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This year we decided the kids would have to make their costumes out of things we already had in the house.  Claire got lucky because her Nana just bought her a brand new Minnie costume but the other two had work to do! They got their creative juices flowing and found something to wear.

Our nephew Nick is off to bootcamp.  He's decided to join the army and help protect this great nation of ours.  We're incredibly proud of him for this sacrifice he's making.  We went down to California to see him before he left.  It was so wonderful hanging out with him for a few days.

We enjoyed our annual visit to the pumpkin patch.  It's hard to believe that Halloween is almost here!

A couple of weeks ago Connor got a promotion in jiu jitsu.  We're very proud of all of his hard work.

For Anthony's birthday we spent the day in Portland while the older two were in school.  We don't go over the river very often so we thought we'd do something different.

For Claire's birthday we went to the zoo.  It was a fun day!

Somehow three years have gone by since my littlest one was born.  I love the little girl she's becoming. 

We celebrated Claire's 3rd birthday with our Washington family a few days before her birthday.  She was so cute days before the party she kept asking, "when are we going to get my party started?".  My girl loves Minnie Mouse, so a Minnie party it was!

On Wednesday Connor and Charlotte started their first day at school and on Thursday Claire started her first day at preschool.

On Wednesday Claire got her very first hair cut.  I was sad to see some of her baby hair go but she sure is cute with her pretty healthy hair!

Claire had her preschool orientation last week.  She seemed to really like the class and is ready to go to school! 

A fun way to cool off

Charlotte was at yet another sleep over (I'm pretty sure she doesn't love us anymore) so we treated Connor and Claire to a fun game of mini golf.

I'm not sure how many times I can say this, but I'm amazed at all the fun activities there are in this area for families.  We recently met up with some friends at Alderbrook Park.  It's not too far from my house (who knew?) but it feels like a world away.  So many fun activities for the kids; paddle boats, bounce houses, swimming, pink lemonade fountain, pirate ship, and so, so much more.  All included for the price of admission (a mear $5!).  So awesome.

A few weeks ago the ice cream truck came through our neighborhood.  The kids wanted to get some ice cream, I usually say no but I decided to be a nice mom and say yes.  They were really excited and ran down the street calling for the truck.  It was definitely the ultimate summer experience.  It was also Claire's first time getting a treat from the ice cream man.

We celebrated my niece's birthday at Chuck E Cheese.  Not my favorite place but the kids love it.  Claire had never been there before but she really had a great time.  She loved Chuck E!