The Marrero Family Making The Most Of Life!: Summers end and hello fall.

Hello friends, What crazy times we live in and learning to adapt to all the new craziness has been something else. Remember when you couldn't buy toilet paper? Well that trend seems to be coming around again as well as majorly stocking up. I did so much of it the first go around that I need to check my inventory to make sure none is expired. We are pretty well set in that department.

Sadly summers coming to an end. We had some great times, but I did miss the movies, fairs, hockey ending so early, several other things. Here in Western Washington we are pretty knee deep into fall by mid September. The weather is getting cooler and normally I am so excited for this time of year. It's my favorite season. It signals the start of hockey, the start of holidays, pumpkin spice everything and the changing leaves, I love it all. Sadly this year I'm thinking of what kind of restrictions are they going to put on us? Are we going to be able to enjoy any of the holidays? I must remember though God is ultimately in control

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 King James Version ( KJV ) To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.

I know we will make the best of it whatever comes. So with that here is a bit of summer recap in pictures.

Nick and Michael were using their artistic abilities on the beach.

Flying kites is always fun there.

I personally love the beach & the ocean.I love the salt air and the sunshine.I love sitting on the sand with my bare feet.I love flying kites and eating a picnic lunch and grabbing a bag of Salt Water Taffy. It's one of my happy places. Unfortunately the ocean is over two hours away so for a day trip it's a really long drive. This trip was especially hard on Ariel. Her pain just got really bad and she wasn't able to enjoy it very much.

Hubby and I also got to celebrate our 31st anniversary with a trip to The Salish Lodge at Snoqualmie Falls.We took in all of the Twin Peaks sights and a few other we've never been to before.

They did the most incredible breakfast experience for us.They gave us a private room with rose petals on the table overlooking the falls. It was so beautiful,plus we had the most amazing breakfast. It was four courses of deliciousness.

This month we also celebrate Daniel and Michael's birthdays.That was going to take some brainstorming.Daniel's is easy he does paintball every year and that's outdoors,but Michael usually does laser tag at Ocean 5 an arcade that is closed due to Covid.So we decided to invite some friends over and have a pool party.I had to come up with games last minute because it looked like it may rain.Thankfully the day ended up beautiful.

Before the parties they had a grand opening of a new hockey store.They may be the norm in the east coast but here there are none.You pretty much have to order everything online.So the guys and I made a trip of it.We took the ferry in the morning to Edmonds and then went to a fun party store.The guys could've spent all day in there.Then we went to the hockey store and not only got free t-shirts but gift cards as well.Michael and I got $20.00,but Daniel won $100.00 and was able to get a new hockey stick for free.We also explored the mall and ate lunch.

Daniel's paintball party was a blast the usual pizza & cake and gifts and everyone comparing their injuries.

Michael's birthday turned out to be so much fun.We played beach ball volleyball and a bunch of Minute to win it games and Jenga.We also had a great barbecue and then several of the kids swam in the pool.Then there was cake and gifts.

After all the festivities we made S'mores in the fire pit and lit sparklers.

Michael said it was one of his most favorite birthdays.After the birthdays it was more of the usual swimming in the pool,tending my garden and some special days taking the kiddo's out for individual lunches.

The pool was one of the best purchases we made this summer.It got a ton of use.

This was the first year I have ever done a garden and it was very successful.I had zucchini coming out my ears.I've made bread,batter dipped zucchini and shredded a bunch to freeze and gave a ton away.We also had melons,tomatoes,cilantro,green peppers,carrots & lettuce.

It's nice to be able to spend time with each kiddo individually.

I even had a few lunches out with friends and relatives.

Now we are onto fall.I'm going to have to be really creative,because it seems that everything I look forward to is cancelled.No Gift and Craft Fair, no Zoo Boo or carving pumpkins for the zoo,no hockey it's just a big giant bummer! I've decorated and am determined to make it fun for my kiddo's.

The a couple pieces of good news is Ariel finally got a nerve block.She had to get Covid tested first,but she got it done.She has two more coming up.Hopefully they will help. Daniel was also able to get back on the ice for the first time since February.