Days of our lives

Pumpkin carving

2011-10-27T20:17:00.001-07:00

The pumpkins are carved. Both of the designs are original works of art.

They are proud of their work.

You can tell Halloween is in the air. Look who came to dinner.

Little Sara!

Oh! Did I mention that we have a new bathroom? We still need to buy some things but this is it. I really like it!

Bathroom done

2011-10-16T08:45:00.001-07:00

Hooray! The bathroom is done. I love it! I am so glad we have new pipes and two new bathrooms for so cheap. Not sure what colors to put in there but I suppose I will figure it out.

Yep! A new fad, cake for breakfast.

The girls got to watch Homeward Bound: The incredible journey last night. I think the animals are going to get extra love today.

Homework

2011-10-12T18:45:00.001-07:00

This is how Sara has chosen to do her homework, in rabbit ears and a Santa dress. Perfect!

Also the girls have made some Halloween signs for the house.
Syd's:

Sara's: It reads - If you come in you will not come out! Yikes

Bathroom and coming home

2011-10-05T21:00:00.001-07:00

We arrived home to an almost finished bathroom. It is supposed to be done in two days. I have learned to double whatever he says so maybe next week sometime.
It is really coming along and I am pleased with the look of it.

I am looking forward to getting back to normal life. Mostly starting my day with something other than a hotel donut and hard boiled egg. That was our breakfast for seven whole days.
I will miss not riding some crazy fantasy ride every day. Guess I will have to settle for 150th in the Prius. I bought a Tinkerbell antenna ornament so maybe that will help.
For tonight I am so thrilled with my own bed, cats, warm socks and two VERY content little girls.

Surprise- Day 7

2011-10-04T08:03:00.001-07:00

Getting ready for our last day in the park. It rained here last night so the crowds may be light today. Pat put on his last clean shirt and Syd is having to recycle socks so the trip must be near the end.

Breakfast of champions, juice and doughnuts.

We are prepared with our princess rings and earrings.

Our last trek into Disneyland.

Its raining. It sure keeps the crowd down but us pretty wet.

The newly decorated Haunted House.

On Peter Pan

Sara Astroblasting me.

Popcorn calories:

Getting on Toy Story ride:

We MUST face paint when we cone here. Thank goodness the rain stopped.

Riding the ferris wheel.

The view from the top:

Oh Lord, just one more Thunder Mountain Railroad.

Ending the night with some Jumping Jellyfish and World of Color show.

And up we go.
The Ferris Wheel was kinda pretty at night.

The color show was tough to capture on camera. This time we had a great view in the "wet zone". They were the BEST!! We for rather wet but it really added to the whole experience. I wouldn't have it any other way.

When the night was over Syd was so sad to leave. Her tears always set off my tears. Sara took about 20 minutes then her tears started.
We have had such great memories!!
The girls are snuggled into bed with their new baby Bambi and Tigger.

We are happily exhausted and looking forward to our wonderful real life back home.

Surprise Day 6

2011-10-03T09:59:00.001-07:00

A slow start this morning:

After much consideration about what to do (things considered: legoland, Seaworld, Catalina Island, the beach) we settled on an aquarium in Long Beach. We have promised octopuses (or is it octopi?) and anemone. Hope we were right!

The Queen Mary. I don't really know anything about this boat but it seemed like I should take his picture.

The tanks at this aquarium are awesome. Most of them are floor to ceiling and folded with such wonderful fish. We all really enjoyed it.

This is a giant sea bass giving Pat a looksy. Big fish!

The girls loved these Bat Rays. They would come right up out of the water and you could pet them. They are actually really cute. They have here big black puppy eyes so the girls fell in love and made them their favorite.

Last night we swam, read, and did some homework. The girls played and played with heir Padme and Lieha dolls. We even stayed up for 9:40 fireworks. But then lights out.

Surprise Day 5

2011-10-02T14:16:00.001-07:00

Back to the parks-
Today began very early with Sydney finding a tinkerbell charm under her pillow from the tooth fairy. She had a lot to share with us about that at 6:40 am. She is looking forward to adding that to her bracelet at home.
Well, Sydney gets my pillow tonight. I told her if she would ride Indiana Jones and Splash Mountain she could have my pillow that I brought from home. Well that girl did it. She must have wanted that pillow bad!

Syd and Dad on good ole Dumbo.

The girls each picked out their souvenirs: a Queen Amadala and Princess Lieha doll set.

Dad and Sara went on the Buzz Lightyear Astroblasters. You are SUPPOSED to be shoot Zorg. Look what the Disney cameras caught:

Sara Rose!

Sara waiting on another turn with the Materhorn.

Calorie time!

Syd feeling her success with Indiana Jones. Whew!

Sara devours another Grand Slam and declares Denny's her favorite restaurant. Well, at least there is ONE she will eat at even if it is Denny's

We caught the parade.

This picture stands for the three times in a row Sara and I went on Thunder Mountain roller coaster. Whew! That is a lot for 9:00 at night.

Then she gets to do this. Not fair!

Sipping my Pineapple Whip Float at the Tiki Room. Also a bit much for 11:00 at night. Syd agreed.

Surprise Day 4

2011-10-01T09:27:00.001-07:00

A Day Off- Headed to Newport Beach
Ahhh! What a great relaxing day. Not a lot to be said except the sun was hot, the sand was soft and the crowds were low.

