i know what you did last summer

We are enjoying our little staycation (vacation at home). We read. Play in our backyard. Blow bubbles. Go to the library. Visit an arts festival or summer fair around town. Barbecue on the patio for a weekday lunch. Or go out for a leisurely lunch. Try a new recipe. Or two. Swimming lessons. Playdates. Mom's nights and Jamie's weekly gaming nights.



6/25/2011: Snoqualmie Ice cream O-Rama in Maltby. Free ice-cream and gourmet soda all while watching Baby Casparpants perform.



6/26/2011: Sofia and I had a girls day out, just the two of us at the Bellevue Strawberry Festival.

This summer is so different from last. Last summer Sofia went to an all-day camp (which she loved). Zara was a breastfeeding, clingy baby (in a good way) attached to my hip for better part of the day. Our backyard was an overgrown, weedy "meadow". (Of course, as Jamie points out, we still had fun there with our kiddy pool and patch of lawn.)

Last summer (7/28/2010)

This summer, Sofia spends her days with the family (her choice!). Zara is a fun-loving, sister-following two-year-old who copies Sofia's every move. Our backyard is now our own little retreat. No more overgrown grass or blackberry bush. Still weedy, but I'm working on it! The lavender, peonies and pincushions are in full bloom. The day lilies are almost there. We have a couple of tomato plants and some cauliflower growing.

This summer (6/11/2011)

After months of work, it is company-ready. Just in time for Zara's 2nd birthday a couple of weeks ago (which I promise I will post photos for). For entertaining friends and family (when they are in town) and mostly entertaining ourselves. A game of tag. Running through the sprinklers. Tending our garden. Pruning the last bit of overgrown ivy. Pulling weeds (my new zen activity!)

6/29/2011: In the backyard.

Another thing that is wildy different from last summer: Jamie is taking an unintended but much-needed break from work. He is free to hang out with the family every day! No more rushing off to work or coming home late. He can take those walks with us, take the girls off my hands for a few hours, work on his own games. Sleep in. It's been a great blessing to have him here with us.

Yes, we are enjoying our summer so far!