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.

Check This Out!

Come see our latest crafty project... you can find it here!

Dance Recital 2011

After months and months of practice... the girls finally had the opportunity to perform their dances. Unfortunately, this year they were separated into two different recital times. Ugh! It made for a long day. But, so worth it... they were beautiful!

Merilyn performed "A Dream is a Wish" from Cinderella (I think?) and was absolutely darling. Very animated and theatrical. We loved watching her perform!

Ali and Natalie were amazing. They were so sharp and professional! I couldn't believe how talented the two of them were up there on the stage. (Of course, I am a bit biased...)

It was such a great day to watch my girls perform. A positive thing that came out of having two performance times was that they each got to watch the other dance. That was also fun for me... seeing the looks in their eyes as all of the dancers swooped, swirled and boogied. :) Thank you for the roses, Gramma, it made our big day even more special.

Vegas... Part 2

I was able to go to Las Vegas again! This time I was with Travis, Kristen and Matt. We all wanted to do something fun for our 40th birthdays... but our original dreams of going on a cruise were dashed after so many of our school days were cut this year! Vegas was also on our birthday party list and I had such a fantastic time in January... I knew we would have a blast.

We left the Saturday after I got out of school (another reason why I needed to be done and out of my classroom!) and were lucky enough to spend Sunday with Ross...who happened to be there for the day.

After being in the rain for what seemed an entire year, the HOT weather was an adjustment for me. The outside thermometer said 110* on one of the days! Ugh!! I am not a fan of hot weather - at all! But the fact that I was in the pool, and in the shade of a palm tree, made it bearable. :)

Kristen with the drink of the day.

I think the pool (with our books, magazines, and icy beverages) was the best part!

Each morning was spent by the pool, and then back to the room for lunch and naps. We would go out to the strip at night when it cooled off... down to 90*! HA!!

Another favorite memory of our trip... Laughing until I cried!

It was the perfect, relaxing getaway for us - especially at the end of a stressful school year. It was good to get back home to my girls... and of course, my Portland weather.

It's That Time of Year...

Packing up for the summer. The only difference this year is that I'm packing it all up and moving. Due to the budget cuts and lay-offs, I'm changing grades - and rooms - for next year. (I'm fortunate enough to stay at the same building.) It will be good to go through everything and sort and purge... but it the meantime it's all been thrown into boxes with no rhyme or reason. (It all needed to be packed up and ready to go by the time I left for vacation!)

A few photos of my new classroom.

I'm actually looking forward to the challenge and opportunities of a new grade level... It's a good time for me in my career to be inspired and motivated!