Sounders lose to Monterey 2-0.

Last night was our first date night in a looooong time.  We went to dinner & then zipped down to the game.   This was our 4th soccer match.  3 of the matches the Sounders were playing international teams (England, Spain, & last night was Mexico).  They lost them all.  The other game we attended the Sounder's weren't even playing - it was the MLS Cup...  I wanted so badly for them to win last night.  (Not because I really care about the team, but my husband does!!!)  I wanted him to see a win, live...  I promised myself I wouldn't ask him any soccer questions during the match, so that he could just enjoy it - even though I was dying to ask him what "off-sides" means (for the 100th time - no joke, I cannot wrap my brain around it!)... Anyway, I withheld and just sat there with my man while he was watching his favorite sport.

this cute little guy in ear protection made me miss my cute little guy

the boys pre game

Thanks lover-face for a fun evening out!  Next time we'll have to attend a normal match against a national team that they have a chance at beating!  (And, thank you g-ma & g-pa for taking care of our little ones while we were away!!!)

Museum of Flight.

We asked Laila if she wanted to go see airplanes (MOF) or dinosaurs (Science Center).  She chose airplanes:  

our old stomping grounds (Lake Union)

sea plane

Eric Gilbert?

We toured this Concord

& AIR FORCE ONE!!!!

Presidents Eisenhower to Nixon used this plane!  

It's an amazing museum & was a great family field trip.  We would love to go back sometime (sans the kids) going at our own pace. 

Boo-YA!

Out of all that was accomplished today in the Birt household:


Loads of laundry, successful family trip to Museum of Flight (which I'll blog about later), crossfit workout in the backyard with J (notice I didn't say, "successful crossfit workout" - after about halfway through I discovered many unpicked blackberries popping through our fence...), put shelving together for the garage, washed both cars (inside and out!), & successfully dried myself with a HANDtowl after a shower (forgot to restock after laundry - ugh!) 


Our biggest accomplishment of today was THIS:

Axel polished off a whopping 4 oz of milk from a bottle!!!!  Quickly too!  He's done terrible with bottles b/c I've done terrible at introducing them to him.  But, since Jason and I are heading to the Sounders game tomorrow night and leaving the kids with grandma and grandpa, we figured we better try and give him one today.  I was tickled-pink when Jason told me he took the whole thing so quickly!!!  Don't get me wrong, I adore nursing but, this just gives me a little more FREEEEEEEEEDOM!!! 

Baptisms.

Laila & Axel were baptized at our church today.  Jason & I weren't familiar with infant baptisms, but after meeting with our pastor we really felt like it was something we wanted for our family.  I'm still processing the morning, but I can honestly say that it was beyond our expectations.  Our pastor, Neil Trainer did a fabulous job & really took time praying & anointing our kids.  It was a very joyous occasion for our little family & it meant a lot to have such a crowd upfront praying over our kids.  Laila & Axel will never know how much they are prayed over & we are so grateful.  

*Thank you Ann-Krestene & Monique for photographing the baptisms!

Baby's breath (not the flower).

How did I miss this with my first?  I L-O-V-E baby's breath, LOVE!  No teeth in or food entering to build up bacteria.  The breath smells sweet and so pure.  I won't start Ax on solid's until he's at least 6 months old and I will be savoring every last day of my toothless, milk fed baby's breath until then.  (Not sure what I'm talking about?  Come, have smell for yourself!)  

Evening at the park.

To celebrate Jeff & Melissa's birthdays we had a picnic at "the park".  As you can see, it was perfect weather & the kids had a great time.  I've been a little reluctant to tell everyone about this new(er) park because it's small, quiet, and only has 4 parking spaces.  But, I figure the few people that actually read my blog already know about it.  :)  I wish all family events could be down their!  It's heavenly.  

HELLO!?!?  Would anyone like to go to a park with passing trains & boats; & views of the Puget Sound & Olympics?    

Yes please.  

A & uncle J  

N

B

D

(wish I could tell you that I caught them hugging but, we asked them too...)  Still, TOO cute!

D, L, N

Our great picnic area.

Fun evening had by all.  Now drop everything and go check out Shoreline's sweet little gem of a park.  (But, leave a parking space for me!)

Bubbles.

Today we introduced L to bubbles (sigh...).  I have a love/hate relationship with this certain activity.  They are lots of fun but, it's impossible to do this activity without getting completely soapy.   Over the last year we have accumulated a STASH of bubble paraphernalia.  We have the normal bubbles, we have a long bubble wand, we have a dog that shots bubbles out his mouth and the most recent gift was a bubble lawn mower.  Needless to say it was long overdue to introduce our daughter to this long-time American summer tradition.  As expected, it was a hit.

will mow for blueberries

In true L form she took the mowing so seriously, even when on rocks...  She worked so hard pushing it around and around our front yard...

taking a breather

Axel woke up from his nap to find his family having a party with bubbles in the front yard...

 my boys

I still don't love getting all soapy but, we sure had a fun time as a family.  I'll take a little soap any day if it means time with the ones that make my heart so full.  

Brooks.

she's her mama's daughter

Happy Birthday Melissa!

Melissa has been such a blessing in my life and in the lives of each member of my family.  I can honestly say that my life is more rich and challenged because of this beautiful, godly lady.  Since we met, she's been right there for all the milestones in my life: wedding, back healing, kids, and everything in-between...  On this day, we hope you truly feel celebrated and loved.

M meeting Laila for the first time

M & N meeting Axel for the first time

M with one of the doubles - have you EVER seen anyone so beautiful after having a child, much less TWINS!?!  This girl is amazing!  

And a non-hospital pic... :)