Just Like That. . .

My sabbatical went by in a blink of an eye! I honestly have never had 7 weeks go by so quickly in my life, but I am happy to report that I did everything that I wanted to do during my time off from work. Now, I didn't get everything done that I NEEDED to do, but everything that I wanted to do.

I fell in love with my girls all over again. I was able to reconnect with friends that I haven't seen in years - Angel in Hawaii, Lisha and Ann in San Diego, and Angela in LA. I got to be a daughter all over again through a trip with my mom to Portland. I got to be my husband's girlfriend and dated him. And, I got to reconnect with my extended family - getting to visit Christian and Caitlin and their new puppy and had Ken's aunt and uncle visit us. I took my girls through my childhood by showing them the house where I grew up in California, the park where I played and the town where I spent many happy memories growing up. And, I was a part of my girls' childhood memories by taking them to Disneyland, Legoland, and the open ocean. I read books, I took long baths, I fell asleep in the sun, I cooked, I watched movies - all things that have been luxeries in terms of time before.

I never re-bricked my backyard, I didn't complete my photo albums or baby books, I didn't lose 15 pounds (I actually gained 3), I didn't deep clean my house, and I didn't blog nearly as often as I would have liked. But, none of that mattered. All that mattered was that I could be a mom, a friend, a neice, a daughter and a wife. It's seven weeks that I'll never forget and will always cherish the precious memories.

For a complete photographic recap, check out my photos on Facebook.

Day at Greelake Wading Pool

Ken had jury duty so I took the girls to Greenlake wading pool for the day. It was a perfect day - just splashing around and enjoying the sun. And, apparently, there are moms and dads that get to do this every day! I love sabbatical life.

The French Rivieria or Bellevue? You Decide.

We headed over to Meyedenbauer Beach Park on Saturday to celebrate Dianna's birthday and wow! What an amazing place! A gorgeous beach surrounded by multi-million dollar homes and huge yachts. We felt like we were on the French Riviera!





Marilynn giving Dianna her present.


Marilynn and Erika playing in the sand.

Erika ran up and down the hill and loved it.

Pam and Jerry's Visit to Seattle

Ken's Aunt and Uncle came for a visit this week and we enjoyed every moment with them. We started off on Sunday by celebrating our wedding anniversaries together at the Chateau St. Michelle winery for the Jazz Festival, then we headed out to Pike Place Market and the Locks in Ballard on Monday. Tuesday, we took Pam to Deception Pass and Whidbey Island. Wednesday, the boys went deep sea salmon fishing and the girls went to the aquarium and a nice lunch on the water front. Great visit all around!

Pam, Ken and the girls at Whidbey Island just before our hike.

Heading up the hill getting to the beach!

Lookout point about halfway through the hike to the waterfront - this was before Marilynn got tired and Ken had to carry her.

Pam treated Erika to her first face painting! She sat so still the whole time - she loved it.

Jerry was the only person on Alki Beach wearing a cowboy hat that day.

Playing in the low tides.

Jerry, Pam and Erika.

Jerry, Pam, Marilynn, Ken and Erika overlooking the Seattle skyline.

Marilynn wearing Jerry's hat.

We headed over to Luther Burbank park on Mercer Island with our 4 kids and the Collins' 3 kids and Doug's dog. It was a great cook-out and sandcastle making tournament. Loving the summer sun!


Ryan would build them and Erika would stomp on them.


Marilynn loves Doug's dog Bailey - yes, I did say that she loves a dog. But, only this dog.


Taking a break from the waves.

My little bathing beauty!

Granny's House

We took the kids to my mom and dad's house this past weekend and they got a chance to see what it would be like to have 4 grandkids - ha! It was a great weekend of picking veggies and strawberries, going out in the boat, having a hot dog roast on the beach (no pictures of that unfortunately). Ken took the boys out camping on Friday and Saturday, and the girls got to take a boat ride out to the Lighthouse. Fun weekend. When it was all over, Ryan said "can I stay at Granny's house?"

Erika and her Granny hanging out by the pond. My mom is doing everything to stop her from jumping in.

Look - pea pods fresh from the garden!

Jake and Ryan loved hiking on the spit.

My parents took the girls and me on a boat ride out to the Lighthouse at the end of the Spit.

After touring the Lighthouse, we had a little picnic lunch right on the beach.

Me and my dad.

All of the kiddos splashing around in the "warm" tub.

Fourth of July

So, I'm a little late with this post (what else is new?), but here's some pictures from July 4th at Skye and Eric's house. Despite the typical Seattle rainy weather, it was a great party with tons of yummy food.



Skye's festival spread.

Erika and Selah swinging in the rain.

Marilynn and Ken waving for the camera.

Jake was quite the pusher!

No girl should have to wear rain boots on the 4th of July!