Welcome August

I think August is just about my favorite month ...

mostly assured of sunshine 

and drawn out days of freedom before schedules begin once again.

Sunday afternoon found us taking the stroller with Jack, a picnic basket

and three sisters on scooters down to the park where I walk.

I had a final photo shoot to repeat before the leaves turn color.

So, if you think you have seen this scene before,

you are partly right ...

Looking back on my blog I found this in  2016

And this in 2014

I'm thinking that you may find this collage on my wall someday ...

memories of a special season.

♡♡♡

Home Sweet Home

One doesn't usually take a photo of the back of the house,

but on this particular morning, the way the sun played with the shadows,

I wanted to remember this setting that has evolved over the past three decades.

It was 32 years ago that we moved into this house ...

I was not yet 30 years old 

and this big tree was as skinny as my arm.

Once you begin to think back ...

memories tumble out ...

the best of which include friends or family.

 I never would have dreamed I'd grow this old here

but I wouldn't have chosen any other way.

♡♡♡

An Updated Season

 It's been so much fun to relive some long ago memories 

in this rumbling vintage car.

Although ...

I can't  even imagine what I would have thought about this when we were 16 and 21 ...

when dreams began to blossom and

the road of life ahead was full of possibilities!

Seattle Tourists

 We had this weekend planned before we knew 

that our Indonesia family would be coming this summer. 

If we had known, we'd have planned differently,

but it was a great one-nighter that felt like a holiday.

It has become tradition, when we drive somewhere caravan style,

we meet for coffee and feel the excitement of getting going. 

 The little ones could not quite decide if this elevator ride to the 13th floor 

was terrific or terrifying. 

 But for sure the pool was wonderful! 

 Jack is learning to swim.

 The babies in their respective families

have a special connection too. 

The second day we headed to the T-Mobile Park 

where we also met up with our office staff and families.

 For some reason it was "sit on Papa and Mimi's laps" day! 

I did not get pictures of how the cotton candy, ice cream, hot dogs, nachos and drinks

were the most important thing ...

I guess I did not even get pictures of the game

or the guy that decided to jump the fence and cause a big commotion.

But it was all good, except that "our team" (as the kids called it) lost. 

At the end of the game, all the kids were given a chance to run the bases.

And that was a win!

Vancouver Tourists

 One afternoon we headed to the city with our Indonesia family.

We enjoyed the FlyOver Canada simulated flight.

It was a slightly different flight than Chris does on a regular basis.

We took pictures where other tourists took pictures.

 We waited for a table at one of our favorite restaurants near the water.

The food did not disappoint

 neither did the view from our table.

 We drove through Stanley Park

 and got out to enjoy the view.

 Dear Chris, Julene, Tehya, Paeton and Makenna ...

it was a gift to have you here,

to do life together for just a bit,

to share our kitchen, our pillows,

our jackets, walking trails, 

dreams, and so much more.

As hard as it was to let you go again,

we know that all is well

and send you off with our love and prayers.

Auf Wiedersehen.

Just Some Backyard Fun!