Reading Time

After a bunch of failed attempts, about a month ago (before our big trip), I started consistently teaching Wes to read. I found this program that is working great for me and Wes (Sydney joins in, too, but Wes is getting more out of it). I was impressed that within a week, Wes had learned a handful of sight words and was reading simple books.

I printed this reading log for Wes so he could color in one arrow every time he read a new book by himself. Mostly, he's been reading these books he got from his Hanks Grandparents for Christmas and a few of the mini books from the program. It's worked really great for him and he's been really excited about it. When Grandpa Hanks came to visit, Wes was really excited to show Grandpa all of his sight words and to read him a book.

I've been really happy with the program and I highly recommend it for teaching reading!

Northgate CC's Birthday Party

On Friday, July 15th (5 months until my 30th birthday!) we went to the Northgate Community Center's FREE birthday party. The rain didn't keep us away from the bounce house, birthday cake, playground, live music, and other fun things!

They had these building kits from Lowe's. Brian was helping Wes make a picture frame.

The kids were able to get balloon animals: a blue dog for Wes and and pink kitty for Sydney. I am amazed by balloon twisters! They make it seem so effortless!

Instead of getting her face painted, she wanted her palm painted. Whatever works!

Woodland Park Zoo

After our trip, we took Monday to recover and then on Tuesday, July 12th, we (meaning the kids and me) went to the Woodland Park Zoo with our friends. It helped to combat the feeling of withdrawal from not being as active (or surrounded by people) as we had been the previous week.

Here's a shot of Sydney's shiner going through the bruising process!

Wes, Troy, and Sydney (and two other random girls here) had a great time running through the zoo together.

Sydney checking out the tall giraffes.

Troy, Wes, and Sydney (and some random girl) playing in a boat.

Here are the kids taking turns pretending to pump water.

Carson was so sweet and relaxed the whole time. He pretty much just hung out in the stroller and checked out his surroundings. He's a great kid and can always make me smile!

Troy and Sydney are attempting to climb on the tractor while Wes takes his turn driving it.

On the Way Home

On Saturday night, we stayed the night in Eagle, ID with my sister's family. On Sunday morning, we hung out for a bit and then headed back to Seattle.

I thought Wes looked pretty funny in Lydia's jacket, however, Brian wasn't too jazzed about it.

About two hours before we got home, we stopped at a gas station for the kids to run around. It was a bit crowded at the gas station, so the kids were running on the sidewalk back and forth between Brian and me. At one point, the kids were heading toward each other and couldn't quite get out of the other's way and they ran right into each other. Sydney came out with an instant black eye and Wes came away unscathed. She was really upset (it must have hurt!), but some medicine and a Rice Krispies Treat made her feel better. I was only slightly upset about it (but kept it together), but Brian promised me it'd all be okay.

Down on the Farm

On Saturday, the 9th, we drove up to feed the salmon with Janna and Tyler. Then we went to Mesa Falls and then got Huckleberry Milkshakes in Ashton, ID.

After that, we drove to my great Aunt and Uncle's ranch to visit them and my Grandma and Grandpa Swensen as well as some of my other relatives.

Then we drove to St. Anthony, ID to visit some of Brian's relatives including his cousin Sid's farm. We had quite a day filled with outdoor adventures!

Brian took Sydney out on the rock to check out the water. (If you would like to see a close-up of my husband's awesome calf muscles, you can click on the picture.) :)

The group checking out and feeding the fish.

Sydney lost her sunglasses in the water and was pretty distraught about it. Brian was attempting to find them, with no such luck!

Here's a family picture at Mesa Falls.

Passionate kiss in a beautiful location!

The Bluth family.

Sydney looks a little nervous about this bear skin!

Here the kids are at the French Ranch throwing rocks in the creek.

Wes' 2nd cousin, Ben, brought light sabers and the kids had a great time playing with them!

My grandpa Swensen worked on making willow whistles for the great grandkids.

The kids played in the horse trailer.

We all went on a 4-wheeler ride.

Looking at where we came from after the turnaround point on our 4-wheeler ride.

A family picture with my Grandma and Grandpa Swensen before we left.

Wes had a fantastic time riding around in this motorized car at Sid and Kelly's farm.





Here's a video of Wes having a blast driving the car.

The kids tried the moving teeter-totter.

After the freedom to run around, 4-wheeler rides, playing with chicks, kittens, puppies, and watching pigs roll around in the mud, I'm pretty sure the kids would love to live on a farm!