This summer has been a busy one. A great one, but alas busy.
When I am free I am planning my next dance class, choreographing, trying to figure out future work or working a project at home.
I enjoy the ebbs and flows of life.
Here is our summer update.
When we got back from TN Grace jumped right into JazzyCamp.
Monday-Thursday 1:30-4:30pm each day.
Jazzercise, yoga, karate, dance, kick boxing, etc.
Grace was exhausted at the end of each day but it was so incredibly worth it because she loved it.
On the last day the parents came early and watched them perform some of the routines they had been working on the over the last few days. She stood in the front row and did great. My tiny dancers has some sweet moves.
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| Peanut Butter Jelly Time |
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| She seemed so little-one of the youngest ones who took the 1 week camp. |
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| Kung Fu Fighting |
Grace loves lady bugs.
She has asked numerous times if we could have one as a pet.
The next best thing to keeping one in the house- releasing about 200 lady bugs into our yard.
Thank you Fred Meyer.
Grace and I love a good summer day.
We celebrate life with farmers markets, fresh produce grown by local farmers, face painting and lunch picnics in our back yard.
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| fresh strawberries from the farmers market |
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| Grace decided to put cream cheese on our toes. This is what happened. |
Now that it's summer time we are meeting at parks for our time with our small group.
This particular week Grace wanted to make rice crispy treats for everyone.
Our Small Group (some are missing).
We love them very much.
And, speaking of summer.....
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| We BBQ at least 1-2 times a week. |
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| come outside as much as possible |
and bask in family time when ever we can.
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| This particular day Loren took Grace on a special date. They got dressed up for coffee and game time at Starbucks. |
This is my favorite summer photos thus far for 2011
We've even managed to do some "spring" cleaning.
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| who doesn't love a neat and tidy coloring station |
Happy 4th of July!!!
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| We threw our 1st 4th of July Party |
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| water balloon toss |
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| 7 Little Monkeys.... |
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| some special mama friends |
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| I would love to have my yard look like this every week all summer long |
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| She was one happy girl. 1st time she's been happy on the 4th of July in many years. |
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| we even got to do some sparklers |
In Puyallup the entire week before the 4th people would set off fireworks day and night.
It terrified our girl. It terrified our pets. And, was incredibly annoying.
It was silent all week in Ellensburg. And, it allowed my girl to prepare for the 4th of July the right way.
After our party we rested, ate dinner and headed to a friends house for smores and a few fire works.
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| this is the life |
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| Grace doing her first fireworks all by herself-the kind you throw on the floor that then pop. |
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| she was ready and was being so brave |
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| way to go Grace |
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| Our friends shot off a few bigger ones. Two little monkeys watched in awe from inside. |
After our time at our friends house our hearts were full. Full of hope and joy. We didn't think Grace was going to be ok with doing the fireworks we did. But, she was. And, she didn't have one panic attack. I didn't think the night could get any better but it did. She wanted to see the big city fire works. Loren had a genius idea and we decided to sit on our roof to watch them. Grace was so giddy. She squealed and shook with excitement every time a big one went off. You would have thought she'd won the lottery. Loren and I were on the verge of tears knowing the struggles she's been through over the last two years. This moment reminded me that God can and does heal.
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| one happy daddy |
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| I love her face in the background. |
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| THE BEST 4TH OF JULY EVER |
Farewell Picnic for AUAP
We will miss you Tetta and Mariko.
Saturday, July 9th
We headed to Seattle for the day.
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After a few hours down town, we headed to the Schafer Family Reunion (Loren's mom's family)
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| The cousins & their spouses |
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| The whole gang. It felt so good to be apart of a big family gathering. |
The last month has been exciting, fruitful, joyful and tiring.
Looking forward to the rest of July and August.
I can't believe in just under two months my girly starts Kindergarten. Wowzers.
And, on that note-off to enjoy summer before it's gone!
How are you enjoying your summer?!
great pics Mel. it's wonderful you are such an amazing family :) xoxo Monika
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