Smooth Mountain made it's reappearance. It is a tactile wonder of modern art.

Yum! They don't serve these in Disneyland!

I hit the waves with Syd. The Wenatchee river temperature training was perfect for the Pacific.

Newport Pier

Castle building

The girls are trying to get there homework done. I was just told by Sara "Mom....this really isn't the best vacation in world". Man, how quickly we can fall out of favor. I suppose homework is a blemish on a day of ocean play and ice cream.

Syd's tooth fell out. Wonder what the tooth fairy will do at thd Ramada Inn. Hmmmm?

The night is coming to an end with movies on the iPad and waiting for 9:40 fireworks. It was so nice to have a slow day without the crowds. We are ready to jump back in tomorrow.

Surprise Day 3

2011-09-30T21:39:00.001-07:00

Today started with some fairies. The girls were pretty shy So I ended up in the photos but at such a distance I can be cropped out at home.

Here we are enjoying a ride on Winnie the Pooh. Right after I got a call from my friend translating for the contractor if he is supposed to take the bathroom closet out. !?!? He misunderstood when I told him I would clean the closet out. Whew! Glad he checked that one out.

We took a much needed swimming break.

Then it was calorie time. That seems more appropriate to call it that rather than mealtime.
Sara ate more than I have ever seen. I believe the list is as follows: scrambled egg, 1/3 peach smoothie, her bacon, my bacon, darn near 3 silver dollar pancakes with a load of syrup. Then she asks "Can we have dessert or no?". I don't know where she put it.

We saw the Aladdin show. It was very good. Here are the girls waiting for the curtain. Pretty spectacular show!

Just another fun ride in the park.

This is the view from the Jumping Jellyfish ride. It was a nice evening for a gentle up and drop.

This is my crazy daughter who wants to go on the rapids ride at 8:30. Because we are in the magic kingdom her wishes are my command. Brrrrrrrrr! It was off to the hotel after that.

Right now fireworks are bursting in air and Sara is not moved:

Surprise-Day 2

2011-09-29T09:23:00.001-07:00

Today has started out nice and slow since the park doesn't open till 10. I have to admit it's a pleasant pace.
The girls are in heaven with donuts and Scooby Doo in bed. The ride of the day has been requested for Goofy's Sky School.
Hotel coffee was surprisingly good. Pat and I did a short bit of hotel yoga to ease or backs from last night. We had to hold each kid up for the entire 40 minutes of World of Color. Whew! I was grateful for our workout history. Ouch!

Sara is learning to tie her shoes.

We started with Tomorrowland this morning.
Syd and I rode the rockets.

While Sara and Pat rode Space Mountain. I guess the ghouled it up for Halloween and Sara does not approve.

YouTube Video

The favorite ride of the day was Grizzly River Rapids. As usual there was much worry about what was going to happen. Worry looks like this:

Then at the end if the ride it looks like this:

And this:

We got soaked and loved it. Syd said the ride should be called "The End of Mercy".
Again, again the little squirrels squealed.
Its tough to get food in Disneyland. We desperately needed calories and this is what we found:

Yes, I ate this. You know how desperate I am if I consume something that is blindly labeled "chimichanga". It reminded me of something labeled "burrito" on my Jr. High hot lunch tray. (I regretted this desperate gesture shortly after Star Wars 3d ride, a motion sickness pitfall.)

What is Disneyland without mouse ears. We will model some for you:

We did some teacups:

I rode with Sara. She had mercy on me or maybe I just pretended to be turning the handle.
Afternoon snack was cotton candy which Sara coveted and called her "big ball of bubblegum fluff". It reminded me of a little green creature with a gold ring he called "my precious".

Sara and I waited for Dad and Syd with this lady.

Then we got some matching tattoos.

Then it was time to just be cute:

This picture is for you and I Mom. I believe that Mr. Toad is a cartoon that embodies our spirit and impulse controll.

The end of the day and Sara says"I am just gonna do some jogging".

YouTube Video

Surprise! Day 1

2011-09-28T11:12:00.001-07:00

We did it!!! We told the girls we are going to Disneyland! It was so much fun to surprise them. Syd jumped up and down. Sara took it in more slowly.
I overheard Syd talking to herself " don't worry! This is not a dream" and Sara told us later on that her thoughts were about to explode. I love it!!!

-On our way to the airport, not school!

We arrived!! The girls are still whirling. Syd says she can't take anymore joy.

Disney is all decorated for Halloween.

The front gate.

Syd isn't ready for Thunder Mountain Railroad yet so we are waiting on Dad and Sara.

I am satisfying my new mid life craving- hot dogs. I haven't liked them for 40 years and now at 41, I love em.

We are headed into one of our favorites, It's A Small World.

Yep! It's still the same song.

Sara goods around at Mickey's house.

Sara really wanted to go to the jailhouse. I am sure this won't be a trend.

Syd being extra brave for Goofy's Sky School rollercoaster.
This one had a drop in it that startled us all. It took Syd's scream away and we all had a good laugh.

