Happy Birthday Chewie!

Look who turned 1 today?!

Memorial Weekend

Typically we go out backpacking as a family every Memorial Weekend. This year Peter forfeited our annual excursion so we could stay home and work on miscellaneous projects around the house. I know he was really bummed about not going out, but I'm so happy he realized that we just have too much stuff to do that's been sitting on the back burner for a while now. And with our busy summer schedule already in full swing, we need every opportunity to get things done.

So we started the weekend off with having friends Mel & James over for dinner on Friday. Mel made us dinner, which was quite delicious, and a nice change for me. On Saturday, the weather was rainy, so Peter spent the day working some more on his hammock. I did a few things around the house in between helping Peter with his project when he needed it. Clifford was invited to go to the Big Four Ice Caves with friends, so he went to do that (and then ended up spending the night as well). That gave Kristjan the opportunity to play video games all day without his brother around to pester him.

Clifford at the Big Four Ice Caves

Sunday and Monday we spent all day outside working on the yard. Between the two of us, Peter and I were able to get the lawn mowed, burned all the junk wood we didn't want anymore, re-stack the huge pile of firewood we moved out from the shed, tweak the fire pit, empty the pool/level ground more/re-fill pool, trim trees and pull weeds, put in a small garden, and start terracing the backyard. By Monday night we were exhausted and sunburned. But the yard is definitely looking good with all the improvements we've been making. 

The fur-babies all tuckered out from playing all day long

Taking a break from yardwork to relax a little and enjoy what we've accomplished so far

 Our garden! We planted garlic, lettuce, carrots, bell pepper, zucchini, watermelon, cantaloupe, and corn.

STEM Science Fair

Tonight we headed over to the boys school to check out the STEM Science Fair. The boys projects looked really good. It was fun to walk around and read the projects of other students. We stuck around for about 30 minutes, since that was the requirement by Kristjan's teacher in order for students to get out of that night's homework. We made sure he went and told her goodbye before heading home for ice cream. 

Chewie Gets A Haircut

Chewie got a haircut for the summer. Now while Peter did an ok job, he did mention that we'll be taking him in to an actual groomer in the future :)

Cherry Creek Falls

We went out for a Sunday day hike. The plan was to meet up with a big group of friends, but one by one they started dropping like flies due to the poor weather. Anne and her family were still game to hike regardless of the weather. Since both our oldest boys were at the same sleepover, we met up there to pick them up and then caravan out to Duvall for our hike. The hike in was good and it only rained for a short bit. The falls were pretty. We hung around for a bit and enjoyed a snack. One the hike out, our little family ended up trail running back down. I'm surprised (as I'm sure Peter was too) that I actually ran a majority of it. Well, it was probably more like a jog, but hey, it still counts! :)

Found this little guy as we were leaving the house

Boys with their friends

Cherry Creek Falls

Our attempts at a family pic

Made it back to the car

Chewie did really good on his first official hike. He was so exhausted he practically fell asleep in Peter's arms

Weekend Fun with Family & Friends

Peter's parents (along with two nephews Eldon and Lewis) came over for a weekend visit. Clifford was very excited for their visit because he had invited them over to attend his last soccer game of the Spring season. I wasn't so sure they would come since they had just gotten back from round 1 at Disneyland and figured the last thing they'd want to do is get back in for another long drive, but to our surprise, they did indeed come. I think it's safe to speak for everyone that we all had a great time. Here's some highlights of the weekend.

Our friends Mel & James joined us on Friday as well. Here are their girls out enjoying the little kiddie pool we picked up at a yard sale.

 They decided to "cannon ball" in

 I FINALLY got a pool!!!! It may not be the underground type that I wanted, but this is a start! Peter knows how to make his woman happy! Once Peter and James made it home from work, the guys started setting it up. 

 Here is a view from our back deck. Looks good!

 It happens to be Friday the 13th. Peter did NOT escape bad luck. He burnt his finger at work really good. Poor guy!

Peter soaking his finger in ice water. Hmmm....Deja Vu! (bottom pic is from when he burnt his hand bbq'ing on Easter back in 2011. And this is why I have to keep a bottle of burn jel around lol)

 Eldon, Kristjan and Lewis laying out to dry

 Peter and Mel working hard on bbq'ing

 Hot Dogs & Burgers & Sides....YUM!

 Mel made us a lemon curd cheesecake for dessert. Oh My! I made sure to keep a few slices before she took the leftovers home.

 Mickey made me a new wreath. I love it! Perfect for my beach-themed bathroom, and I had the perfect spot to hang it up.

 Saturday morning we made the drive to Granite Falls for Clifford's last soccer game of the Spring season. He was so happy to be able to play and have his grandparents watch (last time we attempted that, he got into the bike accident and hurt his hand right after they rolled into town). He played hard. He helped assist in one goal and even made a goal himself!! Great way to end the season!

Clifford had plans to attend his best friend Matthew's birthday, so he gave his goodbyes before heading over for a night of fun.

After dropping Clifford off, I made a quick stop at the store to pick up some items to make a BLT Pasta Salad for dinner. It was scrumptious!