{Smoky} Back to school

We have a tradition the night before Etta starts school.

Pizza at Hell's Gate.

Not this year.

Area wild fires have created hazardous breathing conditions.

So we brought the pizza home, popped in some Looney Tunes and were very thankful that we are not in a position that we will lose our home or even need to evacuate.

Bringing the outdoors in.

Eating like a big boy!

He can hear the "shutter".

Since we didn't do cake for Ethan's first birthday here are some frosting
pictures. He loves cake!

His eyebrows are the best.
And that complexion? Oh my!

Roooaar!

Tri #3

Today Etta ran in her third triathlon. Our local Parks & Rec department puts it on every year. She was a little hesitant while we were getting ready. I finally got it out of her that she didn't want to get last place. It is definitely not a "race", but some crazy parents out there seem to think it is something close to the Olympics. Anyway .... She did her best and I think that she had fun overall.

Trying out the Ergo with a back carry.
Thanks to Annie for the how-to video. It worked with
a little bit of assistance from Bob. Hopefully I can
figure out how to do it on my own. He slept for quite a while
back there.

Getting ready to walk over. (Did I mention it is only about
three blocks from where we live? I love our neighborhood!)

Waiting for Etta's heat.
{The sun was too bright for Mae.}

Jumping in to get ready.

Etta is right in the middle. Look at that straight arm and good
form. Super Marz gave another great round of swimming
lessons this year!

Lap #2 of 4 for the bike leg. A mile is a l-oooooooo-ng way for
a 7-year old on a too-small bike. 

Heading out for two laps of running. Converse All-Stars for the win!

Mae decided she could join for the last lap.

Easy to spring when it's the only thing you are doing.

A strong, happy finish. She says that she will do the tri next year.
[The age requirement is 5-years old. So she misses it by a few
weeks this year.]

Etta reeling it in. So proud of her!

Always ready for a photo op. Can't you just hear Russell saying,
"Cheeeeeeeese!"?

Russell did really well this year. Very well-behaved. Only three
more years until he can use his energy for good.

 Here is the link for last year's. Russell has changed quite. a. bit.

Forever

Yesterday we headed up to Sun Up Bay to visit some friends and spend the day.

I, unfortunately, did not get any pictures of the early afternoon activities of playing in the lake [pooping on the shore], and Bob & Etta kayaking. (Etta kayaked like a BOSS. She got to borrow a kid's kayak and paddled all over the place. So proud of her!)

Mid afternoon we got to head out on their boat. This is when Mae turned to me and said, "Mom, I'm gonna remember this day FOREVER!"

It was a very good day.

Ethan ready to head out. This is 0.7 seconds before he
went into total screaming meltdown mode.

Getting ready to go.

"Mom! Take a picture of that boat to show Grandma Cynthia!"
Look close.

Mae and Louis catching some wind.

Russell was not so super happy about wearing the life jacket.
I learned yesterday that we do not say "no" to him very often.
Much to his detriment.

Unhappy baby selfie.
It was loud.

Etta & Louis getting ready to tube.

Louis, "Etta, you were way more fun to tube with than I thought
you would be."

I finally decided to not fight him. I laid him on the floor,
he thrashed around a bit, then he passed out.

They loved the boat!

Thanks for the great day Jim & Sarah! Until next year ...