Our early August trip to Oregon gave Will and Max a second time this summer to hang out with their cousins and their Nana and Papa (and cousins once removed)---and dad and uncle Jon got a chance to hang out with their blood--stay strong Derek.

Grandad and Grandma Grace came to Seattle at the end of July and that meant wrestling and hanging out in the back yard, cooking salmon on the grill, a visit to the beach, and lots of laughs. Will, going to bed a few nights later: "I'm going to try to dream about Grandad tonight."

In mid-July we spent a weekend camping at Mt Rainier National Park: great weather, big trees, suspension bridges and of course, rock organizing. But most amazing was actually being able to hike in the snow in shorts and a t-shirt---just think about it---it's really hot and there is snow on the ground---enough to blow a 4-year-old mind.

traffic jam, parade, carnival