July Summer Fun

July was a very active month for us.  The warm summer weather inspired us to go outside!  Since we were unable to get to Lake 22 for a hike last summer Hiroko was determined to get there this year.  We had 2 hiking carriers which meant no back pack so Jersey also had to carry a pack so that we can take lunch.  Lake 22 was beautiful as ever and Oren hiked most of the way except for the really rocky bit.   Oren kept pointing out and saying "what a view!" and even enjoyed some of the snow up top.   The hike took longer than Hiroko remembered - probably because of the 20 lb baby on her back - but also because we had to keep pace with a preschooler's spurts and stops up the trail.  Unfortunately the hike took all day (twice as long as it has in the past) and we didn't get a chance to reward Oren with his usual cupcake - as usual he kept reminding us that he's only hiking for the cupcake. 

Oren got his reward the next day . . .

At the Green Lake wading pool

In July we also flew out to Boston and drove up to stay in Portsmouth NH to celebrate Grandpa's 70th birthday with Grandpa and meme.  We took a red eye so that we could spent more time with friends and family and the entire way there Oren kept asking "how do I sleep?" because he wasn't able to lay completely on his belly.  We went to a beach in Rye where  Naoki got to dip his feet into the Atlantic Ocean and Oren got to make the sand castles he had been waiting all summer to build.  It was fun to explore the town of Portsmouth and to enjoy the local seafood - Hiroko and Ryan got to eat all the lobsters they possibly could.

On the right coast, Uncle Matthew appears

Meme and Ochan at the park

 After the success of hiking Lake 22 we were inspired to do Rattlesnake Ledge and Discovery Park with the boys.  Oren hiked all the way to the top of the Rattlesnake but wanted to be in the carrier when we got to the top.  At Discovery Park Ryan and Oren got busy searching for seashells on the beach.  Naoki overall seems to enjoy the ride.

Naoki is not afraid of dogs