Seattle Rock and Roll Marathon and 4th of July Fun

We decided to head out to Washington State over the 4th of July weekend this year instead of our annual early August trip. We oacked up the car and drove up to Chicago to spend the night before flying out the next day. Once we arrived in Chicago, Brian discovered that he had left his wallet in Peoria. Dropping me off with the kids, Brian drove all the way back to Peoria, got his wallet and then drove back to Chicago. Seems funny now...but at the time...well, not a great way to start the trip.

Normally the weather in the Seattle area is rainy towards the end of June. Growing up, we spent all too many 4th of Julys indoors. This year, however, we were blessed with amazing weather for our entire trip.

Our trip started with Brian running the Seattle Rock and Roll Marathon. While my parents took Jackson and Charlie down to the lakehouse in Olympia, Brian and I headed up to Jeanette and Kurt's home the night before the big race. Brian ran the full marathon, while Jeanette and Kurt ran the 1/2. I made my way to the I-90 bridge in the morning to greet and cheer Brian on around 10 miles. It was a gorgeous day -- Mt. Rainier was out and I had some kid-free time to soak in all the wonderful sights and smells of the PNW.

While waiting for Brian to finish his 4+ hours of running, Jeanette and sunned ourselves in her backyard and got caught up. When Brian returned, we drove down south to Olympia where my Great Aunt and Uncle on my dad's side of the family were celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary. We made the tail-end of the party and relieved my parents of the kids. It was nice to pop into the party, as we will be missing the annual family reunion (a.k.a. the "Marshall Open") this year.

The following day, we had a "June birthday party" for Charlie, Jackson, Great Grandma et. al. at the lake house. We enjoyed seeing extended family on both my mom and dad's side of the family. The kids/cousins all enjoyed boat rides and playing in the lake and finding trouble.

The next few days were spent back up in the Seattle area. I got a bit of shopping time in with my mom and sisters, and a much-needed girl-only dinner at the Roanoke Tavern on Mercer Island(fondly nicknamed "The Rowy").

Before we knew it, we were headed back down to the lake to get a jump start on 4th of July fireworks. Now that most of the kids are a bit older, fireworks are huge -- and my dad and Brian literally bought into their childhood fantasies. The stash of pyromaniacal madness was just that -- madness. Every evening for 4 days the kids gathered 'round and got to light off fireworks before bedtime.

Daytime rituals did not deviate much. It was the same fun day after day -- fun in the sun, on the boat, and playing with the cousins. The adults had their own little ritual. After the fireworks everynight, we brought out a new game introduced by my mom: Mexican Train dice! Put a bunch of attorneys in a room together and the competitive juices get flowing. I think we played until almost 1:00 a.m. one night! Unfortunately, we chose the wrong night to stay up late. Some type of flu bug hit us all and we were all down for the count the following day (or so).

On the 4th of July we were sad to have to say goodbye to Stephanie, Matt, Joe, Sam and Lauren. They all had to head back to Bend, OR before Matt's Boy Scout Camp. We lingered around the lake for most of the day. Brian and I took a boat ride around the lake, looking at homes and soaking up the remaining views of the PNW before our trip came to an end.














That evening we drove up to Tacoma, WA to my Aunt and Uncle's home. They live on a cliff overlooking Puget Sound. They have a pool, little golf course, gardens, and built in outdoor fireplace. While the kids frolicked in the pool and on the golf course, we enjoyed the beautiful views of the Sound and the gourmet spread set out. Just before the s'more dessert...tragedy struck. The kids had been running around all evening and Brandon accidentally ran into a pipe and cut open his face. Poor little kid was so upset that he was going to miss the fireworks because he had to go to the ER. Jackson was devastated for him and kept saying: "Poor Brandon" on the ride back to the lake.






We topped off our trip with Brian's firework finale at the lake. Clear skies graced the night and we enjoyed the firework displays from neighboring families from across the lake. It was a gorgeous night. Jackson sat on the grass snuggling with Grandma and whispered: "This is the best 4th of July ever." I can't imagine more gratification or thanks than having a grandchild say that!

