family picnic at microsoft

Microsoft threw another fun bash for families. We ate so much. kettle corn, ice cream, sno cones, bbq, lemonade. Our tummies were stuffed.

A new thing this year was a big water slide. We could hardly get Perry to eat because all he wanted to do was get on that water slide. Imagine the disappointment when we got over there and they told him he wasn't tall enough. Thankfully, the worker cheated a little and let him go down just once. 

 

 

 

And when kyler got off of the slide, instead of climbing out like I thought he was going to, he threw himself down under the water with a huge splash, soaking me, Layla, and a family of four walking by.

The kids had fun with water balloons, rock climbing, a bounce house, and obstacle course. 

 

Perry and Layla got balloons--a pink pony and  a sword.

 

And all the kids sat to have their caricature drawn!

 

 

 

 

It was no easy task getting Perry to sit there and smile. Thank goodness for the artist's batman tattoo! I've never been so grateful for body art.

 

 

I wish I had a picture of Layla when she first sat down in that chair to model for her picture. She was trying so hard to be still and smile. Too hard. The more we told her to smile and relax, the more she shrugged her shoulders, widened her eyes, and drew her chin back revealing double chins. The artist asked her if she was in pain. And I all could do at first was laugh. I finally got myself in check and became a good mom and helped her sit forward and smile more naturally.

 

 

We also took the perfect picture for our 2016 Christmas card:

 

ballerina

Someone's getting excited for her recital...two more weeks until she hits the big stage.

5th Grade Camp

Kacin and Eric packed their bags and traveled by school bus to spend two nights at camp Orkila.

The 5th graders had a blast at camp. And Eric counted himself pretty lucky to get to chaperone a bunch of crazy 5th graders.

This little hike was a highlight of the trip for Kacin. It didn't surprise me to hear that every free moment Kacin, Caleb, Grace, and Kate spent together.

These are some pictures from Kacin and Eric's day time activity group.

Kacin was lucky enough to get two of his good friends from his class (and church) in his cabin group. Here they are on the ferry over to the island.

Kacin made it up on the high ropes course.

Classic 5th grade right here. Because life is not complete without a dab. 

these days

Kyler is doing an english unit that includes writing and performing monologues. I have loved watching him practice and perform for us at home! He impresses me with his confidence, expression, and creativity. I was never that comfortable and confident at the age of 12. But I am so glad that he is! And he has every right to be because he is so smart and fun and extremely capable.

I taught my last week of co-op preschool. I'm so glad we did this. It has worked out perfectly for me and for Layla. On the last day that I had the kids we held a bike-a-thon. The kids had fun riding their bikes on the course. I stamped their hand each time they went around.

one kiddo abandoned his bike for an easier method.

Popsicle time!

 Ellie got her recital costume. Precious girl.

While we waited for Kacin's baseball game to start, Kyler and I had a nice stroll down the mill creek trail.

We finally took Kyler on his easter-promised date. We went and saw Captain America with him.

I woke up one sunday and decided we were walking the almost three miles to church. It was a beautiful day for it. And resulted in some good conversation with my older boys. But of course the 10 minutes that Layla actually got out of the stroller to walk resulted in a twisted ankle for the poor girl.

Flattering picture, I know. But let's document the fact that Layla and I have been enjoying some really good bike rides all around.

The cutie found daddy's sweatshirt.

Kacin's baseball season is winding down. They won their first game in the tournament! It's been a fun season for sure.

Kindergarten Concert

Last week, I went in to help in Perry's class. I love volunteering in Perry's classroom. On this particular day, the teacher read a book about the beach and then the kids made a little beach in a bottle. It was such a good language and fine motor activity for my little guy. He was so excited about it.

That night was the Kindergarten concert. Perry told me he was supposed to wear cowboy boots and a hat. I'm really not sure where the idea came from, but he had his mind set on it. So we pulled out the cowboy hat. 

As cute as he was, when I dropped him off with his teacher, we convinced him he did not need to wear a hat that night to perform.

He was a little nervous at first, but quite adorable standing up there.

The kindergartners performed about 7 different songs. My little guy sang a little and did a few of the actions.

But he also kept me and Kyler entertained by doing this.

And this.

And sometimes I would glance away for a sec and when I looked back Perry had disappeared. When he was done with standing he would take a seat right there until he felt like standing again. Then he would pop right back up.

Really, all of the performers were quite entertaining--the kids yelling "hi mom", the animated singers, the tears, the bloody nose. . . Kindergarten is the best.

Way to go at your first Kindergarten concert, Perry!!