Did the Puyallup!

We went to the fair today! It was a blast! It had been a few years since we had been! The kids are at a perfect age to go, didn't even need a stroller! We enjoyed some rides and of course yummy treats!

PreK for Brindley & No more training wheels for Colden!

Today was Brindley's 1st day of PreK at In the Beginnings Preschool! She was very excited! I can't wait to pick her up to see how her day went!

Last week Colden learned how to ride his bike without training wheels! Honestly, it was so spur of the moment to take off his training wheels. He had fabulous balance on the Razor scooter, so I thought maybe he would feel the same way on his bike...once I took them off and he got on, he was putting his legs out like a "V" and balancing the bike...so I told him to put his legs up on the pedals and he's good to go...he did it!!! Just like that...a pro without training wheels!!

1st day of kindergarten

It was a BIG day in our house yesterday! Colden started Kindergarten! He was beyond excited and ready for this day! Mommy is so proud and excited for Colden, but I'm not gonna lie...I shed some tears! After I picked him up, he didn't stop talking about school until it was bedtime!

It is a very strange feeling being on the other side...as a parent, not the teacher. I loved every moment of being a teacher and I love every moment of being a mother. I feel blessed that I've experienced both sides! I'm excited for Colden and his adventures in Kindergarten and I'm also excited for Mrs. Dolen as she teaches my son!

Brindley starts school next week and we are thrilled with the new preschool she will be going to. Brian and I went to the parent meeting last night, and I'm very impressed. She will be a busy little girl, but I think she is going to blossom this year! She also had her first gymnastics class yesterday and did wonderfully!

This mommy is beaming and smiling from ear to ear! (All pics again are from my phone...camera battery dead-awesome).
The only pic I got of Brindley sitting on her mat! She was darling in her gymnastics outfit...Listening to the teacher!
So Proud!

Lincoln City 2011

We just got back from another fabulous trip to Lincoln City, OR. It seriously has to be one of my favorite spots to vacation! We went with our wonderful friends, the Fontaine Family! Even though the Fontaine Fam lives in Spokane and us in Seattle, each year we reconnect on this vacation like we've never been apart!

We had fabulous weather, I think the best year yet! We ate great food, enjoyed lots of wine, and had good conversations! The kids do so well together...they even all sleep in the same room...although there were many late nights...it's vacation right? We were able to get to the Newport Aquarium, Tillamook Cheese Factory (by the way...Sticky Bun Ice Cream, best ice cream I have ever had and I don't even like ice cream), to the beach everyday, out to some lovely lunches, and even found a skate park!

We also got to enjoy the company of a great college friend, Tami and her darling kids, Tucker and Addie! It was so incredible to catch up with her and have our kids play together, I haven't laughed that hard in a long time!

We are seriously already planning next year's vacation! And sorry for the lack of pictures, I simply was not a good photographer this year!
At the Newport Aquarium!

Cute boys...Colden and CamBrandon and Colden looking at some huge jelly fish!

Flying our kites!

Fun at the world's smallest river!

Building a sand castle...I believe it turned into Rapunzel's tower!

Couldn't resist this pic!

Lake Chelan

We were able to escape to Lake Chelan for a few days! We were in a beautiful spot and are so thankful we were able to have 3 nights as a family in Chelan! The weather was great! We jet skied, hot tubbed, relaxed, read books, and got into town for some fun!

Kiddos pretending to be dogs (although this was taken while Brian and I were enjoying lunch out...so maybe I should ask my mother in law if she decided to lock them up!!! ;) Ha, ha!

Sprinkler time!

Sitting on a jet ski!

Brian and I enjoying the jet ski!

Brindley's turn! She was a dare devil, "go faster Daddy!"

Colden's turn...he was my safe child, "slow down dad!"

4th of July

We had a super 4th of July! Brian went golfing and while he was away, I took the kids to a good ol' fashion 4th of July downtown Issaquah! We watched a parade, played on bounce houses, rode ponies and got our faces painted! The weather was absolutely phenomenal!

That evening we went to a couple houses to celebrate with wonderful friends! After we had good food, good drinks and lots of sparkler time, we walked to the Sammamish firework show!

Hope you enjoyed your 4th!

busy!!!

Oh my! Life has been crazy busy and I can't emphasize that enough! So I'll play catch up here!

First of events, was Brindley's ballet recital! Pure cuteness! Her group was Flower Power! Cutest song ever and brought Mommy to tears even during practice! We are incredibly proud of Brindley! She was so brave singing and dancing in front of many people! PS...I forgot my better lense for all events...awesome.

Our last day of preschool was Thursday, it's also our last year at Glory Days! Colden moves on to Kindergarten next year so he "graduated" from preschool...he has learned so much and has made many great friends. Brindley will move on to PreK next year at a different preschool because of the elementary school schedule for Colden. They had a wonderful performance on their last day, and Brian and I are so proud of our kids. I made it through without the "ugly Oprah cry," but it was close!
Both kids posing with their teacher gifts!Brindley getting ready to sing! Colden's turn!Colden graduating from preschool! = (

And lastly, we had Colden's trophy celebration for Tball! What a fun season and a fun group of kids! They are already talking about next season! Colden was very proud to get a real trophy!

I am also getting ready for the BIG garage sale to benefit Ben Towne Foundation! All the ladies have been very hard at work organizing, pricing, sorting, hauling, and advertising for the garage sale. We are very excited about our first event! June 18th from 9-4 will be a big day! www.bentownefoundation.org