Glimpse of summer...

Yes, I admit, my blogging this summer has been so lame.  Why?  No real reason.  (Well there is one small addiction I have fell to...  Twitter!)   Social media has been more a part of my life and very soon, I'll explain why.  

As the last part of the year begins, I am making a new vow to spice up my blogging and do it more often than 3 months at a time (ahem). This blog will be more about the world and other fun aspects than just my own personal community. 

But in the mean time, here are a few pics from the summer for all to enjoy!  Thankful for this beautiful summer, my health and the community of loved one that I am blessed to call family and friends.  These photos are mostly from Seattle with the exception of a few NZ pics. 

Beautiful Cara, learning the ropes of driving a bit early.

Ivy and Papa Curtis

Dad showing Abigail how to use the computer (or maybe it's the other way around?)

NZ:  Lovely Arwyn showing off her swamp doll, Swampella (or something like that).  Arwyn came to visit us last summer and we still talk about how much fun we had.  Come back to us Arwyn!

When we visited NZ, Simon's parents' company Imageland made special t-shirts for all of the little people in our life.  Back in Seattle, we tried to take a picture with everyone sporting their shirts.  This is the only picture where everyone was mostly sitting and looking at me.  (Sorry Alison and Marcy)

Amalia performing, the photo session was actually a dance expression of art. 

More action!  Notice that Madison discovered her hand (again).   Also notice that Reagan is sitting by  Mads and her Mama, this is no mistake.  He LOVES the baby. 

The most patient person of all, sweet Campbell.  He is always very content on Uncle Simon's lap. 

Proof of Reagan's love!  Here he holds his baby cousin (with helpful parent assistance and support). 

Madison thinking "I have the coolest hands ever!"

Pig pile on Uncle Simon! (Or try to...)

Playtime at Gymboree at Bellevue Square!  Not only did we have so much baby fun and do lots of helpful sensory focused activities, but the teacher was this big man with a booming, Disney-like voice.  His singing mesmerized all of the babies.  

Madison is really way more excited than she looks in this picture.  We had so much fun!  Even when I was waving a scary clown puppet in her face.  (Gymboree is trying to bring back the clown so kids aren't scared of them.  I'm not buying it.)

More summer fun!  At the home of the Peterson's where so many  wonderful family events have taken place, we had a great family dinner.  Uncle Tyler and Uncle Simon here are joyfully swinging of one of the littles around and around.  I thought this would make them barf all over, but they LOVED it!  

Since becoming a father, Tyler is an expert swaddler.  In fact I heard he offers classes for new fathers about the intricacies of swaddling.  As an engineer, he has mastered it perfectly.

And, he talked his wife into getting swaddled!  I was impressed with his perseverance.  Simon tried it on me.  Notice, no pictures of Auntie Mari being swaddled. 

She is a dutiful subject. 

The cousins getting in on the fun!  Perfect pig pile!

It was a hot day and a perfect time to take off our shirts!

Family picture!  Here 5 families with babies abound.  Kai and I grew up with the Peterson children and now that everyone is having babies of their own, we just grow and grow.  Seeing eachother this summer was such a blessed event.  Loving love!

Brie, Becca, Mark, Caitie and Maddie.

Uncle Simon and Campbell, his new biggest fan. 

More uncle swinging fun!

This summer, we also celebrated cousin time at my Dad's house.  Here  Corey and Abigail diligently work on creating the prettiest bubbles of all time.  They are so cute together. 

Cousins!  Miye and Barry with Kai and Sarah.  

Sarah and Abigail.  Two lovely ladies

Grandpa Gil and Grandma Aimee with Reagan and Camp.  Out of 12 different attempts, this picture was the cutest with the most eyes looking my way.  

As mentioned before Camp and Uncle Simon fell into a deep admiration for each other.  I love this picture because they are clearly sharing an inside joke.  Or a discussion about ice cream.  Or both!  

Nope it was an inside joke.  Just hilarious!

As additional fun, we went with Grandma and Grandpa  (my own grandparents) on a Ride the Duck tour!  This funny (and sometimes corny) experience is great because you see so much of the city in 1.5 hours.  Armed with snacks, cameras, extra clothes and smiles, we had so much fun.   Mads and Mom, ready for fun!

Grandma and Grandpa. LOVED the ride!

Thankfully, Kai bought his children delightful and noisy duck quackers.  The sound was all around us, everywhere.  Joy. 

Grandma and Camp

Reagan sitting with his favorite cousin

My Mama holding little Spencer, Becca's baby with such love and adoration.  He is the sweetest little guy. 

3 amigos in Auckland on our last night there.  These boys have known each other for years, true and tried. 

In Wellington, Trudi with Olive at dog graduation.  We fell in love with Olive and loved her name.  She is a Spoodle (aka Cockapoo.  Kiwis didn't like the name, so now use "Spoodle".  Simon says it's ridiculous.  I think it's cute.)

While in NZ, I stayed a night in Ngatia and woke up to a beautiful sunrise.  They land is flat and colored with dairy farms and vastness. 

104 year old Nain with her favorite grandboys.  Handsome Daniel and Simon.

Simon, also in Ngatia, showing us how a duck hunting boat works.  Yes, this boat can somehow go unnoticed among ducks when hunting.  I am not impressed with duck's general brain power. 

Panda (on the right) and George, enjoy dinner.  I thought I was going to get to pat them, but Uncle Clyde said I shouldn't make eye contact.  Too late!  I was talking to them and trying to get close.