Early Summer Hams

Summer is here! We've been keeping busy this year and getting out of the house a lot with the boys. A few weeks ago we went on a weekend trip to Leavenworth, a tourist town east of Seattle built to look Bavarian. We rented a house with our friends and their son, Bronn, who is similar in age to Sam and Max. Here are some photos from that trip, and the rest of summer so far.

Max and Sam playing the piano at the vacation house in Leavenworth

Max frequently sat in this green velvet chair

Sam and Max have such different personalities at times. Max really likes touching soft surfaces, like stuffed animals, pets, hair, or even things like this velvet chair. Sam doesn't exhibit this behavior much at all.

Max, Mom and Sam on a walk

Dad and Max on a swing

We found a playground nearby which had these double-swings, that allowed both the parent and child to swing at the same time. This swing was neat, I really enjoyed it.

Mom and Sam have fun swinging

Max, Bronn and Sam all huddle up on the big saucer swing

Sam drools while Max makes a silly face

Bronn, Max and Sam

This last picture isn't very good. I'm only including it to point out that it was impossible for me to capture three squirmy boys sitting on a log. I was only able to capture two squirmy boys sitting on a log earlier with great effort and patience.

Sam, Ellis and Max

Amanda's best friend, Carlene, came over for dinner last weekend with her husband and two boys. The boys, Ellis and Otto, are a bit older than Sam and Max, but they all had fun playing together.

Max (behind), Ellis (front), Otto and Sam

This is as good a photo as it gets. Getting that many young kids to pose is tough.

Uncle Nick tickles a giggly Sam

It was hot out so Grandma had the idea to put out a sprinkler and let the boys run around in the water. Sam really loved it, but Max was too scared to give it a try. It was unfortunate, since we think Max would have really liked it if he gave it a chance. Maybe next time!

Sam making a run for the sprinkler

Sam loved the water

Sam had a blast running in and out of the water

Dad dries off a soggy and happy Sam

Max preferred staying dry and playing with the toys

Max and Sam both clambered up onto this chair

Sunday dinner!

Notice Charlie (the dog) hunting for falling food from Max and Sam's trays. He knows where the good stuff is. I hope everyone is having a great summer!