chris.reese.girls1.2.3.4

The festivities just keep on comin' after Christmas Day. We were grateful we had a few other fun activities to enjoy in the days leading up to the New Year celebration. We loved that Bryce and Becca came to visit for a day. We took over the local bowling alley and then hit Cafe Rio, before heading back to the house for JackBox games and sports. They drove here and back in one day and we are so grateful they were willing to make the drive! The girls loved spending time with cousins! We managed to take advantage of the church gym and burn some energy on the rainy days. We installed the new swing/chair in the bunk room. This chair gets a lot of love! After my parents left town we decided to take a day and do a tour of Yakima to visit and see all of our grandparents and aunts and uncles. We first met Grandma Apken for breakfast. We loved catching up and hearing how she continues to live her awesome, independent, healthy life. She turns 89 in February and her pace is impressive! Next we...

August was our final month to cash in on summer fun... Early in August we spent a Saturday in downtown Seattle. We visited the aquarium -- this was one of Brynn's summer things she wanted to do. It was a beautiful sunshiney day! It was also Seafair weekend, so we caught the Blue Angels flying all around as we walked long the streets.  We walked about 3/4 of a mile north of the aquarium to see the Canadian Naval Ship. It was beautiful. We talked with one of the officers on the dock (there was a private event going on, so we couldn't tour the ship).  He told us that ship is often on drug smuggling interceptions and has been busy when out on the water. When we get to August we have our pool routine DOWN. These girls love it. We know how to work the pool and soak up the relaxation. ...and often we bring friends. A summer day of nail-polishing. They paint it on, then take it off. Then paint a new color on, only to take it off. At some point I h...