First Comes Love...

Another memorable year at Alderbook is in the books!

We enjoyed another great 4th at Alderbrook this year! The daytime entertainment (live music, oyster eating contest, crafts for the kids) was wonderful, the fireworks show was amazing, and the parade the following morning was again a huge highlight for the kids (for Kevin too, who got to sing the Star Spangled Banner while standing next to Melinda Gates!) George loved running around on stage with the other boys and all three loved dancing to the music.  George, Ben, and Kevin even made a cameo in the local newspaper (although we have yet to receive copies). This is a tradition we hope to continue for a long time! Here are some pictures from this year:

This year was one for the books! Long ago, in a far away, kidless land, we spent Fourth of July holidays at The Clayton's apartment on Dexter watching fireworks on Lake Union.  Much has changed since then - the most significant being a missed sense of festivity on the 4th. But this year we finally felt back in the spirit with a delightful weekend of neighborhood celebrations, and a trip to Alderbrook for the Thunder on the Canal firework show! The idea to head to Alderbook was on a whim, just weeks before the holiday weekend, so the fact that we scored a room was impressive. We had such a blast (and we've already booked for next year!) The resort usually celebrates on the 3rd (as was the case this year) and the day is chalked full of fun: activities for the kids on the cottage lawn, a band, food and drinks galore, and an amazing firework show to cap the night off right. We lucked out with a room that faced the water, so the boys were able to sleep while Kevin,...

The suburbs are growing on us! There's nothing more American than a backyard BBQ, kids eating Popsicles with syrup dripping down their clothes, and gathering on the street to set off fireworks. Our friends Erin, Richard, Bennett, and Erin's Mom Terri joined us for a little gathering and we had a blast! George and Bennett are so much alike.  Not only in looks but behavior too, so it was fun watching them together. Here are some pictures from the day: Spending the morning at Pine Lake Fighting over ladder ball, as always! After everyone left and George was asleep, I started cleaning up and noticed these two out front watching the big fireworks shoot up behind the neighbors house.  The picture was too cute to pass up  :) Then we broke out the sparklers! Since Klahanie is unincorporated, we could legally set off fireworks this year, but all that changes January 1st when we become part of the city of Sammamish. As suc...

We spent the day on the boat with friends, lounging in the sun and watching Bellevue's fireworks from Meydenbauer Bay. A perfect day to relax and celebrate summer! I hope you had a happy fourth as well. Cheers!