We’re packing up to go to the beach!!

According to our car, it will be a tight fit.

Kayak? Check.

Surfboard? Check.

Tubby Torpedo? Check.

Magalito? Check.

Summer time fun, here we come!

Last week Mike and Nancy came over to ‘take us out to dinner’ and it was such a delight. Since we’re not brave enough to go into any restaurant with Maggie yet, and Mike and Nancy wanted to treat us, they showed up with an entire meal. It was so kind of them. The snack tray that I made felt like a monumental success, only because I was able to put it together over the course of an hour or two with the help of Maggie off and on.

We sat outside and Sydney brought nearly every toy in her basket to Mike’s feet and Maggie made herself at home in Nancy’s arms. It was one of the first evenings this year that I’ve really felt like it was Summer and our yard is so relaxing with the pond and big chairs.

Dinner was delicious, the talk was constant and the laughs long. They both doted on Maggie and she was SO great our first time going ‘out to eat,’ even if we stayed home.

This morning I found Barry and Maggie discussing all the pros and cons of eating outside. Since we have finally had some nice weather, we are taking advantage of our backyard.

In this past week Maggie has started to intentionally reach for things. She smiles so big when she sees what she is reaching for, but becomes startled when she makes contact – still unsure how something ended up in her hand.

June Miles

Driving:  51.3 miles

Walking: 45 miles

Riding: 37.81 miles

Leg Powered: 82.81 miles

Overall Miles

Driving: 744.6

Walking: 96

Riding: 739.51

Leg Powered: 835.51

September, October,  November, December,  January, February, March, April, and May logs

The sun tried to make an appearance today and we anxiously awaited its arrival. Maggie posted up in the shade covered by a blanket and Sydney did some quick turbos around the yard.

It was a short lived experience because the clouds came and washed away any desire to stay outside. The sunscreen remains on the shelf and is ready to go for when the sun really wants to play.

Our yard is green and the flowers are blooming, but we really haven’t had much of a chance to enjoy either since most days the rain greets us.

I wish that summer would arrive already!!

Ski to Sea 2010 from hannah elvrum on Vimeo.

Filmed and edited by Barry

This is Barry.

This is Izak

This is Flip (and Maggie).

This is Barry, Izak, Flip (and Maggie) discussing the Ski to Sea course that Izak and Barry were about to compete on. Izak and Barry had a bet – the details aren’t important – about who would have the fastest time.

Barry’s team was the first to come through the kayak leg and my lens wasn’t ready to capture the moment…the look on Barry’s face is one in which he is wondering why I am taking pictures and not standing next to his boat ready to help him carry it to the launch site. I’d decided to pass that job to Izak.

While on the way down to the dock Barry’s number that was taped on his back….

suddenly wasn’t. The race organizers were not impressed.

Not. One. Bit.

So, the job fell to Izak – Barry’s competition – to help tape the number back on.

The amount of duct tape he used was astonishing…..by the looks of Izak’s face he seems to think the amount he used is hilarious. Or maybe, just maybe, he set Barry up.

Too bad Barry is so awesome and kayaks as fast as the speed of light,with or without a number.

According to the bet between Izak and Barry , the details aren’t important, the winner was Barry.

Hands down.

I did manage to get a picture of Izak’s arm completing the race….

Grandpa Flip has taken to wearing a cowboy hat around Maggie to make sure that when she looks at her cowboy quilt, she thinks of him.

He has also taken to working with Maggie to slow down and smell the roses.

Because it is the small things in life that can bring you joy. Cowboy hats and roses in today's case.

Last night Barry changed and dressed Maggie after a bit of a feeding-related accident. She appeared in his arms wearing the outfit pictured above.

Not that it matters, but I found myself laughing at the combination of red striped sweats and the flowered onesie.

It just seemed like such a random combination.

In other news, Maggie, Sydney and I went for our first walk together today. Up until this point I’ve relied on somebody else to either carry Maggie or hold Syd’s leash.

It felt so great to strap Maggie to my chest, harness Sydney up and stride out for the first time. It will become a part of our daily routine now that the first time is under our belt.

Plus, having summer-like weather only helps to motivate me to get a move on!