I know this place is a man made amusement park and can't be compared to the wonders of nature. However, they do such a good job at making it magical for kids. Watching the girls experience things that amaze them and listening to their chatter bring tears to my eyes.
Sara loves to be scared and gets such pride that she can handle it. She skips and jumps with glee after every coaster ( looks like the Tower of Terror is in our near future with it's freefalls today). It a Small World dazzled Sara this time. She was pointing everywhere and wanting us to look in more directions than our head could turn.
Sydney LOVED Soaring Over California! She kept saying "it's so beautiful!"and then Yosemite appeared on the screen.....Fun!!!
We let her move at her own pace . Last night she said she was ready for Splash Mountain. So brave!

King Tritons Carousel is so pretty. Here is Sara on her carefully picked out whale.

We ended the night by watching the new show World of Color. It's like Bellagio Fountains meets fire,rainbows and Disney characters. Very cool.
Went to bed at 10. Girls were out in a second. Now ready for day 2.

Coming home

2011-07-23T09:41:00.001-07:00

Left Belgrade and headed west on I90 toward home.
Feeling like a cow toward the barn right now and decided to skip Lewis and Clark Caverns.
Montana has beautiful open road
Put Sara to work

Yelp! Had do many good reviews about this place and we were hungry for a gut bomb.

The results: Good roadside burger for sure. The Cajun fires are good but plain are best.

Not sure where we will end up tonight. I have a feeling Pat has home in mind. I am not sure my butt is prepared for the same plan.

Leaving Yellowstone

2011-07-22T19:09:00.001-07:00

Today we woke up to our last day in a national park. I could tell we are all a bit weary. The girls just wanted to stay at he campsite saying it was the best one EVER. Let me tell that was far from true. The mosquitos were merciless in number and Sara already had two golfball welts from the day before. Their wanting to stay was a sigh that we had pushed them to sightsee about as had as we could. Time to wrap it up for sure. Even I was looking at the map as something we had better finish seeing while we are here. The hotel in our near future was really appealing.
Sights included Mud Volcano walk, more of Yellowstone falls from Artist Point, buffalo, elk, and a couple bear, one that ran right in front of the car and a finale at Mammoth Hot Springs. The pics are great!!
Bye Bye Yellowstone!

Wonders of the modern world.

Montana seems to always wow us with spectacular storms . This was an amazing after storm rainbow in Belgrade where we stayed foe the night.

Gorgeous sunset

Yellowstone Day 1

2011-07-22T14:14:00.001-07:00

Woke up this morning with Yellowstone on our minds. After yesterday's useless mechanical adventure we wanted to move on.
First we had some business to attend to. The girls earned their Jr. Ranger badges in Grand Teton.

Seems like campsites are rare here so the first thing we did in the park was claim our space. We dropped into Lewis Lake for a free campsite. We left a chair and a child colored note saying "reserved by The Hardwick Family". The campsite was out of registration envelopes and we hoped that would be enough to make it ours.
Then we thought we would start with the most famous sight, Old Faithful.
Joining the crowd

Waiting for it to blow. It gave a lot of false alarms and the kids got bored fast in the heat.

It was great!

The ground around here is so cool. My favorite features were these beautiful and deadly hot pools.

The most interesting wildlife was probably the people and the insanity of all trying to get a picture of sone poor creature that dared wander into sight. Pretty quickly we were able to determine the type of wildlife ahead by the type of mob. The order goes as follows Birds (smallest), Bison, Elk and then Bears. Truly some road chaos when people abandon all logic in their cars. However we did see some if the parks actual wild life.
These Ravens creeped me out. They were so huge and aggressive and we all know his I feel about birds.

This funny beaver was just munching by the creek that we jumped in quickly to cool off. I had just dunked my hair in the water when Syd yelled Beaver. I am upside down and dripping snow melt down my back to get this pick of the beave, 5 feet away from us. Syd earned her sharpeyes name for sure.

More pics to come about animals cuz they are on my other camera.
There was lots of beautiful water around. Here is one of the roadside falls.

Sara is still in rock climbing mode.

Made a trip to Yosemite Falls

The kids hiked down 600 feet in about a third of a mile for a better view. True troopers! They were showing signs of observation fatigue after that.

Lots more pics on other camera to follow:

Grand Tetons

2011-07-19T18:12:00.001-07:00

We arrived at the park but are huddled in the van riding out a storm.

Ate a trauma inducing meal at the park restaurant. I never thought anyone could mess up a burrito.

We woke the girls up and started on our days adventures. Here they are riding to Oxbow Overlook, the laxed rules of van driving.

Oxbow Bend

We stopped by the visitor station and checked out a naturalist backpack. Here we are getting a plaster cast of a moose print.

Syd sketching flowers.

Sara picking flowers.

We took the tram up to the summit out of Teton Village.

The top (10000 ft)

There was a shack where they made waffles. A nice high altitude snack.

Brrrrrrrrr.... And the air was thin.

We goofed around in Teton Village for a bit before heading off to a less pleasant task.

Now this is us sitting in the office at Rabbit Auto repair making sure a new chirp in the van isn't serious.

Roadside stop at Bear World

2011-07-19T12:32:00.001-07:00

Stayed in Arco, ID.

2011-07-19T07:34:00.001-07:00

This was camp for the night after Craters of the Moon.

There was a pool here so the girls were thrilled with our choice. Now we are off to Tietons. Going to attempt to stay at Jackson Lake, Colter Bay Campground.(first come first serve).
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Parents climb and bye bye City of Rocks

2011-07-18T14:27:00.001-07:00

Almost all the routes around here would leave the kids alone on the ground if we climbed so we had to get most of our satisfaction out of hiking and helping the kids. Finally we found a route we could top rope.
My dusty climbing muscles still worked. But this was the only grown up climbing we got to do.

