End of August/Labor Day

The last week of August remained busy- lots going on the last full week of summer!

Ben and a few of the kids made a last ditch effort to pick any remaining blackberries in our backyard.  The rain boots (and gloves) are necessary to pick blackberries.  Those berries are sure delicious, but what a pain, literally, to pick.  

Towards the end of the week, Lexi and Leah had an open house at their new school for their K2 program.  We got to tour their classroom and meet their teacher Mrs. Ridge.  These two girls are so, so excited to start "big girl" school.

They both found their names on a table and discovered a little goodie bag their teacher had made for each one of the students.

They sit across the room from each other.

Ben took off for a birthday camping trip with his dad, brother, brother-in-law and a family friend for 3 days.  They had a great time, but Ben got THREE flat tires on his new truck.  So much for an off road truck!  One had to be completely replaced and the other two were able to be fixed.  It was an unexpected birthday expense.  

He got home just in time for his actual birthday.  We surprised him with donuts for breakfast.

Later that night, after dinner, we had cheesecake for the birthday boy (his favorite!).  37.... that definitely qualifies as late 30's.  40 is in his near future.  :)

Most of the camping crew and Ben's mom came up for the holiday weekend.

Sunday afternoon, Ben's cousin got married in Tacoma and we went with his parents to it.  Good food and dancing!  Kids were not invited and our kids were pretty bummed not to be able to go.  Finding a babysitter on a Sunday was tricky, but being there kidless was quite relaxing.

Ben's dad loves free stuff.  As a parting gift, the bride and groom gave each guest a heart shaped bottle opener.  There were quite a few extras at our table, so Larry collected all of them to take home. 

Monday was Labor Day and we headed out to have some fun with our remaining guests.

Nana trying to help Livy walk.  She is so close!

We had some Groupon passes to The Family Fun Center in Tukwila and headed there after lunch.

The twins tried the Frog Hopper first.  Lexi loved it- Leah just thought it was ok.

Go Karts for the old men and Chloe and Mitchell!

Go Mitch and Papa!

Leah had a rough day- she was not pleased with any of the rides she got to try.  She wanted to do everything that she was not tall enough for and all of the smaller kiddie rides did not meet up to her high expectations. 

Lexi, on the other hand, was so excited and happy about everything. 

Glum and Happy, respectively 

Chloe was excited to try the trampoline.

Lexi gave it a whirl too and was thrilled!

We finally got Chloe to be brave and try some tricks. 

We are now ready for school to start (I think!)