July 4th parade

This year our neighborhood put on a fourth of July parade/carnival for the kids. A bunch of our friends got together at the Williams' house to decorate our bikes and helmets before the parade started. The boys were in the front together at the start, and then ended up at the end by the second time around the neighborhood. After the parade the kids enjoyed a carnival where the fire department showed off one of their trucks and the kids got their face painted and made balloon creatures.

The fire truck couldn't stay long because they got a call about 10 minutes after they arrieved

Thanks Grandma Andrea for the Bat Man capes. They added to the outfits.

TJ a little upset with his wild helmet streamers

Russell rode around for at least 30 minutes

Go TJ GO!

Swim Cousins

Aunt Jena and Uncle Carson came down for the holiday weekend. We got together with Christian and Heather for a BBQ and swim party. The cousins loved playing in the pool together. Jena brought down her fancy camera and got some great photos of the weekend.

We're ready is to go

Looks like a belly flop

All warm and dry

Happy Birthday Papa

Happy Birthday Papa from your Grandkids in Vancouver. We love you.

Oaks Park June 30th

Aunt Heather and I decided to try out toddler time at Oaks Park. We got there 10 minutes before the park opened and were able to ride all the kiddie rides before there were any lines. The boys' favorite ride was the airplanes with guns and Star Wars theme music. We will definitely come back to this summer hot spot.

June Rain Dance

Sometimes it's nice to just enjoy the moment. It started pouring in the early evening so the boys wanted to watch the rain from the front porch. With door wide open, sword in hand, TJ and Russell went out and fought the rain. I just sat back and watched the magic.

Papa Tom, Grandma Andrea and Uncle Tyler come for a visit

Back in April we were so lucky to have Papa Tom, Grandma Andrea and Uncle Tyler spend a few days with us. We wanted to do something special for their visit so we rented a friends beach house for a night in Long Beach. We had such a wonderful time. We played games and watched movies when the weather was not so great and then spent time outside when it was. Uncle Tyler and Papa Tom were experts Light Sabor warriors. TJ and Russell got surprise Bat Man Capes made by Grandma Andrea. We need to get pictures of the boys in those online.

Walking down to the beach

I actually won a game of Scrabble against all these brilliant people

April Catch up

Now that I've posted Hawaii I need to go back and catch up on a few important events prior to our trip. In April, Carol, Kim and I took the kids to the Tulip Festival in Woodburn Oregon. I have never seen such beautiful flowers. I'm sorry to say I've lived here for almost six years and this is the first time I've ventured down to the Tulip Festival.

TJ practicing his tractor driving

Holland Wooden Shoe theme

Russell's favorite relaxed position

Blake and TJ right before the wild cow ride. I wanted to throw up after this bumpy adventure.

Just a quick video of the fields.