Friday, October 3, 2014

Fam Fun

If you know Stephen at all, then you won't be surprised that our entire trip
revolved around the World Cup Soccer game schedule.
Just about every arrival time and/or pit stop
coincided with a game he wanted to watch.
You're not surprised, are you?

Our first night in Seattle, Connie suggested we walk to the park,
and Brett suggested we play a little world cup soccer of our own.
Great idea, bro!
 





 
 
Next up: the Edmonds 4th of July Parade
 




 
Notice how sunny and warm it was in the morning.
I'm pretty sure I got sunburned, in fact.
That Seattle rain has a way of sneaking up on you.
After some amazing "Red, White & Blue Burgers" a la Connie
(think: red onion, Ranch, and bleu cheese)
barbecued under some sprinkles,
we headed back over to Edmonds for the fireworks.
As luck would have it,
the rain stopped right before.
 
Glo-sticks rule again!

Brett's little shadow
 
We headed downtown one night to the Great Wheel:
 


 
 









 
 
Patriotic Sunday dress:


Staying in Seattle with my family = dreamy.
We always get spoiled with amazing food, great conversation,
glorious relaxation, fun outings,
and sleeping in until whenever we want.
The best!

Monday, September 1, 2014

North by Northwest

Our next stop took us to cousins on the other side of the family.  More fun and good times!  The weather surprised us--although we always seem to bring the heat with us to Washington--so there was some of this:


 
and some of this:

Millie's first time on a kayak.
She wasn't so sure at first... as the boat wobbled while we all climbed in

but once we got moving, she settled down and actually enjoyed herself.

Kayakers unite!

Photog selfie

Serene and scenic


We had fun digging up mussels in the muddy banks
 
The next day we hit one of my favorite childhood fieldtrip destinations,
The Pacific Science Center:
 
 
 
The IMAX movie we saw
 
 
 
and other fun, interactive exhibits
 

 

Butterflies
Unfortunately our camera died right about here, but trust me when I say there is a ton to do and see at this museum.  The next time you're in Seattle with kids, you should go if you can.  And if you get to go with cousins, even better!
 
Wait, Aunt Lisa had a few more on her camera:
 





 

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

The Empty School Nest

Eight o'clock feels early.
 
School-supply-laden backpacks wake them up a little.

As does the excitement for the first day of fifth grade,

kindergarten,



and second grade.


 
Mommy-daughter shot.
 
A familiar walk,

although reams of paper in the packs make it feel longer.

 
Back to the blacktop.

Miss Millie starting to look a bit concerned,

as she gets her turn to line up outside the classroom.


Finding her seat at the blue table, 
 
and finally getting a turn on the very carpet both her big brothers have sat on for story time.

Guess who started to tear up during The Kissing Hand?
Definitely not Millie.
Chester Raccoon stood at the end of the forest and cried.
"I don't want to go to school" he told his mother. 
 "I want to stay home with you. I want to play with my friends.
And play with my toys. And read my books. 
And swing on my swing. Please may I stay home with you?"
 
Is it so wrong that I relate more to the kid than the mom in this story?

Calm down, Mommy, it's going to be okay.