a CEO who sews

Daddy had a homework assignment this weekend from the ladies at work.  Keep and eye on Connecting Threads for his installment of "Gifty Galore", a Christmas gift ideas sew-a-long that you can read about on the Notions Blog.  

(Tana and Matt's project hasn't been featured yet...check back later in August.)

balloons over bend

 As it turns out, 8am is too late to see the hot air balloons take off from Riverbend Park.  But we had a nice breakfast picnic and played pinecone football.  

However, if you are up at 6am Sunday morning (like our Wally, who excitedly called to us from his perch sitting unbeknownst to his still sleeping parents, quiet and still in front of the glass patio doors)... you might just see this magic floating by.  

Next year we won't miss the launch and also must go to the "after glow" Friday evening where they blow up the glowing balloons in the dark.  Beautiful!  

Watch this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHzf1wgKZHg

mt. bachelor photo over load

What our family does on a rare afternoon in July with no guests:  Get the most out of our season passes on a windy day!  

pirate games

The pirate games continue here in the Petkun household long past the birthday party.  Here we see two rascal pirates sailing away on the sea.  As I'm sure you can tell, one is in a dingy being towed by the big ship.  He's brought his suitcase and a mop to swab the decks.  Just in case the need does arise.  

weekending with grand-mere

We've had a steady stream of guests this summer and we are loving it!  One of the highlights of July was a weekend visit from Grand-mere, Auntie Jordanna and Stella the dog.  I do believe we may have convinced Grand-mere and Stella to spend their retirement here in beautiful, sunny Bend!

  

a pirate's life (and Wally turns 5!)

 Baby Bardez in a pirate costume...doesn't get much cuter!  

 Pin the patch on the pirate.  

 Walking the plank.

 What's a birthday party without a melt down?  Sad and tired pirate!  

 Treasure hunt throughout the house and yard.  

 Pirate's booty with lunch.  

The kid's loot. 

I absolutely love celebrating the lives of my little boys.  Thankful doesn't really touch the surface of what I feel for them, their sweet souls, their big personalities.  It is a feeling immeasurable to mark the passing of their 4th and 5th birthday.  Where that time has gone I have no idea.  I hope they will remember this day, I certainly remember the days that this party commemorates.  Love my pirates!  

mr. fritz turns 4!

Golf clubs, dinosaurs, legos, pizza, cake, swimming and friends.  What more could a boy want?