Summer Fun

The Jones' weren't the only ones to enjoy three young birds this summer. We've had some fantastic times with our grandchildren Hannah, Grace and Wyatt. They explored the bird nest at the Point Defiance Zoo in Tacoma along with the other awesome animal and aquarium exhibits. It's so nice to have these great activities to visit with the kids nearby.

On another outing, the kids went with Grandpa Jim and mom Susie on a Commencement Bay sailboat outing for the afternoon. We acquired the trip at a benefit auction for Communities in Schools of Orting. It was generously donated by my friend from the Orting Chamber of Commerce, Marlene Bartram an Eqoquest International Consultant and her husband Perry Bartram a physicians assistant at McNeil Island, who own the boat.

Wyatt is still shouting 'ahoy there matey' and bragging about Captain Perry showing him how to sail the boat and how he is going sailing with him again sometime. We now hear frequently 'because Captain Perry said so' since the outing.

Then on July 4th, we drove down to Battleground for the Coplin Family Independence Day celebration. James got a chuckle watching his tomboy princess Hannah Banana on the play equipment and the creative trampoline bouncing by all the kids. We joined with family and friends for an evening barbeque followed by a night of neighborhood fireworks displays. The best way to watch the 'rockets red glare' is through the amazed eyes of children.

I remember the reason we celebrate and the sacrifices made by so many for the freedoms we now enjoy. Our patriots who are serving our country are in my thoughts and prayers, especially my son John and his family at Ft. Bragg and my niece's husband Phil and their family in Germany. May God bless and keep them.