Day 351/365 ~ 2012

We enjoyed sharing Kaitlin's first Nutcracker with Katie and Kennedy.

Kaitlin's review:  "I triple loved it!!!"

The downpour after the ballet kept us from our planned post-ballet treat, but an ice cream cone through the drive thru window proved just has satisfying when enjoyed with friends!

Day 350/365 ~ 2012

Katie and Kyle hosted to a lovely Christmas Soiree for our small group.

It was a treat to pause during the holiday bustle to share some time & laughs with dear friends.

Day 282/365 ~ 2012

Katie and Kennedy dropped by and the girls had a fun time dressing up. When they came down like this I couldn't resist a photo.  The ears in combination with the dresses were just too cute.

These two are so funny together.  They are loving each other and happily playing dress up or "puppy" one minute and then yelling at each other the next.  :)  They are two spirited little girls and I love them both! 

Day 262/365 ~ 2012

Happy Birthday, Amy!

I enjoyed such a fun morning/afternoon celebrating Amy's birthday.  We sat and chatted for hours while the girls happily played.  It was such a relaxing day ~ part of it spent in the back yard soaking in the amazing weather we are having.  Amy and her husband started our small group, and I am so grateful they invited us to be a part of it.  I love Amy's laugh, sense of humor and her relaxed approach to life is a great balance to my sometimes overly Type A personality.

I hope you have a wonderful year, my friend!

Day 246/365 ~ 2012

How special did we feel when we arrived to this Apple themed "Back to School" dinner?



Katie definitely made us feel doted on and spoiled! Down to making me an "apple martini" ~ while everyone else enjoyed a class of wine.

The kids had a great time playing in the backyard while the adults visited until the sun went down.



Our generous hosts.

A lovely evening spend with sweet friends.  The perfect way to welcome the new school year.



Our crazy kids.
There's a LOT of personality in this group!  Makes for a lot of fun. :)

Day 242/365 ~ 2012

A trip to Target to spend a birthday gift card was made twice as fun when running into Matthew V. who was also on a trip to spend a birthday gift card!
Both chose Pokemon cards (not a fan).
Two happy boys left with cards in their pocket and a play date on the calendar.

Day 241/365 ~ 2012

A wonderful evening spent with small group friends over dinner.
(We missed you, Rachel & Linda!)
As usual, the time passed much too quickly ~ the restaurant closed before we were done visiting!
I do so love these women and am very grateful for their fellowship!

Day 234/365 ~ 2012

We had a small group meeting to get organized for the upcoming year.
These four little ones ran off to play together and came back all dolled up!
It was the first time they did something like this collectively on their own and it was just such a wonderfully sweet moment to see them old enough to be forming their own friendships.   
This photo definitely makes my heart smile.

Day 233/365 ~ 2012

Gymnastics started today!
Kaitlin loves it.  Her friends Grace and Kennedy are in her class too!
And all 3 girls want to be FIRST.  Oh, the comedy of being four!

Day 217/365 ~ 2012

As I took this photo I was in awe of how picturesque this setting was.  The lake, the trees, Mt. St. Helens as a back drop.  We enjoyed such a beautiful day boating with friends.



Don't let the smile fool you. Our little fish was a little fearful of the boat/lake and shed some tears.  But did summon her courage enough to swim in the lake and ride the tube with Daddy!



I heard it was the hottest day in 3 years! Dan said it was his favorite day of summer. A very special outing for our family.



Our happy hosts.



Katie was so sweet to brave the cold water and try to help Matthew and Andrew ski. Neither got up but both gave a good effort and I was really proud of them for trying!



Truth be told, I have a fear of water. Not swimming pools, but you won't find me swimming in a river, the ocean and or a lake...at least not without some serious anxiety.  But I was game to float on top of the water.

Thank you so much friends, for such a treat of a day ~ it will definitely be one of the highlights of our summer!

Day 216/365 ~ 2012

A friday night dinner with friends!  How cute is this little crew?  The kids had a little picnic, and had fun playing while the adults enjoyed some time together....



