A whole lot of Jack

 This summer what was once "Baby Jack" has now turned into

a full-on toddler and taken a giant phsycial and emotional leap

that has left his parents scrambling for parent books.

 He has a strong personality and does not hesitate to show it. He

climbs like a pro, loves to "play fight" with dad and anyone else no

matter if they are willing or not. He is also a sweet little boy who

loves to snuggle up.

 This is Jack's "Tiger face". A common pose in many photos these days.

 A day at the zoo with dad. 

 Let's throw in a little frumpiness in the day and "I don't care that much about you" attitude.

 Another early summer morning walk with coffee, milk and

chocolate croissants. This time exporing the Ballard locks.

Oh wait, another tiger face.

Discovery park, the Zoo and Magnolia in the morning

Summer in Seattle.

 Having the evening off we went Jet skiing in Kirkland...

 ...followed by dinner and drinks with this gorgeous lady. 

 Carl originally got the idea of jet skiing going. Here he is

showing off some moves in 40mph scaring the big J out of

every fish in the lake.

 Last few days with Sanna resulted in some pretty nails. Not something dad
would be very good at. Both kids really missed her when she left
for a tour of the West coast, but we'll see her again.

 

 Funny faces.

 Military in town. Robert in front of an Osprey helicopter.

 Carl discussing aereal navigation with a pilot.

 Jack and dad continue to explore the world early in the morning.

Nobody seems eager to stop a dad carrying a 2 year old on his shoulder

as we walked around the aircraft carrier.

 Alaskan cruiseship that just arrived.

 Like father like son.

 Well, his smile is better than dad's. That's for sure.

 Magnolia parade and fair.

 "I am a good driver dad."

 A very tired Jack did not have any energy left

for soccer practice at noon. It is nap time.

 I think this is a peacock face painting.

 Picnic at Ella Bailey park, Magnolia.

 Swedish national day and Ava's last day of Swedish school this summer.

 The surfer girl mastered this without falling. The guy at the controls

kept increasing the speed, but she held on. As dad tells her, "Focus and

concentrate".

 Ava ws very proud of her outfit this particular day...and why not.

Flashing the best smile at the camera.

Ava graduating from Preschool

 Yup, that's what they call it here, when you finish preschool you

"graduate". It was a singing performance, graduation hats and handing out

diplomas. Ava was very proud and happy. So was mom and dad.

 Sweet Pea Preschool of the Arts, yes that's what it is called

has been great. Ava loved it and made some good friends.

 Her class of 2014.

 Mr. Gill, Ava's teacher throughout school. He was great.

Ava with Mia. Close friends for a few years now.

July, 2014

 It is 6am. Only Jack and dad are awake. After the first 5min of sleepiness the world is ready
for us to be discovered. A new pattern has formed, that of coffee, milk and chocolate
croissants followed by a bit of exploration. Many weekend mornings were spent this way
the summer of 2014.

 The uneven boardwalk at the Seattle waterfront makes for difficult

navigation for a running two year old. After a few seconds of crying

the world moves on and the planet starts spinning again.

A few people are awake but for the most part the city is ours. 

 With the navy in town the flag is hoisted at the break of dawn.

 With a camera in hand you start noticing small
things otherwise left unseen.

 

 If there is anyone who can wake up with a smile

and be at full speed at 6am it is Jack.

 Magnolia playground, a blue truck, a hill and the endless

energy of a two year old rolling the car down the hill again and again.

 Sanna and Kate in their cyberworlds on a warm July evening.

"It's been a long day dad. I'm just going to pass out on the floor".