told them I would take them on the train when they turned 10.  Austin just hit that milestone so we decided to go for it!  We rode the train from our area to Portland.  Super fun adventure!  What a blessing to get to go with just Austin and I.  We had a great time together.

After arriving in Portland, we found the light rail station and only had to ride for 10 minutes to the stop for our hotel.  Everything was downtown and close together.  One of Austin's favorite things to do on vacation is swim so we did a lot of that.  He was trying to dive the way the Olympic divers did with no splash.

 This first picture is not his best entry...

 This next one is much better...

There was a Red Robin right across the street so we had dinner there.  What a great find that was.  I had no plan for dinner so it was nice to not have to search for a good place.

The next day we went back by light rail to the zoo.  It was surprisingly easy to use the public transportation and fun.  Portland's system is very well laid out and easy to figure out.

This was the first time I was able to see ALL the animals in one trip to the zoo.  It was so easy and quick to get around with no stroller and just one kid!  Our feet were tired from all the walking though so we rode the zoo train...

We had never been to this zoo and it was amazing.  Definately worth visiting.  This is a pic from the lorikeet exhibit where you can buy a cup of nectar and the birds will come and sit on you to drink it.  Austin also really enjoyed the fact that we bought food at the zoo (we usually never do that) and bought snacks/dinner on the Amtrak on the way home.  It was fun to splurge a little!

Beautiful train station in Portland.  This trip was such a blessing.  A wonderful opportunity to celebrate and spend time with this special boy. 

August Fun

It was a wonderful, fun, packed month for us.  Quite different than the last 3 years when we have spend August in Michigan.  We got to see what Seattle is like in August finally.  We had 2 birthdays and a visit from my parents. Tim took Austin to a Sounders game and I got to take Christian to one on his birthday.  I also took Austin on a little trip for his birthday (will post pics soon).   Lots of play time with friends, playgrounds, parks, and time to read and relax this month.  I'm sorry to see it end. 

 

 

We took a trip on the ferry to Bainbridge Island with my parents. 

 

It got hot for a week or so.  Very therapeutic for me.  I could not get enough of it.  It was a bit hot at night for sleeping but I am not complaining!  We spent a lot of time at the lake in our neighborhood.  One day as I was pulling out what I thought was a floatie in our garage I discovered this pool!  We must have hung on to it from when we lived in Michigan!  We made good use of it in the front yard.   

 

Walking on a trail near our house

Christian is 7!

 

This sweet boy had a birthday this month too.  In the past we have celebrated his birthday in combination with Austin's or we have had a family party in Michigan, where we usually are this time of year.  This year he finally got to have a "friend" party.  He wanted a bouncy party so we had a bouncy ball cake, bouncy ball favors, and went to a bouncy house after dinner, presents, cake and ice cream. 

 

Christian has come out of his shell a bit this year and is growing in kindness.  He is a very compassionate boy by nature and always wants to include everyone in what he is doing.  He has a sweet spirit and is a peacemaker.  We are so thankful to be able to celebrate his life and watch him grow and play every day.  He is such a blessing to our family. 

Austin is 10!

Can't believe Austin hit double digits this week!  He wanted to have his first sleepover party.  We invited 2 friends from school and rented a movie and video game for them.  We set up air mattresses in the tv room and let them stay up as late as they wanted.  I think they made it until 3am! 

Austin also got to go to a Sounders game with dad this month which was partly for his birthday.  We are so proud of this boy.  Austin has really grown in thoughtfulness and kindness this year.  It has been so nice to have his home all summer - we have really enjoyed the time. 

My Little Businessman!

Christian surprised us this week and came up with his own idea for a new business...

He made some money the first night because we all were enjoying his creativity and service!  He added hours of operation to the sign later.  He even asked me to set an alarm so he would be awake at 8am the next day ready for his customers.

His brothers did not want to miss out on the opportunity.  Austin tried to start a lego selling business but no one was interested in that so he changed gears and made himself a sign and started a foot washing business.  He got us all to try that service out.  One of the older kids, probably Austin, helped Ezra make a sign that said "Ezra's piano show...3 minutes for 1$ and 6 minutes for 2$".  He played beautifully!  It was all very cute and very creative.

Camping #2

We were blessed to be able to take a camping trip with our small group from church.  5 families, 12 kids.  Lots of fun!  The weather was not so great.  We saw the forecast was for no rain and did not put up the rain flap on our tent.  You would think after living 4 years in Seattle we would know better.  We were up at 5am the first morning looking for the rain flap and trying to put it up without waking up the kids.  Christian and I worked really hard the week before trying to get him to learn to ride his bike with no training wheels and he got it just in time!  The campground was a great place for him to practice.

We sang songs every night and one of them required a "conga line for Jesus"...  hard to explain but it was a great song!

There were lot of smores around the fire every night and card games with the adults after the kids were in bed.  It was really nice to relax and have a lot of time for fellowship and get to know our friends' kids better.

No trip in this area would be complete without the requisite Puget Sound slugs.  Ick.

thankful for my van

I have to say, I never thought I would say that.  I never especially wanted a minivan and was a little sad when the day came that we purchased one.  The convenience can't be beat though.  I realized last week that my boys are spoiled and not used to sitting close to each other anymore.  I had to drive them from my mother-in-law's house to our house in Tim's Jetta.  It was a miserable ride, and not because it doesn't have air conditioning.  By the end of the ride (mind you its only 10 min) the boys were not allowed to talk to each other and had to ride with their feet and arms crossed.  And I was in tears.  Hmmmm...moments to remember I guess.