Wordless Wednesday - Halloween Ladybugs

Preschool Pictures

I am quite pleased at how Tori's pictures turned out. She's gone through a shy stage and often doesn't want to smile for pictures, especially for strangers. Needless to say I was a little concerned at how her first portraits, without mom and dad, would turn out. I love it! Can you believe how long her hair is getting?

Wordless Wednesday - Together

Seattle Tradition Part 2 (better late than never)

At the park for Jilly's birthday celebration: Fun friends, fun family,

fun food, fun rain, fun gifts...fun time!

The next day was the Mariners game. The highlight being a chance for the girls to run the bases after the game. After waiting in line and walking forever through the stadium, the girls finally spotted the entrance to the field and they were OFF Excited to meet and greet 'the key' (KeyBank sponsored the event) Tori has always been very apprehensive (if not terrified) of large costumed 'things'. She remained a little timid when it came to seeing the key, but to my surprise she actually walked up and gave it a hug. Then to continue around the bases to her daddy waiting near home plate.

Fun With Bikes

Seattle Tradition, 6 years strong (part 1)

Early in August we had our annual trip to the Seattle area to take in a Mariner's game with the Mattos family. We've gone for at least the last 6 years and always have a blast. This time we were also celebrating Jillian's 4th birthday with a trip to the Pt. Defiance Zoo and Aquarium and picnic in the park. As usual it was a wonderful weekend with the best of friends making more terrific memories.

The fun began after we arrived at Mandy's dad's house. He graciously opened his home for us once again. The guys had some good conversation over scotch and cigars (another tradition in itself)

The next morning, despite forecasts of rain we all headed out to the zoo for a fun filled morning. The fish tanks were a huge hit with the girls,

as was the touch tanks.

We had to take advantage of a lagoon area for some photo ops:

After looking at the attractions, (baby tigers, playing polar bears, lazy walruses), we had some fun before leaving the zoo and heading to the park.

8 years

Happy Anniversary to the wonderful man of my life!

I love you to the moon, Mister

Preschool

Today is Tori's first day of preschool. Ej was able to stay home for a while this morning so we could take Tori to school as a family. She was very excited to finally be able to go.

kayla couldn't resist the photo op

Once we got to 'her' school we waited a few minutes for her classroom to be opened. As the other kids and parents started arriving, Tori sat very quietly snuggled up to us, observing. She wasn't ready to talk with the other kids yet, and I began to get nervous for emotions. Once it was time to enter her classroom, however, she was ready. She greeted her teacher, Mrs. Nelson; walked to her hook and hung up her backpack and jacket; and was off playing. Kayla and I stayed for a few minutes observing the class. Tori found a painting station, got settled in and when she caught my eye, she blew me a kiss. I knew it was time for me to be on my way, my heart set at ease as she was quite content and ready to be on her own.

Summer Highlights

Since I'm so far behind in posts this summer, I thought I'd do a brief recap of what we've been up to over the last couple months.

First up, Tori's 4th Birthday:

She was a princess for the day (complete with a rose from Daddy) Then came her party, with lots of food, friends, family, and fun in the water Next up; the 4th of July Parade. 4 years and counting with the Mattos Family. And lastly a few more pictures from our summer:

first time fishing with grandpa

Day trip to Seaside

fun at grammy and grandpa's

what's summer without sprinklers and watermelon