I confess...

I am a Harry Potter fan. I soared through the previous six books and was anxious for the last installment in the series to debut. We picked it up on our way up to a cabin with Wally's family the day it came out. It took all I had to leave my copy in the car so I could be sociable with the rest of the family. I even controlled my urge to pick up the book after we got home until we had finished unpacking and got through the rest of the birthdays for the month. Finally, I picked it up and couldn't put it down until I finished it. It took me about 3 days to finish the 759 page book, hence the delayed posting to my humble blog.

I had a hard time putting the book down, which resulted in very sore eyes. I eventually had to put my glasses on and Kelsie told me that I look weird, probably my out-of-date frames. My poor kids weren't really sure what to do with themselves while I was reading, but they at least decided that it must be "quiet time" so they picked up their books and started reading. Kelsie was especially interested in what page I was on through out the book and would frequently ask me where I was. Finally, she told me (in only a way she can say it),

"I can't believe an author could write a book that long and that scary!"

Brandon, on the other hand, thinks that Harry Potter is cool. So, what do I think? There were some parts that were a little slow for me, and some parts that I feel like I need to read over again, just to make sure that I'm following the story right. All in all, it was a good read (obviously) and another book would probably just put it over the top. It was a good time to end the fantasy of Harry Potter.

I think I finally convinced Wally to read the books so I can talk to someone about them. I would love to hear your thoughts from the series. What did you think? What did or didn't you like? Try not to reveal the end, if you can help it, for those who have not read it yet. Feel free to comment if you wish. And with that, I say, farewell to Harry Potter, on a most appropriate day.

Fireworks Galore!

Fireworks are always a huge thing for us on the 4th of July. Anyone who really knows Wally (and me for that matter) understand what I mean. We have noticed that "pyromania" is being passed on to our children too, well Kelsie at least. Brandon still isn't quite sure how he feels about sparks flying everywhere. Caleb really didn't know what was going on, but had a great time watching the fireworks and would kick his legs every time, as long as he could see around the big towel we used to cover his ears. I was really excited to try out some of the stuff that I have been learning about by taking some cool pictures of the fireworks and sparklers. I'm pretty pleased with the results. We especially had fun actually seeing our names with the sparklers instead of just pretending like we've done for so long! We were even impressed with Kelsie, who wrote her own name clear enough to read.

We had a really fun 4th of July which included sleeping in, a bike ride, 100+ weather, a BBQ with some friends, and fireworks at night. We had a great time together and hope that everyone else had fun too.



































Our names are not all perfect, but we had fun doing it and think it's pretty cool.

Four months old

Caleb is now four months old and we aren't quite sure where the time went! He is now 12 pounds, 7 ounces and has grown 4 inches since birth (for all those statistic people out there). Overall, he is measuring in the 10th percentile for height and weight. For those of you who know us, we're still not expecting a basketball player, but you never know!

Caleb has been such a great baby. He is sleeping through the night (started around two months), smiling ALL the time (unless he's hungry and tired), and is so interested in everything! He loves to watch Kelsie and Brandon play, especially when they interact with him. He's so much fun to have around!

I decided to take some updated pictures of him to share. He was in a really good mood, mostly, and I was able to capture some great expressions from him. The second picture looks like he's trying to play peek-a-boo and I was just having fun with our editing program in the last one. Thanks for looking!

Enjoying the River

We went down by the Columbia River to play at the park and celebrate the last day of school last Friday. We had a lot of fun on the zip line (a favorite of ours) and playing at the park. After a while, we wandered down to the river and got some fun pictures of the kids being silly and one of Brandon contemplating the world around him (probably just watching the motor boats going by). It was fun to see the boats and people fishing while we were out on the dock.

Rock Stars "in training"

We just couldn't resist sharing these!

Office Mate

You scored as Jim Halpert, You're Jim! That's so cool, Jim's awesome. Jim Halpert 65% Angela Martin 60% Ryan Howard 50% Pam Beesly 40% Michael Scott 35% Dwight Schrute 30% Jan Levinson 20% Which Office character are you? created with QuizFarm.com

Memorial Weekend in Seattle

We decided to take advantage of the holiday weekend and head out to a world unknown, or at least to explore a new city. We planned our trip to Seattle and set out on our adventure (an hour and half later than scheduled). We were amazed to find out that we had to drive about 130 miles before we saw trees again and more than just sage brush. We drove through the Cascade Mountain Range and it was refreshing to see lakes and lots of pine trees.

We were fortunate enough to hang out with one of my old roommates from Ricks and her family in Port Orchard. Our kids had a great time playing together and we're pretty sure it made for Brandon's best day ever. He rode in a kayak, a motor boat, and a ferry all in one day! He also found some crabs while Kelsie built a sandcastle with her friend and decorated it with shells. Kelsie also rode in the kayak and saw a starfish and lots of jellyfish! We took the ferry into Seattle and got to see the city at night. It was really cool to see the skyline all lit up with the lights. We finally arrived at our hotel downtown around 10 p.m., and after unloading everyone and everything we crashed for the night.

The next day, we ventured out into the city and walked through Pike Place Market and down to the waterfront. Pike Place was really cool with tons of vendors selling everything from fresh seafood to knicknacks and flowers. Down by the waterfront, we searched for pirate ships and any other kind of boat we could see. There was a carousel ride for the kids and a pirate store, which of course, we had to check out. We had a good time walking around and taking in all there was to see. We also drove to West Seattle to Alki Point where we were able to see a lighthouse and spend the afternoon at the beach. The kids had a great time playing in the sand and throwing rocks in the water. Kelsie even found an arm of a crab! That night we treated ourselves to fish & chips and chowder at Ivar's Seafood Bar for dinner and walked along the waterfront one more time.

The next day we went to the Seattle Center in search of the Space Needle and the Pacific Science Center (Wally's personal playground). We were able to see all sorts of exhibits including The Tropical Butterfly House and the IMAX movie, Dinosaurs Alive 3D. Wally rode the High Rail Bicycle that was 15 feet off the ground while we all oooed and ahhhed. We all had a great time and really enjoyed all the different exhibits and things to do. We also walked around to see the Space Needle and the Folk Life Festival around the Seattle Center.

On our way home we stopped by the Seattle Temple and also made a stop to see Snoqualmie Falls to enjoy another waterfall. We really had a great time in Seattle and can't wait to go back! It is so fun to visit big cities and see what they have to offer. Some of our favorite vacations have been to places like Washington D.C., New York City, Philadelphia, and yes, even Boston. Seattle is now right up there with all the others.

Here are some more pictures from our weekend and the last one, a particular favorite!