August Adventures...

Unfortunately, between work and school, Jim and I haven't had much time off this summer to do anything fun with the girls. Last week we only had the two younger girls with us because Katlynne was away at Summer Camp. So - last Friday we decided to take the younger girls camping in Leavenworth!!! It was great for all of us to get away from the house and just enjoy some time outdoors. Jim and Kelsey had never been to Leavenworth, so it was a completely new experience for them. We had a lot of fun camping, but we also spent Saturday in the town going through the various shops and spending more money than we should have. We all had a blast though and didn't want to come home.

The Girls Spent A Lot Of Time Playing Uno Attack In The Tent At Night

Jim - My Handy Fire Starter!

The Girls LOVED Climing The Rocks Next To Our Campsite!

This Lovely Bear Welcomed Us To Leavenworth

Our First Experience With REAL Bavarian Food

They Thought Doing Cheers With Their Rootbeer Mugs Was The Coolest Thing

Sunday morning, we had to wake the girls up at 5:30 am so we could pack up camp and head for the ferry to pick up Katlynne by 10:00. Katlynne's birthday was August 15th but since she was at Summer Camp, we didn't get to celebrate with her on her actual birthday. So after we picked her up - we had a surprise for all the girls.....

We Made Them Close Their Eyes As We Lead Them Blindly Through Seattle

And Their Surprise Was........Ride The Duck!

They Were A Bit Excited...

Kelsey - Getting Ready.....

Entering Lake Union......

Although It Rained And Was Gray - We Got A Good Picture Of Seattle....

Duck Kisses - They Weren't Quite Sure How Ducks Kissed With Those Beaks Of Theirs....

It Was So Much Fun!!!

Happy 12th Birthday Katlynne!!!

In other news - my now 6-year-old will be starting first grade tomorrow!!! Since we moved to Kirkland, she is having to switch schools and was a little bit nervous for a while because she doesn't know anybody. However, on Thursday her school had an informal "open house" where the kids could go explore the school and meet their teachers, which was time well spent to help calm her nerves. She is now EXCITED to be starting school. She loves the school (especially the playground) and her teacher. Now if I could just somehow calm MY nerves....