Aunt Suzanne's visit

My sister Suzanne and her kids came to visit us in Seattle.  (To the rest of my siblings:  I know who loves me best) :)

We showed them around downtown a bit... Here are photos on the Great Wheel and at the Seattle city center.  We also went to the beach at Saltwater State Park.

We loved having them visit.

Father's Day

This and that

SJ saying goodbye to her best neighbor friend before we moved.

Sj's kindergarten orientation and bus ride.  She is sooooo excited!  (Yes, that is another bandaid on her head... This girl is rough and tumble).

Checking out the trails behind our new house.

Greg and I went to a sounders soccer game...we loved it!  

Ring around the rosy

Ashes ashes we all fall down

Getting some sun

1st grade concert

Clara had a concert with her 1st grade class at school this Spring.  All week leading up to it, she kept telling me about a special song they were working on for the parents... it was going to be a surprise and she couldn't sing it for me ahead of time (but I heard it about 100 times as she hummed and sang it under her breath all week long).  "We appreciate you, yeah you're really great... we appreciate you yeah you're really cool.  You make us so happy with the things you say and do.  Yeah we appreciate you." 

(Clara is on the bottom left in the purple dress)

After the concert she ran up and gave me a big hug.  "Mom, did you see me crying during the special song?  I was singing to you and it was because I love you so much."  Pretty much melted my heart. 

We survived

And he did, too.  We're happy to have daddy back after his 2 week trip to India. Also glad for him that the summit he organized went smoothly. 

Stage!

The girls think the playroom in our new house is for putting on plays.  On moving day, C asked why I was putting toys in there.  "No, Mom, this is the PLAY room."  

Greg stayed up until 1am the week after we moved in putting this together... It is a work in progress (c has plans for a trap door and pulley system).  :)  the girls don't haves beds,yet, but they have a stage!  (Priorities, people)

Easter photo

We had been in our new home for a few days... I managed to find each of them a matching pair of shoes.  I called that a success on this Easter day. 

Miss Independent

From the moment SJ could move, she has wanted to be independent.  Doing her own thing in her own way and not needing Mama's help.  Then I got called to be the sunbeam teacher of her class last year, and another little girl in her class needed lots of attention.  It must have touched on a jealous nerve in her somewhere, because for two hours every Sunday she wanted to stay close to me... Sitting on my lap and giving me impromptu hugs and kisses throughout class time.  I soaked up every last bit.  

Picnic

This was our last week attending church right next to the Temple, so we decided to have a picnic lunch there.  This is what we did one year ago when we first moved here, as well.  Closing on our new home in 1 week!  Wish us luck!

The many outfits of SJ

This girl has strong opinions and likes to dress herself.  Here are some samples, so we won't forget...

She calls this her mini mouse hair. (The bandaid is from an accident in our crowded primary room involving some squirmy sunbeams and a metal chair.  There was lots of blood involved, but she is ok)

There are lots of SJ self portraits on my phone...

She outdid herself on this day.  Tinker bell dress, polka dot sweater, polka dot pants, purse, rain boots and an Asian hat.

Princess dress and crown amidst winter clothes and rock collections... She fell asleep on the walk to pick up C from school.

She even likes to dress baby S and I, sometimes...

Picking out shoes is the hardest part...

Science

C wanted to participate in her school's science fair.  The topic she chose was "how fairies fly."  I let Greg take the reins on that one.  They did a great job.

4 year old Fear factor champion

Greg helped organize an Asain potluck dinner at church.  The main game/entertainment of the evening was a version of Fear Factor.  SJ really wanted to participate as her dad's teammate.  Here is a list of the rounds.  As you can see, they increase in difficulty.  

1. Dried mango

2. Seaweed

3. Clams

4. Chicken feet

5. Chicken hearts

6. Chicken liver 

7. Pig's feet

Guess who made it to the very end .  Yep, our SJ!  Life is never dull with her around. (she had her face painted with dolphins).

Overheard

Last week c told me she doesn't like music class at school.  

Me:  what, why not?!?

C:   My teacher doesn't sing very well.  His voice is kind of off pitch and screechy.

At the Disney store a couple of weeks ago, SJ wanted a dress that cost $60.  I said no way are we spending that much money here.  She then said, "why don't we just ask if they'll take $2 for it."

I'm afraid we might be creating little monsters.

Frozen

 After much deliberation, C decided she wanted a "Frozen" party to celebrate her 7th b-day

 She got a big-girl bike (with hand brakes and gears!) for her b-day.

New Years

 We had a fun family party and counted down well before midnight.

Baby S was hilarious trying to blow up a balloon (above) and pop a balloon (below) like her sisters. 

Yoga baby

Baby S likes to do yoga with me.  She does a pretty cute downward dog but is even better at sitting on me and bouncing while I hold a pose.  

Little tidbits

Baby S likes to carry her own umbrella when it rains. 

Greg and I had a fun date to tour a chocolate  factory. It was great because I like chocolate and cooking and Greg likes manufacturing.   Doesn't Greg look great in a hairnet?

Wow

Snowflake lane:  These people really know how to Create some Christmas magic(they would call it holiday magic, but I'm stubborn and will continue to call it Christmas).