The Heat Is On!

It is hot here -- really hot. Today it was 105 degrees and tomorrow is supposed to be 107 degrees. It is unbearable in our house, so the boys and I decided to stay out and about as long as we could -- we even gave up Zak's naps -- we were that desperate!

After breakfast on the back deck -- it was probably 80 degrees -- but it still felt better outside -- we headed for Cafe Sip-N-Play.

Zak loved climbing all over everything.

Sam built a house.

Playing with fun toys.

The train table was a favorite.

Then it was on to Target (just trying to go places that had air conditioning!). Sam received a gift card for his birthday, so he decided it was time to use it. He bought a new Lego set and the Veggie Tales Jonah DVD.




We headed home for lunch and stayed there for two hours -- but that's all we could take. We headed back to Cafe Sip-N-Play for a while and then it was off to the mall to walk around, buy Sam some more sleeveless t-shirts and dinner.

Sam loves the ice cream truck -- a little funny since he doesn't eat ice cream!

Zak was happy in his stroller.

Like Sands Through the Hourglass

Saturday morning was spent at a little beach in Edmonds. Sam loves to go to the beach -- throwing rocks and building sand castles is his idea of a good time. Zak has been to the beach before, but he's never been let loose in the sand. He seemed to enjoy himself!

Zak did not stay on his blanket long.

Sam perfecting his sand castle skills.

Poppy and Sam digging to China.

Zak was scoping everything out.

He chose to eat a stick.

And then moved on to rocks!

Sam takes aim!

Having fun at the beach!

Water Works

Mom and the boys drove up for a weekend visit to Poppy and Grammie's house while Dad stayed home to work. We had a great time -- most of it involved water, sand and food. The kids played hard and were sad to leave -- we hadn't even made it out of the cul-de-sac when Sam said that he had so much fun at Poppy and Grammie's and didn't want to go home.

Poppy bought a little pool for Sam when he was a baby -- so he's a little too big for it now -- but that didn't stop Sam. He jumped and splashed and did "tricks". The pool was a new experience for Zak -- and although he didn't looked like he was enjoying himself -- he was! He's a splasher!

Fun times with the sprinkler.

He looks like trouble!

Just relaxing.

His mouth didn't stay open long -- once the splashing started!

See -- he doesn't look like he likes it.

But he does like it!

Weeble Wobble Weeble Wobble

Zak is always pulling himself up and likes to "walk" on his knees while he is pushing something -- but tonight is the first time he actually took a few steps...you know, with his feet!

See for yourself...sorry it's not turned the right way...but you'll get the idea...

Engine 10 Ready to Roll

What four-year-old wouldn't love to drive a fire engine?

A Boy & His Bike

We've been on the look-out for a used bike for Sam. Turns out our neighbor had a little boy's bike in their garage. So Mom cleaned it up and Dad fixed the tire, added some training wheels and Sam was ready to ride!

Dad and Sam headed out to the park where there was a big flat area where he could practice. With Dad's help, he rode all the way to the park and then after a little practice -- he was riding all by himself! Sam did a great job and thought it was really fun to ride a bike.

Fixing up the bike.

All geared up and ready to roll.

Let's go!

A few pointers from Dad.

Riding to the park.

A Bouncing Fourth!

The Fourth of July was a big day at our house -- and it had nothing to do with fireworks! A few of our neighbors get together and have a BBQ and light off fireworks -- but the most exciting part of the day -- the part that Sam has been talking about since the last Fourth of July -- is the bounce house. Our neighbors across the street rented a large bounce house for the kids -- mainly for their daughter, McKenna, and Sam.

The bounce house arrived at 8:00am and Sam was over jumping at 8:15am. We took a couple "Mom-imposed rest periods" throughout the day -- it was about 90 degrees outside. But Sam jumped from 8:15am to 8:15pm. He was covered in sweat, dirt, ketchup and who knows what else! He had so much fun!

When we finally went inside to take a bath, Sam told me he didn't want to watch fireworks -- he just wanted to read some books with me. Fireworks weren't starting until around 9:30pm -- so I wasn't going to force him to stay awake! He was sound asleep by 9:00pm -- worn out from a day of jumping fun!

There was even a basketball hoop inside.

A rare picture of Sam not in motion.

Zak had fun too -- but he didn't bounce -- we'll wait until next year.

Running down the slide -- they put Old English on it -- so it was really fast!

McKenna and Sam having dinner -- more hot dogs for Sam!

A Tight Squeeze

Zak has developed a fondness for squeezing himself into tight places. These are a few of the places that I have found him in recent days:

Under the Exosaucer.

Under the table.

In the bookshelf.

Under a folding chair.

What a goofball!