Category Archives: Uncategorized

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”

We talk about skiing so much that our poor Harley probably feels left out. I haven’t ridden since before I knew I was pregnant with Haley… wow. I was so excited when Jim planned 2012 Date Series for June as an overnight Harley trip to Winthrop, Washington. We left Monday morning and waved goodbye toContinue reading “Date Series #6: Harley Trip”

We’ve been busy looking forward to summer and getting ready to relax. 🙂 I have been super busy with work and have just now settled down for six weeks of summer time. Now if only the weather would cooperate! JT has been dying to assemble a new set of Legos he got awhile back. TodayContinue reading “Summer Begins”

We were so lucky to have some friends come visit recently – and spend the night! Liv and JT are just six weeks apart in age, and Halle and Haley are just three weeks apart, so everyone had a friend. 🙂 Playing in the sandbox Time for s’mores! In the morning, Haley and Liv noticedContinue reading “Visitors”