Repelling was not a hit with either girl. Here is Sara for her last attempt.

-

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Shoshone Falls and a swim

2011-07-18T12:33:00.001-07:00

After leaving C of R we headed to Shoshone Falls. Wow!!! Beautiful falls.
The girls were hot so we stopped in at a little lake next door for a swim.

Then we had scenic byway bad luck. Thousand Springs was blocked by a bad accident and we had to turn around and backtrack to Twin Falls.
The Shoshone Ice Caves (run by Ma and Pa kettle and their porch pooping pooch) was an hour and a half wait in 100 degrees and nothing to do. So on to Craters of the Moon.
Success!

The girls hiked with us up this cinder cone.

Tonight we are in a KOA in Arco headed for Jackson tomorrow.

Climbing

2011-07-17T12:45:00.001-07:00

We arrived at City of Rocks on Friday. It is such a beautiful sight and your inner climber goes wild at all the possibilities.
We made a pit stop in Baker City after a tour through The Oregon Trail Interpretive center.
Baker City had a regrettable chicken slider sandwich but a great Walla Walla Onion salad. I also learned from the locals that a bandana is actually a shirt.
The Oregon Trail Museum was great. The girls had fun trying to pack their wagon.

I got to stand in wagon tracks! Sara wasn't too interested and stayed in the van.

Arrived at the park. Nothing much had changed but I guess that is the way it is with rocks.

We got the kids climbing the next day. They looked very official. The first route was guts and panic. They both did great but Sara says she doesn't want to do that again until she is 9. Syd loved being at the top so much that I think she will go again.
Pat and I named their first route up Dragonhead rock "tears for fears".

They both loved the top and certainly live scrambling all around this glorious granite.

YouTube Video

This was home for 3 nights.

Elephant rock was across the street. Pat and I reached the top in 01'. If you look real close you will see a person sitting on top.

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Day 2

2011-07-15T09:58:00.001-07:00

Ahhhh! We woke up to sun this morning at Emigrant Springs State Park.

Thank goodness last night I decided to checkout the Walmart Rv parking policy. 9 out of 10 walmarts allow free camping, La Grande is one that does not. Luckily we have maps, campbooks and the Internet and found a campsite right off the freeway.

We are in Oregon Trail country. I am excited to see some wagon tracks later on today.
We compared our current camper van to this earlier model and told the girls to be grateful.

One thing I love about these road trips is the together time without distractions. I had a wonderful conversation with Syd this morning about Greek myths and Egyptian Gods. I didn't realize she knows so much. She corrected me this morning when I mistook Ra for Osirisis.

Pat was a slave driver this morning and pushed me out of bed @ 7:25. Gees! That was a fine way to treat me after stealing my bedding last night. We are switching sides tonight to prove my theory that it is not a natural migration of sleeping bag due to camper conditions but the misdoings of a heartless thief.

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The adventure 11' begins

2011-07-14T16:53:00.001-07:00

We are finally hitting the road @ 4:45 on Thursday, headed for City of Rocks.

Tiberius is to blame for our delay. He had eaten too many moles and mice and got a gut ache and fever. Dumb Dumb is all better now, a few hundred dollars later.
When asked "What is your wish for our van trip?"
Sara replied"getting there in one minute."
Syd has her nose in a book and quickly but bothered said "playing in Idaho."
Pat is looking forward to the simple chaos of the road.
I am excited to see new places and have baked goods in new cities.

-A beautiful moon in Prosser! Looks like we are headed to a Walmart for the night. This will be our first time taking advantage of the store's freebee parking. Should be fun!
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Happy Father's Day

2011-06-19T14:16:00.001-07:00

Seahurst Park

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2011-06-12T16:26:00.000-07:00

End Of School Activities:
The girls had their school concerts this week.

Sara's was "Oceans of Fun" and it was really cute:

Sydney's was "Sing America". Also very sweet. This year Syd had a speaking part. It was quick but I am sure the most important line of the whole musical.

Sara had her gymnastic performance this weekend. We traveled around the gym while they did all their skills.

Here is Sara showing of her trampoline track tricks.

It has been a busy week of school activities and three birthday parties and two performances. Whew! Today Syd said something that made it all worthwhile:

Syd climbs into the car after I picked her up from a birthday party. She lets out a contented sigh and says:

"I am a fortunate kid"

Me: "Oh Yeah? What makes you say that?"

Syd: "I have such wonderful parents that take me to parties and lets me play Wii with my sister. I don't think I could be as happy of a kid if I didn't have parents that support me"

Me: (Misty eyed) "I love you and thank you!" (Now I am letting out the contented sigh).

No curls

2011-06-10T07:32:00.001-07:00

The girls asked me to take the curls out this morning. So I said "sure!". Salon Stephanie was open for business. Pat's next.

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Sydney practices for her gymnastic show

2011-06-01T16:43:00.001-07:00

YouTube Video

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A dress for the tooth fairy

2011-05-26T16:06:00.001-07:00

Sara made a dress fir the tooth fairy out of flower petals from the yard. She wants to leave it under her pillow with a note..... She hasn't lost any teeth.

