There’s quite the random smattering in here – June was good, full of small simple pleasures and slightly grander getaways.
We wrapped up May and kicked off June with a visit from my parents – Isaac served up heaping helpings of his homemade broccoli stew to Grandma while Juliette played the part of the card shark with Grandpa. So fun to have some new playmates in the house!
Sunday morning snaps…
And more playtime! Plus a free haircut.
My parents are diligent about doing their morning exercises and Isaac was eager to join their routine. Work those muscles, Bud.
We spent most of Memorial Day weekend in the backyard – almost felt like summer! Juliette found an old football and learned how to run a handful of plays under the tutelage of Shane and my dad. Her joie de sports is unending.
We celebrated the high-70’s weather with Isaac’s first Fudgesicle.
He was a fan.
Kudos to Juliette for devouring hers without a trace of chocolate left on her face. My girl is growing up…
We romped around Lincoln Park for a bit on a sunny evening…
And gave my parents a West Seattle culinary experience when we picked up Pecos bbq to pair with our beer from Ounces.
A water balloon toss with Grandpa…
Followed by another round of Fudgesicles (I bought the big box!).
We had one last dinner al fresco before my parents packed it up early the next morning to hit the road. It was such a lovely, light few days with them. We stayed close to home, but loved folding them into our day-to-day. It was nice to have extra hands on-deck to coax Isaac out of his evening crankies with a silly game of catch or a couple of books. There were evenings we all just sat around the living room and chuckled over his myriad of facial expressions and admired the way that Juliette sisters him with such grace. Seattle is beautiful in the Spring, but those kiddos were definitely the main attraction.
I wish I could remember the context of these few photos of Juliette, but no matter…they’re such a good semblance of her striking beauty and delight in life.
We saw softball season come to a close in mid-June, which was bittersweet – I loved watching Juliette on the field, loved sitting on the sidelines with Isaac (when he’d actually sit), but napping on the go has its challenges…
Such focus! I think he actually spotted a dog in the distance, but we’ll pretend he’s watching his sister warm up in the bullpen.
That’s a wrap! Proud of you, West Seattle Storm!
In other miscellaneous goings-on, we finished Book 7 of Harry Potter last month, hitting a major milestone in Juliette’s Hogwarts journey. I initially felt a little sad as we heard the narrator of the audio book utter those final sentences, but this wasn’t the end – the magic lives on as we talk about the books and their characters all the time (like…all the time). It’s fun to see your kid so immersed in something so magical.
Isaac still helps me water…
And has mastered the art of drying off.
I had a solo Saturday afternoon with the kids while Shane took a pickle ball lesson and we found ourselves at Lincoln Park. The weather had cooled that weekend, but it was still more than adequate for rock-throwing and crab-hunting.
And snacking. Boy loves him some freeze-dried mangos.
Soccer season ended a week after softball season and I was left with the same mix of disappointment and relief.
Definitely sad to see this season end – Juliette’s confidence on the field and the communication among her teammates skyrocketed these past couple of months. We just signed up for Fall league!
Isaac is convinced he’s part of the team.
Shane also found his footing as assistant coach this season, though you can see some kids are more keen than others to study the lineup!
The final game ended up being a zero-zero tie, but we called it a win. Defense like I’ve never seen from these girls before!
(Coach Dan is THE BEST.)
More backyard meals…
Look at those matching grins!
In farther-from-home goings-on, we spent Father’s Day weekend on Marrowstone Island with the Chens. When Jack asked how early we could arrive on Saturday, we said we could easily make the 6:45 am ferry. Very occasionally pays to have an early riser in the family…
We pulled up to the house by 8:30, breakfasted, and then headed out for a walk along the beach. It was chilly that weekend, but these PNW kids know how to beach in any weather.
Shane found himself on a little island and though he could jump to the rocky bank without getting his feet wet. Want to take a guess at how that went?
Made for some good laughs, at least.
As in soccer, Isaac had no clue he was on the sidelines while the big kids did their thing.
His oblivion is charming.
Though Juliette is awfully good about bringing him into the fold.
We lunched at Finnriver Cidery, slurping ramen noodles and wolfing down hot slices of pizza while Isaac napped in the stroller. Such a treat!
Cornhole:Â Dads vs. Kids.
(Buddy’s awake!)
The grounds at this place are perfect for roaming.
Make a wish, Juliette!
I don’t know who came up with this game, but it’s funny every time.
We spent the afternoon cozied up inside, playing video games and chasing Isaac around the house.
When baby boy really started bouncing off the walls, we ventured out for a pre-dinner walk.
Isaac loves the sound of birds and becomes very surprised/excited when he actually spots one in a tree. It’s the little things with this kid.
Isaac was up with the sun on Sunday, so I put him in the car, picked up a coffee, and we cruised around the island. You know we got an early start when Buddy is grabbing his first nap before 8am…
Once he was awake, we pulled up to a nearby beach for an early romp while the crew back at the house rubbed the sleep from their eyes.
He had that puddle-jumping look in his eyes, so I stripped off his socks and shoes before they could get too soggy.
Cold, schmold!
Back at the house, I made chilaquiles for breakfast while the guys opened their Father’s Day cards from the kiddos. Juliette’s card said “Happy Baller’s Day”. She’s got Shane pegged, for sure.
One more woodsy walk…
And a porch pic of the Dads of the Day.
It started to rain as we were about to head to lunch, so we instead called it a trip and high-tailed it to the ferry (where the sun came back out, of course!).
Father’s Day afternoon was cozy and quiet, with couch naps and golf-watching and takeout burgers for dinner. These are few of Shane’s favorite things…
June Part II (HELLO SUMMER!) coming up next…