La escuela.

I don't get tired of this view every morning...

First school pic.  

Dan.

Once again, this summer was filled with "HI DAN!", "Dan, can we deliver mail with you?", "Dan, can we sit in your mail truck for the millionth time?" "Dan, can we drive your mail truck again?" (don't ask - my lips are sealed...), "Dan, can we have this penny we found in your ashtray?" "Dan, here's another rock for your ashtray", "Dan, thanks for the special treats!" "Dan, can you eat lunch with us?"

Most neighborhoods know the mailman has arrived from the dogs barking or the gentle hum of their truck with mail doors squeaking opened & closed.  Our neighbors know he is here b/c of my kids greeting him from one block away.  "DAN'S HERE!!!!!!!!!"

We love Dan and feel blessed to have such a great guy paying us a visit each day.

Meg's hitched!

I grew up with Megan.  And now, so has Laila.  Congrats to the beautiful bride and here's to a blessed future!

Not only did she get to celebrate this special marriage...  Ingi did her first sparkler!

First day of school.

It's been FOREVER since I've blogged & I'm not going to make any promises of a "summer recap" (for heaven's sake, I haven't even finished my Christmas Disney posts...) But, I thought I would at least throw out a few of these goodies for your entertaining pleasure...

My oldest started Kinder this month.  It just so happens that we get to go to the #1 elementary in our school district, she has one of the best teachers (so I hear) and it's like 5 feet away from our front door. Blessing, blessing, blessing.

First Day Eve:  an Open House / Meet the teacher / See where you sit / etc...

Drawing a picture of herself learning to ride a bike without training wheels for her teacher. 

Where she sits.  

First day:  (Kleenex box in hand)...

We captured every family combo imaginable:

Toes painted, braids in and giant (empty) backpack on.  Ready?  Go!  

Mother/daughty pedi's

Ms. C - always squatting down to be at eye-level with the kids.... 

Lining up just before a complete stranger Ms. C took her away from me us...  I was standing next to a very pregnant lady and we were both shedding tears.  To which she stated, "I'm pregnant (sniff, sniff) - what's your excuse (for all the tears)...?" 

It's my BABY - she'll now be in school the rest of her life...!  

Labor Day.

Today was a big day in our household... Lai had her first pedi AND she learned to ride a bike sans the training wheels.

In a skirt, no less... 

The cheering crew

They made a great team.  L maybe practiced 2 times this summer.  Tonight she decided she wanted to do it, and just went for it.  Atta girl!!!  

Rainbow theme.

We celebrated L's 5th birthday a few days ago with a rainbow party at the park.  This girl is a true gift form above.  We're so thankful for this ray of sunshine.  

Savannah.

Remember this shower?

Well, after a miraculous birth in NYC - this little one flew to Seattle to meet me all of us, wearing her Sunday best.  I could have held her allllllllll day.

Like mother, like daughter - L couldn't get enough... 

Cuddles with her nana.

My uncle reading stories to the kids...

We love & miss you already sweet Savannah!

Happy 4th y'all!

Apparently the neighbs had a kid parade every year for years & years.  This hasn't happened since we moved here 5 years ago.  This year it was reinstated.  Lai could barely sleep the night before:  "Can you believe it mama, we are going to be in a real parade.  I've always dreamed of being in a parade."

Isn't this a great turn out?  This isn't even everyone.   

Miles (our buddy on the right) was a real show-stopper as he rode slow and gently handed out candy to on-lookers...

Selfies of my sillies & I:

Red, white & blue everywhere!  

Gram & Papa's for a BBQ:

Reading to Molly. 

First pop-its.  

Fun had by all.  

Thanks Gram & Papa!!!