"Kids in Charge Day"

As we were winding down on our summer bucket list this week, we had to address one very important day that Quin had voted onto the list: "Kids in Charge Day". I think this actually came about partly cause of something I said one day early in the summer, oops, but I figured a mostly unplanned summer day was the day to go for it. It turned out to be one of my favorite days this summer! Likely because giving the kids the authority gave me a break from saying, "Not today." etc. but also because they really didn't demand much. If we keep this fun tradition up, I'm sure I'll look back on this simple day and think, "What on earth did I get myself into this mess for?!" So, for the first Kids in Charge Day Wacky Zackey style:

First up we had kids deciding they'd get to watch cartoon while I made them breakfast. (I know I'm so mean I never normally let them do this!)

Next, their breakfast request, pancakes with ice cream/chocolate sauce on top, omelets and smoothies. 

Sound barfy? Yeah, I had tea and toast...

Then we relaxed a bit, played some legos, and chilled out. No rushing out the door on Kids in Charge Day.

The adventure for the day began when they decided it was time to go to the Burke Museum (1st Thursday!). We met up with Rebecca and Olea there as planned, but also ran into some kiddos that did the Froggy Holler summer camp, and the whole McCardell family! It was a lucky day to be in charge and be surprised to have friends there too! We all enjoyed exhibits like this new wolf one together:

With all the fun company we stayed much longer than planned and got to have a kid chosen snack of chips and chocolate milk from the museum cafe (in all honesty they were out of any decent snack/lunch items). So, when we finally headed out we were aiming for a toy store, so we went to nearby U Village. There we stopped first to get crepes as the kids requested,

 Then played at the little playground before popping into the toy store. The kids had a fun time browsing and H picked out a tiny bunny eraser and was satisfied. Q on the other hand was determined to spend his money on legos (they were spending piggy bank money...), so I suggested we try Bartells for more lego options. Sure enough Q found one he wanted. Then on the way out they saw the redbox and since they were in charge we got one! So, then it became movie night and when we got home I whipped up some fresh pizza to go with it! I think the kids could agree it was a pretty fun "Kids in Charge Day!"

Mr. Q

In trying to pick which picture to give his teacher I gathered up a bunch of shots I'd taken of Q this spring and summer:

 I'm not sure which one to use, but I think I may do that beach one in the bottom left (without the spidy suit ;)) even though he's not looking at the camera. He is so happy at the beach I think he might enjoy seeing it. That or I'll take him down to the beach tomorrow and get one of him looking at me! ;) He's about to start Kindergarten, wow!

Slip N' Slide Olympics

We had seriously one of the most fun play dates ever today! Aaron and Elijah came over and we had a backyard "Slip n' slide Olympics" as they called it. It was pretty awesome watching their crazy moves. Of course we had the "hot tub" set up too, so they jumped into that also. 

 

 And after we had some really fun playtime together too!

Everett Kids Museum

 We hit up the Everett Kids Museum with Olea today! The kids all had a fabulous time!

 

And boy do we love our Olea time!

The Backyard Fair

With so much action in the backyard it's no wonder their playtime turned into "Going to the Fair" play. There were "tickets" (aka leaves) for each attraction such as the "buckin' bronco", the "goal kick", "giant slide", "high swings", "wagon rides" and the "tarp trip".

 Of course there was also the concession stand which supplied fresh peas!

Wall 'O Planes

 

Whidbey Sunsets

 We lucked out to get a mostly sunny week up at the beach. I had to catch a few good sunset shots as I just love them there! 

Tried to get a family shot, didn't quite work out, but still had to share,

Of course we had to blow the conch while the sun was setting too.

 

Then in the morn, the views from the house sure aren't bad either:

See the little specks of the boys below? What a spot to be!