9 days with Daddy

Last month Brian was laid off from work for a week. This was a mixed blessing for us. One one hand we were stoked to get extra time with him, but missing a paycheck is brutal.
We also had to tend with the fact that we NEVER get time to do things as a family away from the park. We thought long and hard about what special activities we could do during this rare window of opportunity.
We kayaked a few times over the 4 of July weekend.


We dined on our porch many times. Thanks for bringing the yummy shortcake Sharon!



We cooled off at the beach at least three of the days.


This is the face I get when I ask Julia to smile lately.




We went to church together and watched little Sierra get baptized.


We made it up to the tennis courts for the first time this season. If you can call always being careful not to bop the kids with the ball playing tennis.



Sam's coordination is improving the older he gets. He enjoyed hitting the ball so much he didn't want to wait for his turn.


I'm looking forward to the day that they kids are old enough to play on the playground near the courts while Brian and I play tennis.


Our one day away from the park we chose to visit the Como Zoo. It was HOT like it usually is when we go, but we went early and had a great time. Our favorite spot was the Butterfly Garden. I could have stayed in there for hours.




Back at home we grilled, roasted marshmallows, attempted to sleep in the tent,



and spent some time fishing.















Of course the time went by too fast and soon Daddy had to return to his routine of waking at 5:15am.