It was a summer of camps and camping for Rosalie! This camping trip happened with our friends, the families from Berry Patch, her preschool. It was great to see everyone.
As you can see, there were a fair number of kids:
However, they get along great, bringing the magic from their BP past, back to their present interactions
They can even occupy a small space together in harmony. Seriously cool (though actually, it was intensely hot in central Washington that weekend)!
There was also time this summer to hang out with friends who don't go to the same school, such as the ever-vibrant Fiona, who's been Rosalie's pal since before they were born.
Rosalie's favorite camp, probably as usual, was at Moonpaper Tent--the place that has adults dressed as colorful characters who help the kids weave fantastic adventures full of imaginative play and cool crafts.
Rosalie's summary of why she loves this place: "It grows imagination--with magic." Here she is with a special face-paint job from one of the days at "Fairy Camp" at MPT.
Yet another design from Fairy Camp:
The other tippy-top favorite camp is Nature Kids, a camp she's been attending for several summers now. She learns real information about nature when she's there, and at this point I'll just ask her what kind of tree we're looking at when we're out for a walk, because she often knows.
After camp at Nature Kids, it's fun to have some lose-time playtime with a favorite friend. These two are developing a whole world over beyond the playground here.
They also learned a clapping game/rhyme at their other-other favorite camp, Campfire Boys and Girls. So many great camps this summer!
Of course, summertime means block parties, too. 
At block parties, even standing/hopping on a piece of wood can be fun.
Uncle Matt came to visit in August. So great to see him!
Mighty-O Donuts opened a Ballard location. We went to check it out.
Rosalie had a dental check-up and got all thumbs-up!
She also got to pull this beauty out of the treasure chest for being a great patient.
In case you are like me, and curious about the state of Rosalie's teeth, here's what's up right now: some teeth vying for space in the lower region, but there's still time for jaw growth!
Our friend Nicolie (and Rosalie's old teacher) sent me home recently with a "sensory tray" for Ro, like they used to have at The Berry Patch. Trust me, sensory trays are magnificent fun at any age, especially when assembled by the great Nicolie.
In our supplies for this, she included various colors of bubble bath, and Rosalie started experimenting with them.
We took a trip to Ocean Shores and did some favorite things to do in the sand, namely digging long tunnels,
And making sand angels. Really any chance to become one with dirt is where it's at.
The dumpling food truck called "The Dump Truck," was one of Rosalie's favorites in Portland. They take their food truck cuisine seriously in P-Town. 
Portland has a cool International District!
The train ride was fun. We got a few little toys (woodland creature erasers?) to join our journey.
It turned our long summer into what felt to many people like an "endless summer."
Block party number two, with all the kids!
When Uncle Matt and Aunt Tess came to visit, we went to the Locks. The salmon were out, and they were huge!
Rosalie and Raya went for a hike with Raya's dad.
Finally, the first day of school happened on the 17th! Everyone was relieved. And the teachers accomplished much with their strike. My hat is off to them.
A buddy who lives up the street is also a neighbor in Ro's table group!
Rosalie is happy in school now. She says she has one of the nicest teachers in the school. 
She's also successfully learned how to ride the unicycle! We head over to school a half an hour early every day so she can practice in the gymnasium before the bell rings. The first time she made it across the gym with the unicycle without falling, all the other kids cheered! And the PE teacher got some video footage! Hopefully I can figure out how to load the video on here.
We are midway through the soccer season so far, and Rosalie has really come into her own. She's an aggressive player, really gets in there! She still loves the game. Practices are up to two times a week. It's an adjustment! Lots of time commitment, but it's over by Halloween, so we can make it.
The team is all girls this year, which is a whole different vibe for the team. I like seeing them work together, and I love seeing them pass to each other.
Rosalie was a goalie the other day, and she did a great job, although she didn't like the pressure, or the hot uniform.
Their coach this year is just awesome. Sometimes I think he's spouting gold out of his mouth. It's such good, specific feedback! The girls like him a lot.
In case that wasn't enough activities, she's also started girl scouts (or Brownies, specifically) this year.
This week we went shopping for Halloween costumes, and although we didn't find the right gear there, we did find some sweet wigs.
Let them eat cake!
What's up, clown kid?
We found a costume online, finally. Shall I keep it a surprise? :) Anyway, that's it for now. Happy Autumn!
