Swimming Lessons

When it comes to playing in the water Isaac is fearless. We decided that for the safety of our child and my nerves we needed to put him in a swimming class. Well he loved it and now is even more fearless in the water, but in a good way. We were lucky to have wonderful friends in our swimming class which always makes everything better.

Pro Sports

Reuben and I have been really spoiled this summer. We have been able to attend two Seattle Mariners games and our very first Seattle Sea Hawks game. Attending games is not something Reuben and I are use to since we both grew up in Idaho. It has been a fun new adventure for us and we hope it is something we can continue. We will also be taking the kids next Monday to a Mariners game for their very first time.

Mariners with Kevin and Danielle. We had great seats. 10 rows back right behind the dugout.

Our first Sea Hawks game. Again great seats! 50 yard line 6 rows back.

New Fence

We decided that our gray ugly fence had to go. Thanks to our wonderful friends we were able to clean and wash our fence, and pick out a stain color. We spent many hours pressure washing and cleaning. Then waiting until it dried so we could add our stain. It took some work but was defiantly worth it.

Ugly gray fence

Justin and Jen helping us clean the fence

New and clean/Ugly and gray

Front of the house with new stained fence.

New Addition

We have a new addition to the family! He is a 4 year old Black Lab mix named Jax. We have been wanting to get a dog for years but because of moving it never seemed to be the right time. Now that we are done moving the hunt for the perfect dog began. At first we wanted to buy a puppy, but they are expensive and alot of work! We then searched the pounds and online yet never found the right dog. We finally thought we had found thee dog, a two year old beagle, which ended up not working out. After all that we gave up on getting a dog for awhile. Fast forward 3 months and I am calling my hubby to tell him I have found the perfect dog for FREE! While visiting my parents in Idaho the kids and I fell in love with their 4 year old black lab named Jax. He was so sweet and mellow. Never barked and does not jump on the kids. So we all agreed that he would get much more love and attention living with me. So we made the 14 hour drive with 2 kids and a dog back home to Washington. It took some time adjusting to having a dog but now he's part of the family and we cant imagine our lives with out him.

Vacation

We had the wonderful opportunity of spending the 4th of July holiday home in Idaho. Our first stop was Rexburg. We were able to see many great friends thanks to Reuben's 10 year high school reunion. We had a great time during the 4th of July parade and going home to a wonderful barbecue done by Reuben in a gorgeous pink flowered apron. The best part was seeing grandma and grandpa Ortega spend some time with the kids. Which allowed us to have a bit more free time with out the kids. By far one of the best 4th of July's we have had!

Next we headed to Rupert to visit my family. Reuben was only able to visit for one night and the next morning before he headed back to work, but we had lots of fun in those few hours. Card games and Wii tournaments, kids running around like crazy and lot of yummy food. We sent Reuben off in style with a big breakfast at my sisters house the next morning. The rest of the week was laid back with lots of relaxing while the kids played on the swing set, in the water, chased chickens and fell in love with the dogs and cats. Our trip home to Idaho was so great! We cant wait for our next visit!

Birthday Videos

This is for you mom. Welcome to the world of high speed internet!

Birthday Number 2 and 4

July is the month of Birthdays in our family. Bella celebrated her second birthday on the 12th and Isaac celebrated his fourth birthday on the 20th. My parents were up visiting us during Bella's birthday, which I thought made the day extra special. We had a low key family party with presents and ice cream cake. Bella loved all the attention and really enjoyed opening her presents.

Isaac had a wonderful party full of friends. He picked out his own cake which he told me months ago was going to be a Spider man cake. He love having all his friends come and play and is still telling anyone who will listen about his birthday party.