Brian's moving a little slow.

Brian ran 20 miles and completed his 17th Hood to Coast this weekend!

Less than 2 weeks...

We are going to be in big trouble when school starts! Sam will be in all day Kindergarten from 8-2:30pm. I can't keep him awake in the afternoon so it will be an interesting transition... I expect a tired, hungry and cranky Sam as he makes the adjustment!

Everyday Cake

I have made this cake 3x in the last 2 weeks! Twice with raspberries and once with peaches and blackberries. It is awesome. I still have the baking bug... Brian has been taking samples of cookies, cakes, breads and muffins to work everyday...which keeps me from eating it all!

Photos and recipe found on Smitten Kitchen - love this site.

Best Day Ever

We drove the kids down to Pacific City this morning and spent the day playing at Cape Kiwanda. They had the BEST time. Colin brought Lizzie and Ian too and I have never seen the 4 of them so happy! They explored, dug in the sand, ran in the waves and climbed the giant sand dune (except for Ben who rode on my back). The views were gorgeous! What a magical place -- we can't wait to go back.

Campout

We promised the boys a backyard campout Tuesday night. They were thrilled. Brian helped them pitch the tent and set it up with sleeping bags, a few toys and flashlights. We roasted smores on the BBQ and watched the stars come out. We tried to tell ghost stories, but Sam informed us he doesn't like ghosts. :-) We all snuggled in our 2 man tent and had a great time. It was so much fun hearing their giggles and making fun memories.

It's official...

I'm a soccer mom. Sam had his first *team* soccer practice tonight. He was so excited - he tried on the gear about 5x today - shinguards, socks and cleats and was so proud. I heard him telling Ben how he was going to get a special shirt from his coach and wear his new shoes etc. Not a lot of organization at the practice but they had fun!

Awesomeness

I made these Peanut Butter cookies last night and they were freaking unbelievable. I had to peel my kids out of the kitchen... Sam had eaten several, had one crammed in his mouth and another in his little hands. Seriously -- these out of the oven are dangerous. The recipe and photos are from Smitten Kitchen.

Nice Form

We played Frisbee at the park today -- extra style points for Sam. I have no idea what he is doing with his hand but it cracks me up! He is getting pretty good too!

Sam and Aunt Lisa

Family Night Out

Tonight we started something new ~ Family Date Night. We took the kids out to a special dinner at Piazza Italia in NW. After we ate some awesome Italian food we headed down the street for gelato, and then over to Jamison Square Fountain. Ben quickly made his way into the water and Sam soon followed. They ended up soaked but happy!

Only a month...

before my big boy goes to Kindergarten. Where does the time go?