Not only does Will like to ask questions, but he likes to confirm and re-confirm answers to his questions. A recent conversation went like this:

"Dad, I like Big Ben. What team does Big Ben play for?"
"the Pittsburgh Steelers"
"he plays for the Steelers?"
"yes"
"you mean the Pittsburgh Steelers?"
"yes"
"you mean the Steelers the team that plays in Pittsburgh?"
"yes"
"oh"

Cooling off on the new patio.

This past weekend we did some car camping at Mt Ranier. Will braved the bears and foxes and hiked over 3 miles without being picked up once (though bribed often with "energy pills"). At the hike's midpoint he became one with nature, forced to poop in a ziplock bag. Dad and Max bonded with an extra hike up a river valley--Dad called it "the best hike ever" but didn't have his camera with him; it looked kinda like this.

Our last 2 days in Pittsburgh were spent at Nana and Papa's house where we hung out with uncles, aunts and more cousins, played more beanbag, ate more good food, shot off some squirt guns, and played some cards. Sunday night we took the last flight out, were re-routed through Vegas, and arrived in Seattle at 3am.

4th of July week was spent in Deep Creek Maryland and Pittsburgh with cousins, brothers and step brothers, sisters and brothers in law, moms, dads, grandparents and dogs. 4 years ago, no kids. this year 7. 17 in one house. as always it was a blast. Dad and Will left Seattle on time but Mom and Max were sick and had to stay in Seattle a few days--arriving Tuesday. Within minutes of reaquainting Will and cousin Stella were riding the terrible tractor, throwing rocks in the creek and holding hands. Will was a brave boy and rode behind the boat on the intertube; Dad still has it on the slalom; Max had his first boatride and beer; Grandad had the Eye of the Tiger--but it didn't help; we met cousin Sam for the first time; Grandad got hugs; beanbag was played outdoors and in; Grandpa and Grandma visited for a day; great campfires ("Grandad burned his hands, man!"); Will and Stella ate lots of marshmallows; great food, great beer, lots of babies crying, lots of love, lots of memories.

Will went to his first dentist appt this week. It went much better than any
visit Uncle Jon ever had. Despite being very afraid at first that Dr.
Johannsen was going to tell him he had cavities, he left there with 2
stickers and a rubber snake and telling me how he was going to spit when he
brushed his teeth now. He helped the dentist count his teeth (20, the right
amount) and he got to learn all about the tools she uses. No cavities, so
he was very relieved.

Will has made good on his promise. Since then he has been doing well with
the teeth brushing, using his special bubble gum flavor rinse, and spitting
- sometimes missing the sink all together but that's ok.

While all this is going on, Max continues to lift the toilet seats and
bounces up and down so proud of himself when he gets his hands on the rim.