Summer 2024

Center 2024 brought sun and fun. Elliot is a book work and hard to tear away from her kindle...often.  We often have to make sure she doesn't walk out into traffic reading her book ;)  Wes is a bundle of movement and energy.  Wes is getting super into soccer, his current punishment is to take one of his soccer jersey's away for a day or two :)  Fiona is all unicorns and rainbows but at the same time high energy and going HARD.  Starting it off with a Portland Pickles baseball game, a trip to the enchanted forest, berry picking, trips to Sauvie Island beach.

Portland Pickles game!

Visit to the Enchanted forest after school got out

Annual Berry Picking on Sauvie Island

We then snuck away to Cape Lookout for out annual camping trip with our friends.  Its getting bigger every year.

Annual Group camp trip to Cape Lookout

Wow!  Just wow!

"Sisties"

Elliot Enjoying her new room

Weston was given fair warning t hat the punishment was going to be cleaning the bathroom.  I think he w as excited to scrub toilets...

Summer swim team.

We made it out for our first backpacking trip of the year.  This time we went up to Lake George Mt Rainier.  We thought it was a great idea to have the kids ride there bikes on the first few miles on the gravel road, underestimating the elevation gain.  The kids did great but it was quite a climb and needed some assistance.  We then hiked in the last few miles and enjoyed our stay, no one around.  Not sure how we got there, but at one point all three kids were dancing on tree stumps mooning us...parenthood!  The ride down went much faster, Mac and I were running to catch up with the kids and praying they didn't wipe out.  We both had to work that evening so we were ok with the quick hike out :)  

Playing Uno at the shelter at Lake George Mt Rainier

Why is everyone Mooning mom?

Ring Pops always give a bit more energy

They were fast on the way back down!

Lake Oswego July 4th Parade

Mac and I took advantage of grandma Weis in town and hiked timberline.  We brought gear for 2 nights, but were in a groove and finished in 1 :)  This little guy scared the daylights out of me!  We were not sure if it was stuck because it didn't move!

2nd Annual Timberline hike in 2 days!

Of we went to camping at Timothy lake with friends and for Crystal to run the 25K which went around the lake.  The kids all got to hang out at the lake on stand up paddle boards and popped into shore to make a tunnel as we ran past and then they met us at the finish line.

Ready to go pre-race

Cook and Nelson kiddos enjoying lake time

Elliot at Girls Build

Who doesn't love free slurpies on 7/11

Wes getting ready for his races, snacks and all

Elliot's relay crew

We got lucky to get some time off and be able to go on a mother daughter backpacking trip up to Paradise Park on Mt Hood.  Elliot was VERY happy enjoying her kindle and the sunset and was a great trail buddy.

My trail budy

Give Elliot a kindle and a view and she is happy

Of the Maine we go for our Annual Cooks Camp week filled with lake, boats, sun and family.  The bag piper on the lake is always a treat as well as taco night, Canada night,  breakfast for dinner :)

To Maine we go!

Cousin time!

"Oh Pokey"

Cook Crew

Last year we started a moms backpacking trip, this year we continued  the tradition in Olympic national park.

2nd Annual Moms backpacking trip!

This girl sleeps hard!

Making the best of the "shelter in place" at the zoo

Summer time at the pool!

Dads birthday pedicure?

Macs Birthday

All the kids say goodbye to ABC preschool!

 

Fiona turns 5! Brought in with a classic Unicorn and bubble party at the park.

Brave girl getting her ears pierced! 

First day of 4th Grade!

First day of 2nd Grade!

Fiona meets her teacher Mrs. Davidson and her classroom

First day of Kindergarden

Closing out summer with a backpacking trip again to Mt Rainer. This year was cut a bit short by Elliot having a fever, she was a trooper but we cut it short with her not looking so hot.

Silly time at the creek while dad sets up camp

Annual Mt Rainer photo