Summer in Seattle: Day 4 = Picnic at the Park

We went to Saint Edward State Park today after Lucy finished Cooney Camp for a picnic and playtime.

The park used to be a catholic seminary, and the grounds and setting were really lovely. Calvin stopped under one old tree and said in surprise "Oh my gosh! This is a big tree!"

The play area was built like a giant castle--Lucy said it reminded her of her favorite "castle park" in Madison, which was a good thing because she loved it!

Summer in Seattle: Day 3 = Zoo day!

The highlights from our trip to the zoo:

1. Calvin skinned his knee, twice

2. Lucy screaming in pure terror as Nana surprised her by snorting like a wild pig in her ear (while viewing wild pigs)

3. Meerkats (Lu liked them; Cal liked the fake cave/tunnel outside the exhibit)

4. We learned Lucy is a Jenga master!

5. Feeding the elephant! 

New haircut for Calvin!

Summer sprinklers

So. Much. Fun.

In our backyard

Things are happening around here. Playtoys are being built.

Which means that kids are getting pretty excited.

And the flowers are in full bloom—the gladiolas just keep coming!

 The garden itself sprang up practically overnight. It's huge, and very productive.

Which means that there has been some weeding to do ...

 ... or run away from, depending on who you are.

 Don't let the little garden tool in his hands fool you. He's really using it to "fix" his ride. 

Independence Day

Rainy 4th = poppers thrown from the garage. We still had fun!

Summer afternoon at the castle park

Lots of swinging, fun, and new friends!

Catching up with cousins

Mojo devours a drawing Calvin:

The Provo rec center's new water park is a big, huge hit with this crew:

Black Sheep Cafe

Best lunch? Black Sheep Cafe in Provo with Brooke and Amber!

Miss Lu ordered a particularly memorable hot chocolate while the rest of us shared shockingly pink prickly pear lemonade.

Summer in Spanish Fork

Shaved ice and park picnics with the kind of friends who you can just pick up with where you left off, no matter how long it's been = perfection.