Play date.

Thanks for hosting, Katie!  

My kids took a great nap after this super-fun play date!

Princess & ballerina cutie-pies!  

This pic is all about the boys...
(I'm pretty sure it would have made my whole week
to have the other boys shirt-less as well.)   

Ballet.

L had her LAST ballet class today.  I'm relieved.  Unfortunately, this session was lame.  She had 12 girls in her class which was WAY too many, her teacher never knew her name, she played annoying music, & wasn't as strict as L needed.  The one positive of this class was seeing my friend Heather each week.  It was great having L involved in something that my friend's little girl was a part of.  My hope is to get Lai back in her original small ballet class this summer or fall.   Until then, our living room blasting "The Nutcracker" (or Brandi Carlile for that matter) will have to do.

Thanks Grandpa for coming out to see L wander around the dance floor today.

Julia.

We became friends in 5th grade!  Julia has lived all over the place since high school & is now back in Seattle for a quick visit with family.  I was able to steal her for a quick (wet) run around the lake & a 'post run' donut up on beautiful Queen Anne.  Loved & cherished our time together!

Family Dinner.

I've been much more intentional about having traditional family dinners & having the kids in the kitchen to help prepare the food.  It's brilliant!  Today we did 'build your own pizza'.  When Axey wasn't eating the uncooked toppings, he was quite the helper.  The kids were so proud to have made dinner for us!

End of an era.

It is with deep sadness that I share that our sweet Karchie died today.  He has been "Laila's dog" since she started walking.  Her & Karch had a special bond from the first time we met him.  Yes, technically he's our neighbor's dog, but if you asked Laila - they are just taking care of him for her.  As we've been well aware of Karchie's health issues the last few weeks, we've talked to Laila quite a bit about him dying.  One night L was crying herself to sleep so, I decided to write down a letter for her to give Karch.  She loved this idea and had me write the following:

"Dear Karchie,

I love you so much & I don't want you to die forever.  I've never had a dog before & I really love you a lot.  Thank you for visiting me all the time and laying under my window.  I am crying about you and really love you lots of.  Thank you for the gifts.  You are my favorite dog to walk and I don't want you to die.  Karchie, I love you.  Laila"

Karch did one last big walk over to our house today to give us some love, I snapped this picture, we walked him home in the warm sun, & said our good-byes.

Cousin's all over the place.

Happy Spring!

Hop scotch.

L decided to draw her own hop scotch.  I was so impressed with her skills.  One foot, two feet, one foot, two feet... until the very end where she threw in a double-one footer to surprise you.

Daddy's hat.

KONY 2012.

MAKE KONY FAMOUS.

Please take some time to watch this important video.

Seaside March 2012.

We usually dip down to Seaside, Oregon every few months.  However, this visit was long overdue.  It had been 9 months since our last trip.  Axel was now walking, there was a special addition to the boardwalk, & the entire clan was able to be there at the same time for a long wkend away.  Perfect. 

The plaque is located on the other side of this lamppost.  On the south corner of Broadway and S Promenade (the boardwalk).  Can't miss it as you exit this famous loop along the beach.  

Really into writing her name in the sand... 

Happy as a clam exploring the beach...

B & L flying the kite.  

We started swinging just one kid.  The chain quickly grew...

7 floors up; enjoying a good book, a cuddle & the view... 

"BEST BIG SISTER EVER!"

Matchy jams (& hair color).