July 2024

WELCOME SUMMER 2024!

This weather is absolutely my style and I've done my best to get out (and drag the children out as well) and enjoy the sunshine.  Here's what we were up to in July.

Presley and I met up with Auntie Michele and Kaitlyn to watch "Inside Out 2."  Presley constantly gets told that she looks like a real life version of Riley.

We hosted our annual family 4th of July Fest. This year we had the option of volleyball and/or badminton included in our activities. The weather was pretty warm for most, but the boys took advantage of burning some calories before lunch.

Teague, Grandpa, Adden and Jake

Presley and Grandma

Adden and Jake

Presley and Mom

Presley and I joined the Smith girls for a Lake Day at Battle Ground Lake State Park. We are called the Cheetah Girlz

Afterwards we hit Hockinson Meadows for ice cream and take-n-bake pizza (the very best there is)

Had to capture this 'first' --- Dylan made his very own dental appointment!

Maddox was too scared

Presley and I went out to lunch at Island Cafe and got to see the owner, Traci, a longtime friend of Teague and best friend of Presley's Computer teacher

This picture had better lighting

Later on I met Yechelle (nickname) for margs and a scary movie "Longlegs."  This is one of our fave things to do together

Teague, Ryan, Amber and myself attended McMenamin's Brewfest at Cornelius Pass Roadhouse for the 3rd summer in a row. We love this event each year and the weather continues to be super warm, which is perfect for a nice, cold beer (or 10)

We were able to snag our go-to spot under some trees for a shady respite

Teague and I celebrated my birthday at Ilani Hotel and Casino. Our first stop is always pre-dinner cocktails in the hotel bar.  

We dined at Bella Vista on the 15th floor and stuffed ourselves, as always. 

Ryan and Amber hosted their very own Tasting Event, complete with 5 courses, passport sheet and beverage pairings.  It was so well thought out and a really fun time.

Course #4 with the guests

Course #5 dessert 

Dylan is enjoying some 7-on-7 scrimmages with his football team each Wednesday this month. I was attending with him each week, except for during the Beardmore Tasting Event. While I was enjoying  the many courses of yumminess, Dylan scored a touchdown! Here are a couple of videos.

Presley has continued to attend the Volleyball Open Gyms offered by CFA Volleyball (Christian Fellowship Association) club team. She's getting so much experience and the coaches are very sweet to pass along how well she's progressing.

Dylan and I hit the Ida B Wells Pool (formerly Wilson) one day after his football workout. We absolutely love this place and all the fun activities it has (our favorite is the diving board).

Here are some of his best jumps

Presley was invited to Wild Waves with friend/softball teammate, Aliya.

FINALLY!  Kah-nee-ta opened this month and I was here for it! Presley, Dylan and I headed over on the 5th day from when it opened. We didn't know much about all the changes, but the summer is flying by and we did not have a lot of open days to head over. In fact, Dylan gave up a day of football conditioning to go over on a Monday.

But first, a stop at Joe's Donuts!

I had the absolute BEST time!  I've decided that this is where I want to spend my birthday every summer going forward (unless my bday falls on a weekend day)

Our 'cabana' for the day

Huckleberry Lemonade (with spirits)

Grabbing something from the bar

The very next day I dropped Presley off at Church so she could head out to Middle School Bible Camp at Ocean Shores.  She was beyond excited!

Some of her cabin mates: Gabi, Mia, and Serenity

The whole middle school crew

Loading up the bus

All of her cabin mates and her counselor

After 5 days (and over an hour late) she is home!  I missed her so much and she said she had an amazing time

Happy girl!

Presley is doing a volleyball camp with CFA. After picking her up one afternoon, we all headed to Island Cafe for lunch. It is extremely rare all 5 of us go out together. Maddox refused to look over for the picture

Right when we arrived, I noticed the boys' Kindergarten teacher, Mrs Dunmire. When I called out to her, she let me know she was meeting with other Marrion Elementary teachers for lunch so we were able to see Mrs Putney (boys' 2nd grade teacher and Presley's proclaimed BFF) and Ms Heisler (Presley's 1st grade teacher) as well. Such a treat to see them and have them see all the kids

That wrapped up July for the Rakoz Family! I've got 1 more week before heading into work so I'm trying to squeeze in more things in that short time.  See ya next month!