a summer of fun.

While the (what we think) mono virus has almost officially run its course through our entire family we are finally getting out and enjoying this incredible summer. I'm still feeling pretty blah but the kids are healthy which is really all that matters. 

Meeting up with friends, checking things off our bucket list, relaxing at home...it's my absolute favorite season! Last weekend it was HOT and the kids needed some a/c. Matt took them out to see The Incredibles 2 and Simon got to experience his first movie in the theaters!

 We've kept the pool up almost every day so kids can just jump right in anytime they'd like. Our backyard gets super hot in the afternoon so a morning dip helps everyone cool down a little.

 I've been baking (early mornings before it gets too hot!) and almost perfected these double chocolate chunk cookies. A few more tweeks and they'll be perfect. Anyone need a sweet treat?!?

 Meals outside with the kids are our favorite. Easy clean up and they can just run and play when they are done.

We've been squeezing in as many beach trips as possible. This is always high on our list. We have such beautiful beaches just a short drive away and the kids can play for hours in the sand and water. With an unusually low tide last week we met up with some school friends for a few hours on a hot day. The kids searched for sea life, climbed on rocks and dug in the sand. So fun!

Simon is trying to be as independent as possible these days. I love to see him try to keep up with the big kids. Like...getting food from the fridge!

And he is just loving every single thing about t-ball this summer. Youngest kid on the team but definitely the most ambitious. Baseball is life for this kid.

A few days ago Carter had the opportunity to attend Brock Huard's local football camp at Husky Stadium. He got to spend 3 hours on the field running drills, practicing routes and hearing Brock talk about sportsmanship on and off the field. He loved it! We stayed to watch and it was so fun to see him out on the field playing. Carter said he'd love to attend UW someday and play football in that stadium. Dream come true for an 8 year old!

Another friend from last season's flag football team was there too so Lucy and Elise got to play together. Always fun with younger siblings around!

We got to sneak in to the Husky Ball Park while we were there too so, of course, Simon's day was made that much better. Baseball and football in 1 afternoon....the best!

A quick stop for frozen yogurt before heading home and then it was off to swim lessons!

It was the last lesson for this session (session 2 starts next week) so the kids got to jump off the diving board. Carter's dives have improved so much this summer and Lucy has mastered the breaststroke.

And then Simon. Oh gosh, he never ceases to amaze me! Once again the youngest kid at the pool but easily the most fearless. He was the only one from his class to jump off the board, all the other kids were a little scared still. He didn't just jump though, he leaped off the end as high as he could!  And now his teacher has encouraged him to move up to the next swim level!

Yesterday we celebrated Matt's birthday and I made him his special request. Homemade rainbow chip cake with a homemade marshmallow buttercream and extra sprinkles. Happy Birthday!! Tonight we get to go out to celebrate before a fun weekend ahead. Summer truly is the best time of the year.