well hello there, Summer!

Summer has finally come to the Pacific Northwest! Hot, sunny days with blue skies, kids playing in the spray parks, the scent of BBQ smoke in the air, and dripping ice cream cones abound.

The Blankenship family has been enjoying the sunshine and its perks to the fullest. Walks to the beach, a trip to see the salmon climbing the fish ladder at the Ballard Locks, BBQ's in the park with friends, sipping smoothies, playing ball, and backyard slip 'n slides are just a few of the activities that have filled up our calendar so far.

Here's a photo journal of a few of our summer activities:

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 We got one break from slathering on the sunscreen when an unusual weather pattern came through and brought us thunderstorms! A phenomenon I'm used to from growing up in Florida, but poor Jackson was experiencing the "rumble, rumble" for the first time and didn't know what to make of it. He snuggled on my lap for awhile and then I talked him into building a fort in the living room for him and his bears. The distraction worked and his smile came back.

 

 

That afternoon, the thunderstorms came through again after nap time. Jackson insisted that we had to build another fort. I guess I really started something.

 

Hot summer days can lead to hot summer nights. Dan's parents watched Jackson for us so that we could join 7 other couples from church for an evening of delicious Mexican dining and HOT (as in no air-conditioning) salsa dancing. As you can see from the pictures, Dan and I enjoyed ourselves on the dance floor. Especially Dan.

 

Summer is also a great time for family parties. Today we had a belated birthday celebration for Dan's mom, who turned 70 on July 8th. Food and fun were had by all.

 

 

 

 

Happy birthday, Mom/Grandma Jan!