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!!!  

Family Day #2.

The fish are running!  Head down to the Locks to see massive amounts of salmon right now.  We did this on our Family Day today.  We love The Locks and feel so blessed to have it so close.  It's great/free entertainment.  The boats were beautiful, the day was warm and the fish were jumping like crazy!

Fish ladder. 

We could have watched the fish jumping all day long... 

...and the seals chowing down (Boo!).

Summer Family Day #1.

Summer's are busy for us.  J works a LOT, and with me working on most days that he's not working.  Well, we have decided to be intentional about having at least one family day a week.  We have them on the calendar and set aside the day (or most of the day) to be together to go out and DO something.

So, I now present to you Family Day #1 - Discovery Park hike:

Gas Works.

Their dad's working today & this mom's tired of the same 'ol parks... So, I loaded-up the kids & we spent some quality time together at Gas Works.  We had a hoot exploring, checking out the city views & running around.  I love my kids.  & this city.

Working hard or hardly working?

Over the last month I've flown to a few meetings for work.  When I was full-time BK (before kids) I went to some great locations like San Francisco a few times, Chicago (fav!), & Montreal (fav!).  I certainly didn't think I wanted to travel since being back part-time.  However, this last month proved me wrong.  Meeting #1:  San Diego.  Coronado Island to be exact.  Hotel Del on Coronado to be even more exact.  Pinch me!

I flew down early landing at 9:30am.  This meant I had exactly 9 1/2 hours before I needed to be anywhere.  Ready?  Explore!

So, I walked into this famous hotel, 

Checked-in in this lobby, 

And, got a key for THIS room....  Oh, what's behind those curtains you ask?  

BOOM.  I had this view.  Bananas, I tell you.  I was going bananas.  

This tiny morsel of a window had a direct west facing view of all beach.  

Corner room on top floor, anyone?  This is why one should always check-in early & smile at the staff.  I was in paradise.  (Paradise alone, wishing my family was with me but, it was still paradise for about 30 hours.)

At this time I had about 8 hours to do a bike tour of the island, read, lunch, swim, walk on the beach & eat ice cream, MooTime ice cream.

Rented a bike for 3 hours & toured this tiny yet scenic island.  

If you have never been to this island off the coast of San Diego, it's a must see.  It's basically half navy base and half ga-jillion dollar homes with some fancy-schmancy hotels along the beaches.  We usually make it out there on every San Diego trip but, have never stayed longer than an hour or two...

(Lifted this map from internet.)  

This is the Coronado Bridge, (the 2nd most popular bridge to jump, following the Golden Gate & leading in front of our Aurora Bridge...)  Other than that sad fact, it really is beautiful.  

After riding, I hit the pool & read.  But, when you're in such a beautiful place like this, I felt guilty being at the pool & not sitting at the "real pool" 50 yards away.    

So, I hit the beach.  

My room is pretty much in the center of this photo, top corner.  

Sunset.  

Sunrise.  

I will go back someday... 

Meeting #2 was Phoenix.  It was the exact opposite.  Great hotel but, no view, totally boring downtown location.  NOTHING to do.  I mean, nothing.  There were about 2 stores open in each "shopping mall".  I don't know how many times one can walk into Urban Outfitters or Charming Charlies but, I'm sure I set the record.  It was a good meeting but, overall lame location.

Fortunately there was a DDD restaurant here.  This place & it's bacon was my saving grace.  

 Without a minute to spare - I flew home, ate dinner with the fam & was around to give my son his birthday gifts before tucking my big 3 year old into bed.

Happy Birthday sweet Axey Benj.  Mama loves you! 

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. ***

Stitches.

After the kids had their first church Christmas concert last Sunday we went to g-ma & g-pa's for lunch.  Axel fell off his chair, hit the chair next to him on the way down & split open his chin.

As they were sewing him up with 5 stitches my relaxed little guy fell right to sleep.

Drawing while we waited for the doc...

All tuckered out.  

Unfortunately, he was not as well behaved for the stitch removal.  Who knew it would take 4 of us to pin him down...  Again, thankful for Children's being so close by.

Met g-ma & g-pa at U Vill after, for some celebratory hot cocoa.  No more stitches!