Hmmmm, what to do?

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Trying to go mobile

2011-05-23T11:45:00.001-07:00

This is a test to see if I can blog from my iPhone.

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Location:NW Juniper St,Issaquah,United States

2011-05-22T10:01:00.000-07:00

PROPERTY SPRING VISIT

It is always fun to take out first trip to the property for the season. It was all there just like we left it and undesturbed.

No sun yet but I can invision it....90 degrees, coffee in hand, a good book by my side in a lawn chair....

I loved seeing all the flowers that were blooming. This one was so beautiful I think I am going to use it to decorate our new bathroom.

We had to work to get close to the flowers. Amazing what beauty can spring out of a rock.

I can see this in a frame.

The girls were happy to be back at the property. I love that they love it there. Life is so simple and quiet there. I laid down in the loft and listened to the rain on the roof and thought of Pat placing each one of the boards on the roof. I am so glad we built it.

The creek was very full! Since we took out that beaver dam our little rocky beach has disappeared but it looks like there is a sandy one now.

Syd still wanted to get in and was frustrated I wouldn't let her. Brrrr!

So for Xmas I wanted a wildlife camera. This thing hangs in a tree and is motion activated and will shoot three pictures in a row, even at night. We picked the place down by the creek to snap our first shots. Hopefully we will get to see what kind of creatures tramp through out place.

Ruby was SUPER happy to be able to run around. Finally a day where she doesn't make me question her existence...Oh wait, she threw up in the car on the way up there. I take it back.

2011-05-07T13:44:00.000-07:00

SARA TURNS 6

Never easy to know where to begin after a long vacation from blogging. So I will just start with the happenings.

Where oh where did my baby go? All I have now is girls, wonderful girls. There is no more toddler/little child in this house. Sesame Street and impromptu ballet shows in the living room have been replaced with Pokemon and singing "Womanzier" behind closed doors.

Sara is excited to see Dad because it means birthday dinner and presents now can happen

And what does a picky eater choose for her birthday dinner? Menu: butter noodles, peanut butter spoon and watermelon for Sara. Rice and string cheese for her sister. Note: Pat and I ate something else...

Sara gets a much sought after diary (with lock). Hmmm? I wonder what secret things she will tell her diary.

Sara and her friends Sierra, Issy, Kayci, Sister and Claire.

The Pokemon Cake

Pat made and Igglybuff pinata for Sara's party. It needed a sledgehammer to crack open but eventually the candy came out. I was getting used to having Igglybuff as a fixture in our living room.

2010-09-27T09:59:00.000-07:00

Montana:
We crossed over into Montana and made a roadside stop at Kootenai Falls. They had a swinging bridge that sounded like fun.

The hike there was pretty. Sara was in her (hiking) cowboy boots that drew a lot of comments. However, Sara was frustrated that they are actually cowGIRL boots and no one was getting it correct.

We had to climb up some steps that caused a bit of vertigo. By the way, hiking flip flops were a poor choice.

Sara posing on a rock.

Sydney not so sure about the crossing of the bridge, but a litte too late as we are half way across.

Now we just have to go back again. The bridge can only hold 5 people at a time.

GLACIER HERE WE COME:

Our next stop would be Glacier National Park. Our campsite is on the other side of the Going To The Sun Road. The road closes as 9:00 so we have to hussle.

Wow! It was beautiful....the scenery, not the condition of that crazy narrow, windy, sheer drop off road.

Gulp! I was driving our monster vehicle that afternoon. The limit is 21' on the road so luckily we fit just fine...I think.

Our first scenery stop. It was so beautiful that the lens can't capture it fully but luckily there was a break in the clouds so we could see it.

I will be quiet for a minute and just show off the beauty of this place. It really inspires you to learn more about your camera as the pictures don't seem to compare to the real thing:

We reached the summit right on time (around 8:30) so we had plenty of time to get to our campsite.

Here we are at the visitor center.

There are mountain goats munching on grass around us so we are supposed to move slowly and quietly.

There was a baby.

In the parking lot we were met by this guy....VERY cool!

2010-09-24T10:18:00.000-07:00

MONTANA Part I
Finally I am beginning to blog about our trip to Montana. The whole experience it just too much to do in one post so I will break it up into several.
First destination Sandpoint, Idaho (Lake Pend Oreille).
This is our maiden voyage in the new camper van. We are all packed up for the next week and will be sleeping, eating, etc. in this van. We are very excited.
The girls like the sitting arrangement. They have lots of room to read and do art work.

Here they are excited to begin our trip. They are happy as clams as we drive through a thunderstorm in Ellensburg.

Sydney's masterpiece on the whiteboard.

Our first stop is Island View RV park. We have never stayed at an RV park before and had no idea what to expect. We were pleasantly surprised by the quiet nature of the park and the great site we got.

Camp

The girls got to see lots of deer.

I love Lake Pend Oreille. It is crystal clear and warm.

Sara isn't so thrilled about going swimming.

I am in heaven

The second day we decide to rent a boat and go touring around the lake. The lake is 43 miles long so really we just did a couple of really big circles over a couple of miles. I think the girls had a different picture in their heads when we said we would rent a "boat". They were very afraid of the row boat with a motor.

They settled down a bit after they got used to the waves and Sara crashed backwards on her head once, just once though.

