July on FB

Open letter to Democratic leadership:

We already have our villain. Now we need our hero. We need a leader to win the 2028 election, but we need that person now. We need something to work towards, not just what we must now work against. We need someone to lead with courage, compassion, and determination. We need someone who lifts others up, listens, and accepts accountability. We don't need another cult of personality. Our diversity is our strength and no one should be required to agree on everything. But we need someone to vote FOR. We need all leaders to be able to say they may not agree on everything, but they trust that they can work with the leader-hero and support them.

Many people in this country are doing amazing things right now. I am encouraged to see regular folks and politicians who are refusing to "go gentle into that good night" that is the death of our democracy. But working towards something is less exhausting than fighting against something. Please find us a "hero" to work along with us and for us to fight for. 

How awkward would it be if I wore all black today and only ate funeral potatoes?

We have a great photographer 💜

The driver's ed course covers driving distractions like texting and DWI/DUI. But I was thinking that more could be added to that list.

--Child talking nonstop about Pokemon/Minecraft in the backseat

--Large container of local berries in the passenger seat/within arms reach

--Sunshine in the PNW

--Songs on the radio that teens (in the car) think are lame

Any more ideas?

The faces of my child on our hike this morning

Backpacking | Dosewallips

As part of one of my poorly defined goals of getting more girls in the mountains, I invited one of Michael's friends to go backpacking this summer. She was enthusiastic and willing to try something new. Schedules being what they were, we ended up going just the two of us, so I took her to one of my favorite backpacking spots and we had a great time. 

She was a lovely hiking buddy and I am so glad we got to do this trip.

Lake Cushman

We took the day to have some fun in the sun.  

Family Fun with Jon!

Jon stopped by on his way to a cruise in Alaska. We had a lovely dinner and I grabbed a few pics since this is an uncommon occurrence. 

Ink

I have developed a set of recommendations regarding tattoos that I share with the boys when the topic comes up. 

1. Wait until age 25 when your brain has finished developing
2. Once you have a design you want, sit with it for a year to make sure it is what you really want
3. Start with one in a location on your body that can be easily covered

Then Michael went to Mexico with a bunch of friends. I should have seen this coming. I really should have. Alas and alack. 

Today Michael sent Jason a picture. So far, he has sent me texts more often than Jason. It probably isn't too difficult to understand why this one went to Jason. 

We were both surprised and not. But it did inspire us. Well, it inspired me and I roped Ben and Jason into my plan. I bought a tattoo pen (washable) a while back and haven't been able to convince anyone to use it. But, this was an opportunity I could not pass up. Part of the issue is that I have to have buy-in from Jason since I am a horrible artist. 

Here is the image Jason sent back after explaining that Ben was jealous when he saw Michael's picture:

Twins, right??

Car Museum in the Heat Wave

Holy heat wave, Batman!

We scored some tickets to the car museum in Tacoma from Doug and Cody. A heat wave seemed like a great time to enjoy cars and air conditioning. The museum was a mix of old cars, strange cars, super sweet rides, and interactive exhibits. The only drawback is that the museum closed today before the heat broke. But everyone found a car to swoon over and several cars to gawk at.

Point Defiance with Nana

It appears that visiting Point Defiance Park is the new Shenandoah Park annual visit with Nana. Fewer rocks, more flowers. 

We aim for a window of time when the roses and dahlias are in bloom. We managed to arrive this year after the peak of the roses and before the peak of the dahlias. For the win?

This is definitely a day to stop and smell the roses.

This time we also visited the Japanese Garden Pagoda which is a lovely spot.

I, ahem, may have orchestrated this picture which everyone, except Isaac, thinks is hilarious. 

I made up for it with this one.

And a picture of the teen!!!

Of course we hit up the slides and ladders and enjoyed a picnic. It is lovely to have traditions with Nana.