Dueck's Roost

I think if I published aloud that our family, in the five-and-a-half years that we've lived in this area, had never been to the Puyallup fair, we might get a few looks of shock. So just for appearances sake;) we made our way to the spring fair this year. We had a good time, observing some unicycle dude, checking out good-old-fashioned livestock, and of course winning cheap stuffed animals at the rows of carnival games. I'm not sure the fair makes our favorites list, but we did have a good time. We didn't end up with many pictures, but of course had to capture Porter's first experience on the Extreme Scream. Oh, and here's a couple of the before-mentioned games and toys ... No, we did not push James around in the stroller (see background). I think he's just kickin' it for a sec. Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

On a quiet afternoon (quite the rarity;) in June, we took our motley crew to the Tradition Lake Loop at Tiger Mountain, for a leisurely 4-mile "stroll". Okay, so not exactly a stroll, but really a very easy and relaxing trail ... complete with a rusty old bus. Seriously. Could be wrong, but I think this is overlooking Issaquah. Nothing like hanging out inside an empty old tree. Will the excitement ever end?? Not likely I suppose. Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

So I realized something this year. We are not car people! If I add their ages together, our vehicles are 30 years old. Generally speaking, they are both tearing, chipping, peeling, and/or rusting in some form or another. Not pretty. What we are then is toy people. Not big toys. No motorized boats or four-wheelers hanging out in our garage. Nope, small recreational toys that keep us active, having fun together, and typically enjoying this great earth ... not to mention the great state of Washington. This typically includes fishing gear, hiking/camping stuff, more fishing gear, and more fishing gear. Oh, and now (the reason for this post) a couple of kayaks. Kevin picked these up at the end of spring and recruited the boys to help take them out for a spin. Tough job;). Big J ... Mr. P ... Good times! Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

So I see the chairs and the snacks and the two kids waiting patiently in the shabby grass, but what on earth are they waiting for? An improptu broadway production in the backyard? Guess nobody thought to send me an evite. - Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Gotta love good 'ole school concerts! Fancy dresses and hairdos. Parents with overly large smiles. Mass amounts of pictures and home videos. Cute songs and wiggly bodies. And, of course, the funny kid that always puts on quite a show ... there's always one of those! James ... Mae ... And Porter ... Next year we'll add one more to the list. Crazy! - Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Wanna know what happens when you layer no fewer than 15 family room pillows atop one hearty sofa, and garnish with three very excitable (and perhaps just a little picture-happy) kiddos?! Not to mention a side of baby. Oh, just this of course. And of course this ... Whats more amusing (to a 20-month old) than a kid-made landslide! - Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

So neither Kevin nor I had ever played or even watched this strange sport called lacrosse before. But for some reason (now forgotten) we thought we'd-- that is, the boys--would give it a try this year. You know, just to see how they'd like it. But really, was their liking it ever even a question?! We're talking chest and shoulder pads, protective helmets, and big long sticks that one can use to block, push, hit, oh, and of course catch. We're talking fast and crazy, and physical enough to satisfy even James' fighting spirit. In short, Lacrosse has earned a spot alongside basketball as one our favorite sports! Yep, despite the 25 minute drive to practice (ugh!) i think we're hooked. Pretty sure this one is in for the long haul. - Posted using BlogPress from my iPad