The happy boat riders

They they each got a turn to drive the boat themselves. Luckily there is lots of room on the lake.

Sara was fully entertained because she could "eat air" when the boat was going fast. Over all the air was pretty good. Could have used some Tabasco.

Our first experience with RV parks was really pleasant. I was expecting lots of people that don't replace missing teeth and beer drinking for breakfast. Neither of these were true.

Do we look like seasoned RVers?

The girls posing with the Island View Statue.

Bakery BEWARE: Okay so I love baked goods with my coffee. In town there was this huge sign that said "BAKERY/PIZZERIA:. I had been seeing it for days and was really looking forward to getting some yummy stuff when we got there. Good Lord! They took some major liberties with the word Bakery. First upon entering it was very dingy and reeked of Patchouli/Sandalwood. I was immediately wanting to leave but with no one else there but the owner (totally needing a shower) staring right at you, its kinda awkward. He looks up from the Internet ( I thought hippies shunned technology of "the man" like the Internet). Anyway, he says "We bake on Wednesdays (mind you it is now Tuesday)". We escaped the "Bakery" with some week old cookies that didn't get eaten and a bit of incense smell our clothes. DO NOT EAT BAKERY GOODS IN HOPE IDAHO.

The girls posed with the stuffed moose outside to remember our baked good trials.

2010-07-27T20:15:00.000-07:00

Lazy summer days-

Summer has been a mix of sunshine and cold days but we have enjoyed all of it. Living with no schedule for a couple of months is truly luxurious. On one cloudy days the girls took to the swings and gave me a song.

On sunny days I have found the most productive way to spend my time is to flop down in the lawn chair with crosswords, John Adams by David McCullough and a jumbo size bag of David sunflower seeds.

This is a great book. I have tore through almost half of it. I am really enjoying learning about all of the character behind the men that formed out government. Poor Pat has to listen to my excited interpretation of what I read when he gets home from work. I can't wait to watch the John Adams mini-series from Netflix when I am done.

We finally have gone back up to the cabin. We hadn't been there since June 6th. I was suprised to see how much nature had taken over. The plants were trying to reclaim the territory. But we know how I love a good destruction project. I got to whack and hack them back down again. I however did love all the daisies that have bloomed. The place was covered with them.

We have discovered some new creatures this year. On our first trip the girls got to play with this frog that Pat found on the deck. He was a good sport about it all and even hopped on my arm once. He was suprisingly sticky.

Last weekend Pat found this nest of birds. We had the camera on zoom. We didn't actually get this close.

As always the sun is forever shining in Leavenworth (I know this isn't really true but it gives me hope here in Bellevue on cloudy days.) We got some clost to 100 degree days. So off to the river we went. Whew! It is refreshingly freezing but we all eventually got in. It took Sara two weeks to take a dip. It warmed up a lot this last weekend.
Here are the bathing beauties, all of them:

I love our routine at the cabin. We all sit up late around the campfire, eating s'mores and telling stories. It is funny that the girls want stories from our childhood as if it is some kind of old legend. I suppose to them it is.
This last trip the girls discovered the Big Dipper. It was a thrill for them to really see the constellation. Luckily this time of year it rest perfectly between two pine trees and is easy for young eyes to make out. Also, the girls saw their first satellites. I think they have been contemplating the universe, space and earth ever since. This is exactly why we wanted to have a get away place. Last Sunday in the loft Syd crawled into bed with me and said "Mom....I love the property. We get to play with sticks and fire and stuff and see lots of animals. I am glad we come here."

Sigh....she doesn't know the gift she gave me. I love it too.

The girls cracking each other up in the hammock.

2010-07-11T19:38:00.000-07:00

SYDNEY TURNED 7: On July 10th Sydney Anne had a birthday party. I look at her and she seems so tall and now she can act so grown up. It has been a great seven years.

This year Syd wanted to invite kids from school to a party. I am so grateful for a large backyard, good weather and a husband that can tie animal balloons.

This year I/we made the most complicated cake this far. Syd requested a Monsters Vs. Aliens cake. We were up for the task with Pat deciding to add the Golden Gate Bridge the night before the baking. I left all the details of that up to him and I think he did a really good job, don't you?

Here is Syd with a couple of her pals.

This is just a random family shot. I realized that I hadn't taken a picture of all four, excuse me, five of us in a REALLY long time. Years maybe. I am enjoying my new camera. It will take a couple of shots in a row so it is more likely that at least one will turn out.

2010-07-07T19:57:00.000-07:00

TWO WEEKS FULL OF GOOD THINGS

Happiness is:

Getting together with Damiana

We have been friends since I was a little kid.

Now Damiana is going to have one of her own.

Sucking juice through a new straw that your sister got from Marie.

Happiness is:

Taking major advantage of a sun break and making the most of it

Or nailing Dad in the back with a new squirt gun

Happiness is:

Taking a relaxing nap

Or hiding from the dog in Sara's arms

putting together the perfect outfit and getting flowers

Happiness is:

Celebrating your 98th birthday with family

Getting a birthday book made just for you

Or getting a kiss from your loving great grandma

Happiness is having fun on the 4th inspite of the rain or:

Opening presents for your 7th birthday (celebrated on the 4th) and being Supergirl

Being sisters

Getting a new dress from Gram

and discovering it twirls!

standing in the sparkler line in the rain

and being just one of the kids like Pat's brother, Chris.

