Redmond

A quick little trip... this time to my friend, Christie's family's house in Redmond. Christie and I have been friends since preschool, and it's so fun to watch our own kids play together.

I could've spent all summer sitting on the deck looking out at the view. It was so quiet and peaceful... very relaxing. Whether in the morning with a cup of coffee, or evening with a book and a glass of wine. This spot was good for my soul.

The kids could've spent all summer playing with Daegan. Ali loved the ball tossing game, and Meri loved playing in (or near) the wading pool. They had an entire "restaurant" set up and served Christie and me all kinds of goodies. Of course, when they weren't playing outside, they were playing inside. They had all kinds of cities and towns set up with all of the Barbies, Pollys, "Mighty World" characters and other action figures. (Meri was really into all of the Mighty World toys... we might have to think about tracking some down for her birthday.)

We went to a great pizza place one night. The girls thought it had the best play place they had ever seen! After dinner, we walked around Wal-Mart checking out all of the toys we wished we had. :)

It was beautiful and warm while we were there... (it started raining as soon as we came home!) the girls and I were sad to leave!

4th of July 2011

The day started with the Happy Valley parade. Everybody chose to join in this year! It was a beautiful, sunny day. Perfect for a parade.

Thank you Uncle Greg for pulling the girls!

Then, because it was still sunny and warm, it was on to the Slip-n-Slide... created and monitored by Daddy and Uncle Greg.

Next on the agenda was the pinata. The big girls had to start with their eyes covered, and the littles got to whack away without the blindfold. Once it was down, all of the kids got to fill up their bags with goodies.

And, finally, the fireworks. Again, Daddy and Uncle Greg were in charge of lighting everything and making the show spectacular.

Happy 4th of July!

Mary Poppins

Casey and I took our girls to the Keller Auditorium for the production of Mary Poppins. My aunt Linda, cousin Marcy and her daughter, Maggie, were in town for the 4th and were able to come along.

We've seen the movie a gazillion times and I thought my girls would love it. It was very different from the movie, however, and there were a several scenes and songs that had been added. In fact, Meri's favorite part was an added scene... the dolls and toys in the nursery came alive to sing and dance.

Ali's favorite part was when Burt tapped his way up the wall and along the ceiling. I loved that part, too... it was an amazing tap dance with all the chimney sweeps to "Step in Time."

It wasn't quite what we were expecting, but the girls ended up loving it.