what a week!

Well we are in the final countdown till takeoff.  Mostly what that means is I need to start moving some things into suitcases! ha!  I've got two bags of winter clothing packed.  And 1.5 bags of gifts and other things we are bringing back for people.  But .... there are more duffels in my future.  Tomorrow (Monday) morning is the big day for that task!  It'll be my little boys last morning at school and I've prepped my big kids that we are working hard and fast and long to strike while the iron is hot (i.e. to put stuff in bags while the not-so-helpful-always-underfoot little two are gone for three hours!)

Big events from this week?  We said goodbye to Daddy who headed high up into the mountains on a long anticipated backpacking trip.  He had a blast and is on his way home and I'm eager to get more pics and stories from him!

We've enjoyed some slow quiet days at home.... loads of games and books and asking for snacks. ha! Also, this has been a huge gift for us this summer - the Art for Kids Hub youtube channel.  All 5 of mine are loving these little mini drawing lessons.

I stumbled across this one morning and have been nothing but impressed.  Lydia draws the Eiffel Tower, Luke draws a hippo, Isaac draws R2D2 and there is often some combination of kids gathered around to attempt another art project.  Seriously I would estimate we have watched almost 30 different videos!


another highlight?  A huge Summer Solstice ice cream sundae pool party!

Lots of good friends in this photo - and folks we will miss dearly.  And speaking of missing, we have said so so many goodbyes.

at the bowling alley...

and friends' houses

outdoor restaurants

and beside panda statues :)

So many necks to hug and tears to dry.

also, so many curbs to sit on :)


I'm headed out for a walk with a friend, Matt is driving downhill (hoping to be here around dinnertime).  2.5 more days til wheels are up, headed east!