This is what a summer looks like- at the Foutzes


I’m far over due to post. And yet I have little desire to write about what we’ve been up to. I fear it would just be a travelogue, which is generally unexciting to those who weren’t riding along. And yet I want to document the wonderful times we’ve had and the memories we’ve made with family. (Mostly because I know that whatever goes on this blog- ends up in our family record book. Oh, if only I was caught up enough that I could just add it there, and not here.) 
Summer at the Foutzes looks something like this:
Family Outings:

A gift card from work resulted in a memorable family outing to La Isla (a delicious Puerto Rican Restaurant in Ballard) – which we took out to enjoy eating at the Ballard Locks followed by Scotland first “bike ride.” (I must say walking hand in hand with my hubs as my baby rode his bike in front of us felt like one of those family landmarks. Like the true indication that we had arrived in the next stage of parenting. Tom and I both beamed and laughed as we watching Scotland determinedly pedaling, his little legs blurring in tiny circles as he inched along on his radio flyer.) In my mind, this couldn’t have been a more perfect outing: delicious ethnic food, rolling down a grassy green hill, watching boats and trains, going for a walk, watching my boys squeal with delight, being with my best friend. mmmmm!

I know, I know, pictures of food. But hey it was my first time eating authentic Puerto Rican food- well besides the food Trevor has made. Just a nod to the terrific culinary diversity Seattle boasts!

At Bakery Nouveau- their Twice Baked Almond Croissants will make you hand over your wallet, again and again!
Last Friday we had a Date night with kids in tow. (I gifted Tom with a monthly pre-planned date for Christmas and this was one of them.) Watching Anders happily gumming a chunk of baguette watching Shakespeare in the beautiful surrounds of Volunteer Park. Tom and I looked at each other- “We’re living the life!”  (We also got a sampling of cheeses from The Calf and the Kid- Euphoria was exquisite!


Anders’ first “bike” ride! Clearly he was jazzed by it.

Harvesting:

I like to joke that I’m raising my son to be a day laborer- considering the amount of harvesting we do. On this particular outing we picked 13lbs of blueberries! I love frozen blueberries- they amazing alone, or over granola, or oatmeal, or in smoothies. Yum!

Scotland looking macho in our own urban garden. (I’ve perhaps had my most successful garden this year. The winners: sugar snap peas, shelling peas, romaine lettuce, mixed greens, tomatoes, and green beans.)
Friends:

I’m really sad that this picture turned out so blurry, but the memory was captured. I attended my 10 year high school reunion last month, and was able to reunite with these two dear friends. It was great to catch up with them and see their beautiful families. I was interested in where different classmates lives had led them. And came away with the impression that one can never know what life has in store. I was reminded of President Hinckley’s quote:

“Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he’s been robbed. The fact is that most putts don’t drop, most beef is tough, most children grow up to just be people, most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration, most jobs are more often dull than otherwise. Life is like an old time rail journey…delays…sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling burst of speed. The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride.”

With my dear friend, mentor, and young women’s leader, Shani.

As I approached the event I found myself feeling nervous. Why? Upon inspection I realized it was the typical culprit- I worried about what people would think, about me, my life. Facing this reality I realized- I didn’t care. The fact was, by and large, I’m thrilled with how my life has turned out so far. As I knelt in prayer I asked God to help me forget myself and instead spend my energies on those I had come to see. My prayer was answered and instead of my typical “I, me, my” storyline, I found myself immersed in the lives of others. It was a beautiful experience. One I wish, wasn’t so rare. I haven’t been back to my hometown in five years, since my parents moved from my childhood home a few years ago. I was surprised at how comforting and nostalgic it felt to just drive the streets of Moses lake. It truly felt like coming “home.” Memories washed over me with warm emotions and I found myself smiling constantly. Thinking back on the girl I was then, and the woman I am now was eye-opening. I have changed a great deal since high school, in many ways good in some ways bad. But being there, among those memories I felt that girl inside of me- and it was awakening.

On my way to and from Moses Lake we spent a few days in Moxee with my Mom and Dantzel. It was a particularly special visit for me because I got to spend so much time with Dantzi. (She came to Moses Lake with me). Dantzi reminds me of myself 15 years ago- such drive, discipline and idealism. I admire her, and every time I’m around her I feel inspired to do more, be more. Her and Anders have developed a sweet relationship, and seeing the time she takes to love and care for him, means so much to me.


Grandma treated us to a visit to her friends ponies and bunny rabbits.

The bunnies were fast, but Scotland- after watching Dantzel, was determined to catch one. I was impressed by his patience. At first he would crouch down and put his hands on either side of the bunny- too nervous to squeeze it, but he grew more and more daring and finally caught one of his own accord.

Food experiments:

First fried zucchini blossoms- delicately delicious. Novelty keeps life fresh.

Tree Climbing:
Both and Grandma’s house (above) and our own (below)

Eating outdoors:

I love to eat outdoors. It takes a little extra effort, but for me the rewards far outweigh the pains. Especially at dinner, when I’m often a bit on edge, taking it outdoors helps me relax and savor the moment.
Bare legs and arms:
This might sound weird, but I love seeing my boys’ limbs! The chunky thighs, the realization of hair emerging on my toddlers legs!
Flowers:

Hanging out:

Me folding laundry, Anders rolling or crawling around on the floor, and Scotland. . .you name it.
That’s really about it- throw in a lot of house cleaning, a couple days at the beach and zoo, lots of library visits, plenty of reading, a load of discipline, a few walks, a hike or two, church attendance, a good number of picnics, plenty of wrestling, tickling and laughter and you pretty much have our summer.
 
 


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *