Summer Days Drifting Away

The last month of summer was full of long, warm, dry days. We did a semi-reasonable job of getting out and making memories (mostly because that beat staying inside feeling hot and miserable without any a/c).

We made a few more trips out to the river. 

The more further into the summer we got, the more muddy the river bank became. 

 The kids certainly weren't complaining!

On our last visit, the kids dug down so deep the mud turned clay-like, and the kids used it to make fun and creative creations.

After taking a year off, Aubree returned to orchestra camp. 

She didn't participate as much in the dress-up days this time around. One reason was because we picked her up from swim team practice (which was every weekday from 8 am-9:30 am) and took her straight to camp, so she didn't have as much time to spend costuming. Another reason is because she's starting to outgrow the desire to participate in the intentionally silly dress-up days. I think that awareness made her a little sad. Regardless, she had a good time and her camp group sounded great at the end-of-week concert.

Another week the boys participated in a local church sponsored Mega Sports Camp. It was a hot, smokey week, but they had a blast swimming, and playing basketball, frisbee, soccer, and football.

The began and ended every day with raucous "worship" parties in their main hall. Graham loved the noise, dancing, and chaos. Bryce and Thane were more unsure.

The last day they invited families to join in the closing service. Nell agreed with Bryce and Thane; it was a bit overwhelming.

While there, Graham learned some Fortnite dance moves and spent weeks after camp practicing the dance steps and screaming, "Mega, Mega, Mega sports camp!"

The last day ended with a family bbq and party. 

 

Of course, though it had been hot all week, the last day turned cold. Graham was the only one undeterred by the chill and tried his hand at the long slip and slide.

 Aubree had been looking forward to going swimming as part of the party, but took a little rest instead (probably because she hadn't thought to bring a book with her).

Speaking of Aubree, she decided she wanted to make crepes so she invited a few younger girls from our ward over to cook with her and turned it into a full-on celebration.

The crepes were delicious. The girls did a great job.

Another day we joined friends to check out a new park in Mercer Island on the banks of Lake Washington.

It was a beautiful day and a beautiful, fun park.

Of course, the best part was being there with friends.

Let's see, what else?
Oh yeah, I managed to convince Aubree to go to young women's volleyball practice almost the entire month of August! See, I love volleyball, but Aubree insisted it was "the worst sport ever!" 

How did I convince her? I just told her that her friends would be there. She is one social girl! She still doesn't love volleyball, but we're making progress!