Ahh....summer

We are full speed ahead and loving summer! Over the past several days, David ran a marathon, Lauren lost her other front tooth, Jacob has won the hearts of the pool staff, and Taylor is sleeping well again!

We had a great week-end of sun and fun. The big kids and I spent all afternoon on Friday at the beach club and they had a blast - playing in the sand, jumping in the water and re-connecting with old friends. Taylor and David napped at home - so a great time was had by all. Saturday morning I packed up the big kids and took them downtown to cheer on David at the Seattle Rock-n-Roll Marathon. It was a bit crazy - 25,000 runners and lots of spectators, bands and cheerleader - but I think it's great for the kids to see their active dad. As lifelong runners, we both love for them to see people of all shapes and sizes focusing on fitness. They cheered loud for daddy at the 14 mile mark and the finish. It was quite exciting - David ran his personal best time and qualified for the Boston Marathon - quite an achievement and particularly amazing given everything he juggles. We are so proud!

We went to the pool Saturday afternoon and the big kids swam for 4 hours (!) and Taylor joined us after her (and David's) nap. She enjoyed splashing in the kiddy pool and it was great to see her having fun. David took the big kids to a strawberry festival on Sunday and we capped off the week-end with more swimming and bike riding. We love, love summer.

This week, Lauren has a tennis/golf/swim camp and Jacob has swimming lessons. They both love the activity. Jacob is a hit at the pool - all the girl swim teachers (high-school age) say "hi Jacob" everytime they see him. Somehow he is quite the ladies man. Today he had a playdate with a little girl from his preschool - she set up her room with her big brother's legos and a lightsaber to convince him to come over. As usual, he had a great time. Lauren also has had several playdates with her girlfriends and is loving her free time after the structure of kindergarten. She is going to a reading coach a few times a week and we're working with her on a few skills to help her get ready for first grade. All of the activity has resulted in worn-out kids at times. Sometimes we want to send them away for the summer, but most of the time it is hysterical. Yesterday I gave them both a time out for arguing and told them to "stay put and not make a peep" - as I was going down the stairs I hear Jacob say "peep, peep" quietly. Little stinker...Today Lauren had a bit of a meltdown and was sent to her room this morning. All of a sudden I hear "mom!, mom!" and she had literally lost her front tooth when blowing her nose. Her big, front tooth had been hanging by a thread for days - who knew you could literally blow your tooth out? She was a bit freaked out, but then excited - we've been telling her how excited we were for her to lose her two front teeth - she looks adorable. She is a bit freaked out by the tooth fairy though, so I will be sleeping with her tonight to protect her from the fairy and ensure she gets her fair prize.

Taylor continues to be a trooper. She is working hard during her early morning therapy sessions and still making progress. We're waiting for the next big breakthrough and trying to be patient as her second birthday approaches (August 22). She is delighting in seeing the big kids more now that school is out and they continue to make her laugh so hard. We're continuing to increase her seizure medication - she's 3/4 of the way to the desired dose and adjusting well. She is more sleepy than normal and has returned to taking a morning nap. Otherwise, she seems to be adjusting pretty well.

That's all for now!