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.  

If at first you don't succeed try, try again...

Birt boys.

Daddy daughty.  

Slide park.

After dropping our car off to get it repainted: (compliments of our son drawing all over it with rocks...)

We found this gem of a park. 

Definitely worth the drive...

Gettin' nakey.

I'm pretty sure Lai was dressing & undressing herself at age one.  Ax, not so much.  Lately we've had some issues & just can't make it past this point when trying to get undressed.

Growth Chart.

I finally found a place in our house to start a growth chart.  But, I'm in serious need of some cute ideas.  I'd like to transfer this info onto a portable growth chart incase I want to move it around in the house. I'm thinking of making this.  However, I want to be able to write-on their names (not pin/nail anything to the board...) So, I'm not sure what I'd write with to help it show.  To be continued... 

Family day.

This was the first day in a long time that we've all been home together.

We went & picked-up some donuts (thank you Bazan's!), we played at our favorite park, per L's request we went to watch the sunset, & before evening baths - we did a freezing family walk.  It was a great day.

*** Please note: I've now updated posts in October, November & December - knock yourself out. ***

School.

I stumbled upon this cute classroom & could hardly contain my smile.  

Love.

Zoo day.

We met up with a friend of mine for a loooooooong over-due play date.  Kelly & I worked together for many years, we've since both quit to be SAHM's.  It was so special to get to meet her kids.  Her eldest, was such a joy to hang out with & I'm in love with her twins. (I'm pretty sure I'm in love with all twins...) but hers are especially sweet.  :)

It was a great outing & we'll definitely have to do it again soon!  Thanks Kelly for such a great morning!

This isn't this however, it's pretty amazing that the king (& queen) of the jungle are about 3 feet away from my little girl... 

Christmas cheer all month long.

University Village

Our sweet little nerds.  

Visiting our favorite Anthropologie worker.  

Jingle Bell Dash - 2011

Team: MLK

L's first race.  She ran 3 times with M & I.  After race treat, Top Pot!  

N's choir concert

She did so well!  (front row - white dress)

Olympic Ballet Nutcracker in Edmonds:

We had a sweet date with our daughter.  (I'm pretty sure J was the only male in the audience, what a trooper.)  :)  L loved it so much & cried when we had to leave.