Summer's End

So as summer comes to a close, I thought I would have Michaela sit down to practice writing. I thought I'd have her write about the things she did this summer. Then I thought that would be a great idea for me to do. Like most, our summer has gone so fast and sometimes it's good to slow down and reflect on the things we've done. We did a lot and stayed busy. So here is my essay on "What I did this summer".

As the summer started and the weather was warm, we set up our new slip 'n slide in the backyard. Not really realizing that ages 3 and 6 aren't really ready for running and diving head first onto a slippery plastic surface. So the kids just stood on the plastic and splashed or sat at the end where the water pooled up. At least they were getting wet and cooled off.

Then it was time for Michaela's 6th birthday party. I baked and decorated a cake to the "Princess" liking. Fudge Grasshopper Mint. She has quite the love for mint right now. Our neighbor gave Michaela her very own mint plant to grow and eat from. She had a great birthday and we finished it off with a campfire and s'mores in the backyard with our friends.

One of Michaela's surprise gifts was a family trip to Disneyland! We drove down to California a week after her birthday. We piled my parents, the kids and Adam and I into the Suburban and made the long trek. It was my first time in Disneyland. We went on as many rides as possible and hugged as many furry characters too. After we left Disneyland we went on a whirlwind tour of California. Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Malibu beach, San Francisco, wine country & The Redwoods. We created memories that the kids will always remember. Like when Belle blew a kiss right at Michaela during the parade. When Evan got to drive his very own car in Autopia. When Adam stood inside the roots of a fallen Redwood. When we all got soaked on the water rapids ride Grizzly River Run. Or when we went hang glidin' over California safely buckled in our seats inside an air conditioned building. When we saw Indiana Jones fight the bad guy in the tree house. When the red carpet was rolled out just for us. When Evan braved the Tower of Terror. When we saw dolphins playing in the waves in Malibu. When we drove our huge Suburban through a Redwood. Those moments were priceless. It was great to be in a place where, to the kids, everything was real. A place where a fairy could grant your wish and your favorite cartoon came to life. However, that also was a slight problem. You see, just as Cinderella and Mickey were real, so were the dark and scary characters. Michaela hesitated quite a bit to enter rides that were dark and full of surprises. For example, as we rode through Thunder Mountain Railroad, the mountain sounded like it was about to come crashing down due to dynamite. I, being of sound mind, know that's not going to happen. But to a 6 year old that believes in Santa, the tooth fairy, and wishing on stars, that mountain was about to come crashing down on her. But in the end, her positive memories block out those scary moments. If you ask her, she had a great time! She's planning a trip to Disneyworld already!

We also took a couple of days this summer and went to visit Grandpa Neil and Grandma Nancy in Ocean Shores, WA. We went crabbing and caught ourselves a feast, we fished right in the backyard and caught some great trout, we played in the sand on the beach and got our toes wet, we rode the 3-wheelers around and watched Adam pop wheelies, we played mini-golf and went to a motorcycle cruise-in. We love going to Grandpa's house because it means we eat well! Fresh crab, salmon and trout. You can't go wrong with that.

We spent time this summer visiting with family on Adam's Mom's side. It's so great to see all the cousins and how big they are getting. We've also taken day trips. To the gorge to visit Multnomah Falls, Bonneville Dam to see the fish, out in the boat on Lacamas to fish or just cruise around, downtown Portland to shop and eat. We went the fair where Michaela performed her ballet number, we touched every animal we could, saw the demolition derby and ate foods on sticks. We also had numerous backyard barbecues with friends.

With all that we've done there still are days, however where we don't go anywhere. Those are the days where I hear Michaela say, "We never go anywhere!" I guess I need to have her sit down and write her essay now, to remember that that statement isn't true.