Summer so far...

has gone ridiculously fast. I always look forward to those lazy days of summer after a hectic school year and the lazy part never seems to kick in. Since school got out we have managed to get in berry picking, dance recital, science camp, company BBQ, two birthday parties for Max, a visit from Diana, basketball camp, a fun 4th of July, painting camp, YMCA camp, Safety Town, and a concert in the park. And it's only the middle of summer! This weekend we have our camping trip to look forward to and then we come back for dance camp, bike rodeo and off we go on our California trip and the list continues after that...sewing camp, golf camp, dance camp, Hood to Coast. Phew! I'm trying not to complain because the minute I let my kids have any idle time, they can start in on the whining, teasing and the "mom, I'm bored"s. But I will vow to take my kids to the pool and the park more than once this summer...overscheduled kids never have time to be creative, right?

A hot, fun 4th of July with 5k race, parade, friends, BBQ and fireworks ...

and festive patriotic cupcakes...

Happy 5th Birthday Max!

Two naughty cousins hiding out in grandma's pantry...

A beautiful day at the Oregon Coast during Madeline's visit...

Nothing's better than picking berries in Oregon in the summer...After Mary and Jaykob's dance recital...

Yummy blueberries at Aunt Jeannie's house...

Happy Birthday, Doug!

Happy Birthday to my thoughtful, charming and handsome brother!

From a strictly obedient bikini wearing terror of a younger sibling to a hard working father of three...the years have been good to you my dear! I love you and hope you have a wonderful day!

The hunt

I look so forward to Wednesday nights in the summer when, after my kids have gone to bed, I can sit down on my couch, which is situated right next to the AC, watch a new episode of "So You Think You Can Dance" and pull out my pint of Haggen Daz. The question is, which flavor do I pick? Last summer my flavor of choice was Carmelized pear and toasted pecan, but this summer I have seemed to grow weary of the frozen pear chunks. I discovered Creme Brulee at Albertsons a few months ago and fell in love, but anytime I tried to find it anywhere else I was out of luck. I did find creme brulee by Ben & Jerry's, but even though the crystalized sugar swirl was oh so delightful, the flavor was no contest for the Haggen Daz version. I did discover that Safeway carries it every now and then, but after all of that searching I'm not sure I want to settle for something that contains no chocolate. After all, if I'm going to add an extra half hour to my workout everyday just to counteract my ice cream consumption, there better be chocolate! So now the hunt begins...must find perfect balance of smoothness, chocolate, crunch and heavenly bliss.