Some of our small group friends (A&A~ I haven't asked if I can share their names!) who we so enjoy.  I love their sense of humor ~ there is always a good laugh to be had with them. We enjoyed a fun relaxing night together that involved a little S'more making as well.



Which Andrew definitely enjoyed. :)

Day 215/365 ~ 2012

Carter & Andrew quickly posed for a photo before starting their swim lesson with a splash!



Swim lessons are over.
It's been a fun two weeks ~ the kids loved swimming and the moms loved lounging around the pool in the sunshine!

Day 214/365 ~ 2012

Sweet friends.
Kaitlin loved playing with Kennedy while the boys had their lesson.
She waited anxiously and worried each day until Kennedy arrived that she might not show up.
Today was "Matching Swim Suit Day!"
At least for us.  :)



I love this photo of Kaitlin because she looks so courageous and determined.  She didn't cling to the instructor in fear like I did as a child. she'd jump in with confidence and say, "I can do it!" 

Yes you can!

Day 210/365 ~ 2012

Happy Birthday party day, Andrew!!!
A "Cheerful Monster Party" at Chuck E Cheese was Andrew's request.
I'm not a fan of Chuck E. Cheese.  To put it nicely.
But he really wanted his party there...and a shot at that 1000 ticket in the "ticket blaster."



Ready for the party!





The kids had a fantastic time playing games.  It was fun seeing them scurry all around with their little cups of tokens.



Lots of excitement with Chuck E. at the cake. :)



We know so many sweet little kids.



Then it was time...the moment Andrew had waited for...the Ticket Blaster!!! (Can you see his big smile in the photo?)  We had discussed a strategy before the party. Tuck in the shirt, and shove the tickets down the front of his shirt. Those tickets started swirling like crazy and I thought there's no way he'll even get one!



But he did!  He was SO happy when he got out and started pulling the tickets out of his shirt and unfolded one to find that it was the 1000 ticket!!



I was SO happy for him.
SO, so so happy.

He "bought" a plush space "Angry Bird" with his tickets and is still completely thrilled over it.
I think this will be one of those fantastic childhood memories that he won't forget.

I'm happy we went to Chuck E Cheese after all.

:)

PS.  This one's for you, Dan....

190/365 ~ 2012

We had a really fun afternoon celebrating Kennedy's 4th birthday.
My friend Katie left no detail unattended at this darling "Cherry Picnic" themed party. Most importantly, the kids had a BALL ~ lunching and playing together at the park with some of our favorite friends/families.  A great time was had by all!



How cute is this cake?!?!
Thanks P. Family ~ what a treat of an afternoon!

Day 186/365 ~ 2012

4th of July was different for us this year.  Because it landed on a Wednesday, we didn't make our usual trip to Richland.  We celebrated here instead.  And while we missed our traditional day spent with family BBQing and swimming, we still had a great day!

We started with a picnic at the Park with Mike & Michelle








Followed by the "Brave" Matinee (photo to come)

Where during the previews they showed an advertisement for a Batman wii game.  Dan wanted me to record this  moment for his memory...at the end of the ad for the game they said "Ages 10 & up."  After which Andrew's voice could be heard saying, "Oh GREAT."  Like his hopes had been raised only to be crushed by those four little words.  As he is only six.

Dinner Al Fresco







Followed by Fun & Fireworks with friends!









The firemen stopped by with candy for the kids.



There was sparkler dancing.



LOTS of noise! And chasing of parachutes that came out of fireworks. Andrew turned his ankle near the end of the evening in his excitement and hobbled around for a few days afterward.



Liberal firework laws (compared to what we're used to) made for an exciting night for the kids....



They were SO excited about the fireworks.  Lots of noise, things being shot high in the air....
On the way home from fireworks Kaitlin said, "I am so so happy!" The kids LOVED the fireworks and had a great time with friends. 

Happy 4th of July!!!