Being with Bruce

Happiness is:

Creating groovy fashions with your new fashion designers kit

Sara first thing is the morning

Happiness is:

Laying on Dad while he is trying to heal his injured back, not sure this is the recommended therapy

Happiness is also getting him up again when his back seized and he fell nn the stairs. It only took us 40 minutes or so. He is still mending. So happiness is also just hanging out with Dad while he relaxes the back.

Having slow, do anything you want, wonderful summer mornings.

It is 87 or more degrees today and I am loving every second of it. I can't be outside enough. The weather is the cherry on the ice cream sundae of my life....well, maybe the whipped cream cuz' I hate those yucky little cherries.

2010-06-15T09:47:00.000-07:00

SARA'S SPRING FESTIVAL
Last Friday it stopped raining just in time for Sara's Montessori Spring Festival. Once again I got to watch an adorable show. I was so proud of her and all her classmates. They had been practicing for this day for months.
First each little kid introduced themselves and their flag. They had the kids also drawing maps and learning about their flags.

Sara's map

Then they did a French Lesson. I love hearing Sara sing in French. She did it for Pat a month ago and he got it on his Iphone.

Next they performed a play of Peter Rabbit. Sara was Flopsy.

My favorite little rabbit

Then all the kids did a bunny hop dance.

Truly it is amazing how they have taught these kids good manners.

The show was an hour and a half long and they all stayed in theirs seats and performed. It was a perfect show. Afterward the children served us all juice and cookies that they made themselves.

Me and Sara. I made a point to wear the necklace that Sara gave me for my birthday. I think I made it work, don't you?

Grandma and Grandpa were there for the show. Syd had the day off of school because her class took a field trip to the zoo and she didn't want to go. I was happy to have her with me, it was like a tiny preview of summer.

Dad was there too.

Summer vacation is almost here. I am REALLY excited to have the kids home with me for two whole months. Ahhhh! No school routine, just doing whatever we please. This weekend was a good taste of what it will be. The sun was so wonderful I fried myself in the sun, doing crosswords and eating a ton of sunflower seed. I still can't taste very well cuz' I ate so many. Here is what more functional people did:

Syd and Sara played dress up

Dad and Sara played Green Eggs and Ham

Sara worked on her purse. The girls have made paper purses for themselves. It is the cutest idea that they thought up. She has made keys, an Ipod, lipstick, money, etc. I want to make sure to snatch these and put them in their memory boxes. I guess I will wait till they have forgotten about them, might be kinda mean to do now.

2010-06-11T08:18:00.000-07:00

Sydney's 1st Grade Concert
Last night we got to see Syd's concert called How Does Your Garden Grow? Honestly, I think my heart is going to explode at these types of things. I love watching my child participate in something I had nothing to do with. I get to know them even more this way. Syd even had a dancing part. We were totally surprised. I was so glad we had my new camera and Pat was filming at the right time. Watch:

Grandma and Grandpa came to watch

Sara and Pat waiting for the show to begin

Our lovely flower

IN OTHER NEWS:

Sydney is all done with Girl Scouts! And so am I!! I was so happy knowing that I don't have to be responsible for that anymore. I absolutely learned a new thing about myself by volunteering to do this and I absolutely know what my limits are. For that I am grateful.

2010-06-07T08:04:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME - 40

This week

My birthday cake.

This weekend was my annual camping birthday trip. I think I have been doing this with Mom and B since 1998. I know I took off one year to have Syd so I guess this makes 11 years of birthday camping. I had a wonderful time.

The sun was out. Leavenworth rarely lets me down. I needed that sunshine more than words can say. I was so happy to see the blue sky I had to take a picture....kinda like a rare sighting of some endangered species.

This was the maiden voyage of the camper van. We thought we would drive it up to the cabin and test out all it's parts. The dual gas tank switched easily. Whew! That machine sure takes more gas than my Prius. The fridge worked great and the water came out of all the faucets. We sure are going to have fun with this thing.

Everyone had fun this weekend. Activites included:

collecting leaves

being sweet

dancing by the fire...probably not safe

begging everyone to throw a stick

lounging in the wood pile

cooking good food....notice I am not in this picture

helping Grandma do dishes...notice I am not in this shot either

cuddling your lap dog

opening presents from your girls. Sara got me this lovely necklace and eye shadow selection. Syd said Sara was considering a bigger necklace but I needed a neck like Auntie to wear it so she chose another one. I guess you have a famous strong neck Andrea. Hee Hee

sheltering inside the cabin when we woke up to rain.

The final activity didn't get photographed as we were all too dirty. The road was so slick coming up out of the cabin the the Westy got stuck, and stuck and stuck. We all had a good adventure pushing it out but finally it rolled out and we all headed home, dirty but happy for a great weekend.

2010-06-04T10:22:00.001-07:00

Sara's Spring Festival Preview
Sara has given me a preview of her school play. She has gotten the part of Flopsy in The Tale of Peter Rabbit. Flopsy is of course a very complicated character. The role captures the complexities of being a good little rabbit and picking berries just like you are told. It will be a gripping performance for sure.

Me and the budding actress

I cherrish the moments when Sara sings to me. It is so rare. She can be so countersuggestable that I can't ask her to sing for me. She will just say no. I tricked her into this video by saying "hey, would you like to see yourself singing that song?"

