sk8ter boy

My littlest skater.
I'm glad he was wearing a helmet.

Growing up

Another sign that my little boy is growing up. Yesterday he offered to mow the lawn.
I didn't think he would get very far but I was wrong.
He didn't seem to struggle much and did a great job.

A new chore for Taylor.

Alaska Chainsaw Massacre

Trace's pet project this summer has been "grooming the forest" --delimbing the bottoms of the trees, cutting down dead trees and cutting them up to burn as firewood this winter. Apparently his old chainsaw was not working well (the chain was dull, etc.)
so he got a new chainsaw and those sexy chaps!
It is a Stihl 260 with a 20 inch bar.
He had fun (working hard) with his new toy--I mean tool--on Saturday.
When asked to comment Trace said, "It cuts like butter."

Papa Rays Cookies

Monday night we were treated to Papa Rays Cookies.
Ray used to make his "famous" cookies on a pretty regular basis but --
lately it has become a rare occurance.
We were all glad he felt up to sharing his cookies with us once before Linda went home.

Sing for your "cookies"
This is the song you have to sing before you get to eat cookies.

Marty is nice enough to accompany the group on his guitar.

"Papa Rays Cookies are the very best. You know they're good and I know the rest . . ."

Topsy Turvy

At Grandma Pats house Monday night Tanner surprised us all by doing somersaults, over and over and over. He was very cute and would laugh and clap every time he did a roll. (He was actually pretty good too.)

Garden Salad

All from our little garden--lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes and radishes. Yum!
We like having a garden but we'd starve if it was all we had to rely on. :0

In Memorium

Today is a day of memories of Dad.
Six years has eased the loss but he is still remembered and missed often.
Until we meet again. . .

Beach Party

Saturday afternoon we gathered at Bishops Beach for a cookout, it is kind of a tradition to have a beach party when Grandma Linda is here. The weather was okay and the kids always love to get together and play at the beach.

Popo

Grandma Linda checking the dinners.

Taylor just chillaxin'. He was ready to go in the water.

Tanner was so cute sitting in his chair eating a hotdog.

Trace--using a little boy scout juice to get the fire going. Move over and let a girl show you how it is done! :)

Grandma Pat

Bumper crop

Just an update:
We have tons of radishes and these are cucumbers #4 & 5 and our tomatoes are starting to turn red!! Yum.

11-4

WE WON!!!

Our softball game Thursday night against Heath&Tara's team was a well played, extremely satisfying victory. We were the underdog going into the game and lost pretty badly last time we played them--also they have only lost one other game this whole season. Our team held them at no runs for the first 4 innings of the game with a final score of 11-4. The scorebook.

Trace up to bat.

Good game team!

"My boon"

After all the festivities , the kids were really tired and a bit grumpy so we decided to call it a day. We headed home around 8pm. Once in the truck Tanner re-discovered his balloon from the carnival and grabbed hold of the string saying "boon, mine, boon, mine" (you get the idea). He fell asleep on the way home but didn't let go of the balloon even after I carried him in and laid him down to sleep.
Happy 4th of July!

Everybody Loves A Parade --July 4th

After the BBQ we gathered down at the street for the 4th of July Parade. It lasted about 25 minutes but it is always fun. The highlights of the parade this year was the car carrying the crew from the Time Bandit (on Deadliest Catch--Tami and Linda LOVE them) some of the old cars, and Rep. Paul Seaton threw handfuls of bouncy balls instead of candy (that was fun to try to catch), and of course the kids got lots of candy.

Waiting for the parade to begin.

Tanner gets a better view.

Grandma Linda-- waiting for the Time Bandit.

Tanner LOVED the dogs! "Dog, dog, dog . . . " and the balloons "boon, boon, boon . . ."

Tami and Ryker.

Taylor digging into his bag of candy. (Has he had any protein today?)

4th of July BBQ

The traditional 4th of July BBQ at Grandmas. Lots of food, folks and fun.

Gma Pat-the hostess with the mostess.

Tanner really liked the watermelon, and baked beans.

Trace manning the grill.

Trace and his mom.

Taylor was having lots of fun.

Ray ("Popo") enjoying his meal and his company.

4th of July Carnival

The day started out overcast and we had a couple of showers around noon, but we were optimistic that the weather would clear up. So we went out to the kids carnival put on by the American Legion every year.

Taylor playing the golf game.

Yummy cotton candy!

Shannon got her face painted-so patriotic.

Tanner and Mommy-Tanner wasn't into the carnival. He didn't want to play games or have a balloon or eat cotton candy. The only thing he was interested in doing was watching the golfing game and throwing a little bouncy ball.

Shannon helps Taylor pick out a prize. Tough choice.

Big Boy Toy

Trace got a new kite board yesterday. When the the UPS man delivered it he jumped up and down and yelled and did a manly happy dance. This board is a Mako 150x40. It is a great waverider. It has a beautiful shape and is a nice board, very smooth. (He wanted to sleep with it but I wouldn't let him :) He loves it!