Fair 2012

 This is the chair that Ian made and submitted.

 This became a HUGE disaster. 

 Wrist bands for the rides have been a great idea as the kids get older.  They get a little bolder each year.  This year they rode a roller coaster, spun around and around, and Isobel even went solo on one that took her up high and did a control drop. It was a long wait for this ride though.  We had to wait as they repaired it.  Then one of the men used his hands to cross his chest in a cross pattern.  Not exactly what we wanted to see right before she got on.

I think Demolition Derby passes might be needed next year.

This is still one of their favorites at the fair.

Here is Everett's Lego entry

 And Isobel's too.

Beach

A little bit of sand does not ruin Abigail's day.  She has no problem exploring the beach.  It took her a few times at the beach before she learned to crawl down to the water.

 Everett made it to the dock this year.  Our rule for jumping off the dock is to be able to swim to it first. Some encouragement from friends also helped him get there.

And Isobel? She was in her messy element.  She was collecting clams and digging away.

 The beach with friends was a great way to enjoy the summer weather.

What's up? How you doin?

Abigail found a blue pen that accidentally fell into her toy basket.  She is now 8 months old.  I don't think that there is a food she does not like.  Although not crawling yet (still hates being flat), she is scooting, pivoting, and beginning to coordinate her arms and legs to crawling positions or pulling herself up a little.

Everett became a Busker at our Farmers Market.  He has become quite the magician. He had no problem in drawing a crowd and had plenty of tricks to fill his 30 min at each station.  We are very proud of his confidence and growth in independence to try entertaining in public.

Isobel turns 6 today!  She lost another tooth yesterday.  Isobel is incredibly creative, confident, great hostess, aspiring sewer, willing assistant, and so fun to be around.  She keeps us smiling for sure.

Just like Dad

Track Nights 2012

 Track nights in our town are on Monday night.  The kids race in heats against kids in similar age groups.  Everett is competing against 9 and 10 year olds.  Isobel races against 5 or 6 year olds.  Her running style has only sightly improved!  She continues to take up the whole lane with elbows swinging and feet sprawling.  She becomes more composed the faster she gets down the track.  They love it.  They each do 50m hurtles, 100m dash,  200m, 400m, 800m, long jump and mini javelin.

Everett is in the far lane in a black shirt.  Here he is back in 2008.  Both of them in 2009, 2010.

Abigail is just along for the ride still.

It's gonna be a busy weekend

We are looking forward to reclaiming our back yard.  It took my men about an hour to destroy and remove our old walk way.  I have to see how we can use this for Scouts ;-)

Crossover 2012

Everett became a Webelos (We Be Loyal Scouts) last night.  These two years of Cub Scouts will transition him into Boy Scouts.

 Ian greeted him with a new shirt

 Papa pinned some elements on

Although blurry, this was my favorite picture of the men.

I'm very proud of Everett's (and mine!) accomplishments thus far.  Now it becomes more of him and man time!