Author Archives: we4keenes

August began with pretty hot weather, which we love.We could not be happier than when we have to wake up to sunscreen and swimsuits and we spend all day outside playing and eating popscicles! Saturday we spent some time at our park, followed by some quality time on the slip-n-slide in the backyard.  Sunday weContinue reading “August Begins”

We had such a busy month that I just noticed all of these pictures I hadn’t done anything with yet. One evening we took a walk down to the Port Orchard pier with Jim’s parents. It was lovely! Looking at jellyfish Awww…     Stopped for frozen yogurt afterward! We also had a motorcycle rideContinue reading “Wrapping Up July”

This year at Banks Lake, JT enjoyed skiing. We thought for sure Haley would want to ski too, but she didn’t.We did get video of JT skiing at Banks Lake that I forgot to post earlier:   Then we were skiing at Long Lake this week and JT reminded Jim to bring the kids’ skiContinue reading “Skiing”

JT asked to have his pedals put on his bike before we left for Banks Lake. He and Jim worked together on some pedaling.  But then, at Banks Lake, there was a nice sloping bike path right behind our campsite. Preston took JT out to practice pedaling and suddenly, he was doing it! Pedaling –Continue reading “Biking”

For JT and Haley’s birthdays this year, we decided to have one big family birthday party while my family was here from out of town. Haley has been looking forward to her birthday because then she will be “old enough” to “eat ice cream, oreos, licorice.” We had to explain to JT why he hadContinue reading “Birthdays”

Our annual trip to Steamboat Rock State Park is our favorite part of the summer. We spend ten days camping in the sunshine and playing in the water and sand. This year was no disappointment. The weather was a little volatile (one storm had over 60 mph winds!) but we made it out unscathed. WeContinue reading “Banks Lake 2012”

Every year we look forward to my brother’s family arriving from North Carolina. It is a three-week reunion that includes lots of fun, memories, and family time. It is the highlight of the summer! One afternoon we spent some time at the park in my parents’ neighborhood. Aunt Gena taught JT how to stand onContinue reading “Cole Family Reunion”

It’s arrived. That wonderful time of year when we eat on the deck, ride bikes, go to the lake, play backyard baseball, and enjoy the sunshine. Things move a little slower during the summer: I feel like I have all this spare time because I’m not going to work, and I have a lot moreContinue reading “Watermelon Season”

Our neighborhood throws a pretty great party. Jim was at work but the kids and I walked the block down to our park and joined in the festivities. JT loved the sparklers but wasn’t impressed with the loud booming fireworks that started later on. Haley didn’t like any of the noise and was happy toContinue reading “Independence Day”

We had such a great time with friends at Lincoln Rock this past weekend. It was our first (hopefully annual) “Ditch the Kids” trip, and we spent four days kid-free camping and skiing. We had a great time! The Schmalzes have a huge fifth wheel so we had the luxuries of home like microwaves andContinue reading “Lincoln Rock”