All good things must come to an end...and the next day we were off to SeaTac bright and early to head back to Peoria. Jackson and I flew separately from Charlie and Brian. I have to admit that after all my single travels flying with the boys, flying with just Jackson was a treat. Entirely exhausted after all our fun we both slept a majority of the flight. Luckily Brian and Charlie caught a direct flight to O'Hare and we were able to meet up on time for our three hour drive down to Peoria.

Summer Days and Swim-in Movie Pool Nights

Summer is in full swing! Since joining Mt. Hawley, going to the pool is an easy, stress-free event. Since we walk to and from the pool, I'm not as worried about forgetting something or popping back home for a bit of a break.

Tuesday night we had our first swim meet at Mt. Hawley. Jackson is doing well. His strokes are great, but he still jumps instead of dives off the blocks and normally stops a few feet short of the wall to check out who is cheering him on. We'll work on that.

Last night Mt. Hawley had a "swim-in movie pool night". The kids were allowed to bring floaties and rafts and watch the movie from the pool. They had pizza and ice cream and played before the movie started. With the weather getting warmer and warmer...this was perfect evening activity. Brian stayed with Jackson after Charlie decided he had enough and was ready for bed.

Mornings are great during the summer as well! Jackson is working on a workbook "Wake Up Brain". He's asked to do 5 pages a day to earn a star. Once he reaches 30 stars, he can pick out a new DS or Wii game.

Tonight we are actually double booked with a swim meet and a t-ball game! Since thunderstorms are predicted...we may not be attending either.

Grandma's Vist, Oral Surgery and Mt. Hawley

Grandma came out to visit just in time to see Jackson's last front baby tooth. Jackson had to have oral surgery last week to remove to extra upper teeth. He did fantastic. He slept through the entire thing. When he came to, he was a bit upset about the numbness and his big lip...but all in all he was a trooper!

As a parent, however, I found it very difficult to see my little boy with a fat lip and bloody mouth. I had to walk away for a minute to regain my composure. I truly believe that when kids get hurt, the parents feel more pain than their kids.

While Jackson was recuperating, we got ready for Charlie's first birthday! He had a great day and went to town demolishing the cupcakes we enjoyed on his special day.

As the weekend approached, Brian and I decided to bite the bullet and join Mt. Hawley Country Club. The club is in walking distance (1 min. 6 sec), has 3 brand-new pools, and an outstanding swim team! What more could we ask for! We enjoyed Friday and Sunday lounging by the pool. We are hoping that the weather improves so we can enjoy the new facility more often!



Brian enjoyed himself in the sunken benches near the bridge and the diving pool. He also had his share of turns on the diving board and slide (a.k.a. "rocket").



I spent more of my time down by the baby pool, which is a zero gravity pool. It has fun bubblers and fountains for the kids and is also next to the snack bar, which makes it so the moms and toddlers aren't so isolated.



The lap pool has a little basketball hoop for the boys to play with. Brian and Jackson had a blast -- in fact I'm not sure if Brian didn't enjoy himself more than Jackson!



Grandma got into the fun as well. She blasted Jackson with the water gun numerous times and watched him play on the bouncy toys and train rides.



All in all...the pool area is fantastic and we look forward to spending many fun days poolside at Mt. Hawley.

Last night, we all headed off to Jackson's t-ball game at the Peoria Christian Center. Jackson did very well and Brian helped out with the coaching.



All the kids enjoyed practicing their "sliding" skills -- whether it was to home base or first. They slid into every base!




After the game we enjoyed some KFC on the picnic table (yes...pregnancy craving) and watched Jackson play on the toys. The kids were also allowed to bowl that night at the Christian Center. That was a nice surprise! What was even more surprising, however, was how well Grandma bowled! She kicked every one's butt! She got a strike almost every time! We saw her competitive side last night! Go Grandma!



Grandma won with dad in close second and mommy and Jackson tied for third place. We had fun smack-talking and trying to beat one another.



Today is Grandma's last day and we are sad. We went to Mt. Hawley for swim practice and then are heading off to lunch before dropping her off at the airport. We will miss her...but look forward to our trip to Washington at the end of the month!

Cheers!