lazy days of summer are almost over

We have been enjoying this summer so much w/ lots of visits from family, lots of time outside, many BBQ's, fires (in the fire pit of course), and camping! I am sad to see this time ending. The other day, Parker saw the leaves and wanted to go out and watch and listen to the leaves. Grandpa Walker had told him that the leaves are telling stories so now he loves to listen the the leaves. I think it is so sweet. This is just one picture I captured of him watching and listening.






Paige had her six month appointment. She is in the 95% for her weight and the 50th for her height. And, again, the doctor called her the Michelin Baby. I love those little rolls!
















Parker loves his sister so much and Paige adores him! They are so sweet together. I hope they are like this forever!
















This is a dress my mom made for me when I was about this age. I put it on Paige to see how it looked and to see if she looked at all like me (I think she does--what do you think Mom?). I love this picture because she is just so excited!



















Parley is the Young Men's President at church (works w/ boys 12-18). For one of their activities they did some crazy paint throwing (kind of like paintball but w/ balloons). He was very, very messy. It looked kind of fun!

80% off at Restaurants.com

For all the info see this site: http://hip2save.blogspot.com/2009/08/restaurantcom-25-certificate-for-only-2.html

It's a great deal!

now i HAVE to do it!

I just signed up to do my 1st Triathlon ever! aahh...my adrenalin is already pumping from nervousness. One of my goals for the new year was to do a triathlon--thanks to much inspiration from my lovely sister *Lena*! She's been doing them for a few years now and raves about them. I always thought she was crazy. Why in the world would a person choose to go through all that swimming, biking and particularly the running?! I guess we'll see. It very well might be torture. But I can say that I have had so much fun training for it. Who knew "spin class" (indoor cycling) could be so much fun? It's my favorite! Plus, just mixing it up with all three events has really broken the monotony. I even somewhat enjoy the swimming. Besides half-way drowning every time I swim, my only problem with it is the swimsuit. Swimsuits and I do not get along. Why is it that all athletic swimsuits seem to be about 10 sizes too small? Anyone else have that problem? I had a swimsuit that was doing the job, but then that one got left at the gym *I know. I'm a dork.* So then I had to go swimsuit shopping. Wow. If you ever want to feel real great about your physique, go shopping for an athletic swimsuit. I grabbed the size I normally wear and when I started to try to put it on, it wouldn't even budge past my hips--gotta love birthing hips! So I tried a size bigger. NOPE. That didn't work. Two sizes later, I found one that didn't squeeze me out of it in every single direction. I get that they are supposed to streamline you, but really...I'm not going pro.

But on with the post...the triathlon is Sept 7, Labor Day! I'm just doing sprint which includes 300M swim, 13 Mile bike, and 3 mile run. It should be fun. I hope. I only have two goals: 1.finish and 2.finish with a smile!

I'll let you know how it goes. And maybe I'll post pictures...just not in my swimsuit!

This past weekend we went camping on the WA coast w/ some friends. We had lots of fun, the kids got too little sleep, we got wet, we got dirty, and I want to go again! Check out some of the pictures!

*you can click on the image to see it in a bigger size*

Thunder thighs!

It is a bad sign when the most worn section of your cookbook is the dessert section!












Amendment: Thanks to you friends who said such nice things about my thighs *sigh*. However, I really am not feeling gloomy about these big-hunkers (I probably should be and if they were a teeny-tiny bit smaller, I wouldn't complain). I just noticed how well-used my favorite section is. I thought I'd better add this so I didn't get any more sympathy comments! But thanks anyway!

We have been having lots of fun lately w/ the hot weather. Trips to the beach. Swimming pools. Slip and slide. And an air conditioner (hallelujah!) which has allowed us to have fun inside too in the 100+ weather (very unusual for Western Washington). Parker has graduated to a big boy bed and is doing pretty well. It's not near as bad as I had imagined, let's just hope it stays that way. However, last night he did lay in bed for 2 hours talking to himself--and his bears. Let's just say he was somewhat of an emotional wreck this morning, but we made it to nap time! Whew!

Here are a few pics of the kids over the past few days.

Bubbles. And Baths. Need we say more?

Parker giving himself a beard.

It looks like Parker is being mean here, but they were snuggling and

both were having a great time. He's always been nice to Paige, but lately has has

been extraordinarily sweet. I'll enjoy it while it lasts!

I love flashlights. They offer hours of entertainment for a minimal price!

Parker loves doing tricks. This is one he loves!