Impulsive?!?

We've been talking about going to the zoo all summer but haven't made it there yet. With summer winding down, the weather perfect and Eric gone for the evening, I decided today was the day. We had a ball and took our time meandering through the different exhibits. I think it will be one of our last outings with our "Cadillac" of strollers! Hurray!! I think Mia is the most excited about this. She wasn't quite sure why someone was taking a picture of our empty stroller (although we're not complaining) We decided instead of sitting in traffic we'd stop at The Old Spaghetti Factory for dinner. I was mentally prepared to be stared at so we headed in. Thankfully everyone did great and server was awesome and we got a few compliments on our way out. :)

Got Salmon?

Eric and Lee headed to the Frasier River this afternoon in search of some King Salmon. Mission accomplished? Funny thing is, they didn't have a "fish" scale so they used our house scale and Eric held it while he weighed himself. The larger fish weighed in at 28# (although Eric thinks it's at least 30#....he says our scale is off!) :)

Entrepreneurs

Mia and Holly have come up with a rather creative way of making money. We live at the end of a cul-de-sac so it's not very high traffic. Instead of a classic lemonade stand Mia started making jewelry and selling it to neighbors and friends who stopped by. Holly of course wanted to get in on the action and sorted through all our board books and was selling those. By day two they were selling stuffed animals, coloring books and other toys they were ready to part with. After 3 days they still keep making money somehow. They have different sales techniques. Holly is definitely high pressure sales. Mia takes a more low key approach. Somehow they've ended up about even. :) The neighbor kids keep coming over with quarters and leave with some great treasures.

Fun with our visitors.

Grandpa and Grandma were out for a visit and some babysitting. They took care of the kids while Eric and I escaped to Las Vegas for the weekend.

As usual, the kids found time to slow down and read books with Grandpa. On Saturday, Grandpa, Eric, Lucas, Tyler and Joey headed out to do some crabbing.

After they got home from crabbing, Eric, Mia, Holly and I headed to Seattle to the Mariner's game. They beat the Detroit Tigers that night!

While we were gone, Grandpa and Grandma braved the mall with the crew and went to Build-A-Bear.

Grandma somehow dodged the camera during this visit, she kept herself rather busy. Grandpa said it the best after we arrived home. He said they had a great time but he was ready for a shift change! Thanks, Mom and Dad!
As the boys were picking out their pirate costumes for their Build-A-Bears, I was finding them their own costumes. Argggg!

Viva Las Vegas

Eric and Jason had a trade show to go to in Vegas this past weekend. Mandy and I were not about to let them go alone! Our friends, Tom and Deb, from MI (one of Eric's roommates from college who also have triplets) also met us there. It was great fun catching up with them, also! I think the highlight for all the fellas were the number of professional athletes they saw and even met. Eric was just a little thrilled to have Shaun Alexander (from the Seattle Seahawks) autograph the book he had finished the day before, entitled "Touchdown Alexander".

Summer Fun

Who doesn't love a good outdoor summer concert. It wasn't quite a Jimmy Buffet concert but it is the next best thing.... it's Hot Wally !

A Family Fourth

Good Clean Fun

I never seem to have bubbles in the house when the kids want to play with them. Today was one of those days but I found a great recipe for homemade bubbles and they worked great. It even came with an idea for homemade bubble blowers as well. Gotta love familyfun.com.

I ended up using Joy "Ultra Concentrated" dishsoap and it got a little soapy.