2010-06-01T19:18:00.000-07:00

Another tooth gone. The tooth fairy was just here last week and now she is going to visit us again tonight.

Sydney had a very big day today. At school it was her summer birthday celebration. Since her birthday is in July she gets honored early while school is still going. (I have a June birthday by the way and this never the case for me. I was just S.O.L.) Anyway, she was table captain, lost a tooth and got to wear a tooth necklace, birthday girl who brought ice cream for the class and Super Helper (she gets to do everything for Mrs. Coyle, like carry the lunches to the lunch room, collect the recycling, etc.). Whew! What a day!

She also got a book filled with birthday wishes from each one of her classmates. Here she is posing with Sara.

I just finished reading The Help. Wow! What a good book! I usually take all month to finishe my bookclub books but I tore through this one. I was even trying to read the last few pages while waiting for my eyes to dialate at the eye Dr. today. Not an eaxy task I might add.

What's next? I have wanted to read this book for the longest time and found it at the library for$1.50. I am going to try and squeeze it in between bookclub choices. The first few pages are great. I will let you know.

2010-05-28T07:33:00.000-07:00

This CD came into the library for me today. I was so...should I say...gleeful. I just love that little show and all of it's cheesy songs. They are guarenteed to make you smile. My favorite is Defying Gravity. It makes me cry even.

I love Sue Sylvester. This is my favorite quote from her - "I thought I smelled cookies from the tears of elves weeping that live in your hair"

I made Mother's Cruncy French Toast last night for dinner. YUMMY!! I thought they almost looked like the ones on the cover of my cookbook.

Where is spring cuz' I am thinking it is still winter. Burr! Today is a day to be grateful for my raincoat, my rubber boots and my umbrella. I WILL BE GRATEFUL!

The girls are so ready for summer. Here is Sara out blowing bubbles in between rain breaks.

2010-05-23T19:56:00.000-07:00

FOR A FRIEND:

Back in November I fell behind on my blogging. Eventually the task of catching up became overwhelming so I abandoned it. I have been reminded that sharing this blog is not just important for me but to those who care about me too. Hard to know where to begin. It is going to be long so sit back maybe with a cup of Starbuck's coffee and enjoy. Thanks for reading.
THE FALL - Sydney started the first grade and it was a big adjustment for both of us.

She really had a hard time adjusting to a new teacher and being away from me all day. I had a hard time handing her off to someone she didn't feel safe with every day. You know you just want everything to be great for your kids and you want them to never suffer (totally unrealistic, I know) but it just happens and we all get to discover new strengths and weaknesses as we go along. Sometimes learning is painful.

Sara started Montessori. She never shed a tear on her first day. I hung out for about 5 minutes and then left. She was intent on waving goodbye to me and having me promise that I would be back soon. She was great. Whew! I really needed that. Sara truly deserves her name of Sara Braveheart. She is such a surprise! Montessori couldn't have been more perfect for Sara.....very methodical, independent and intellectual. She has thrived there and started reading AT 4. I think I was 6 before I even learned how to spell my name.

I started helping out in both schools so I could be a part of their education. It is such a joy for the kids to have me there and I get to experience them in a whole new way.

ESCAPE -

The fall was really intense so when my Aunt and Uncle offered us a free place to stay in Hawaii we jumped at the chance to have a change in routine and scenery. I LOVED spending Thanksgiving in tropical paradise.

Truly turkey is better in flip flops.

My little hula girls. They saw a dance show in the middle of Whaler's village and I will never forget Sydney shakin' her hips while she watched. She was so into the show I don't even think she was aware she was dancing as much as they were.

Pat and I celebrated our seventh year of marriage while we were in Maui. Pat's proud warrior pose is a little off. Now he knows better thanks to P90X.

Napili Bay was beautiful and lots of fun waves to play in. Sara is a little fish. She would turn her little body out to sea with her water wings on and start kickin' to japan. I think she could have crossed the ocean that way.

We had a GREAT time with Cindy and Larry. They are so fun and easy to vacation with. They told us the breakfast at The Gazebo was to die for and Boy oh Boy......Macadamia Nut, Banana, Coconut, Pineapple Pancakes and AWESOME!

CHRISTMAS - Then suddenly Christmas was here. As always kids make the holiday over the top special.

As always Christmas morning was spent at home. I love watching the girls discover what Santa has brought them.

It is difficult not to squeeze and kiss the girls all the time this time of year. These were taken as we decorated the tree.

The girls got their own tree this year. Pat's Dad used to do it for him so we are carrying the tradition on. Frankly, we needed that little tree for all of our millions of ornaments.

Christmas Eve was spent with Pat's Mom. The girls like to wear their xmas dresses.

Christmas day afternoon was spent with my parents and grandmas and dear friends Mark and Sally. We let the girls have rights to the camera. Maybe a risky idea.....

They actually took a couple good ones.

THE OCEAN -

Chris (Pat's brother) and Kriszta had the idea to rent an ocean place two days after Xmas. At first I was thinking this was going to be exhausting to pull off but we actually had a very relaxing time.

The weather was beautiful and I think I got out of my PJ's once or twice the whole trip. It made me want to buy a house on the ocean. But honestly....when am I not dreaming about buying some piece of property somewhere.

GUITAR

We decided to buy Sydney and Sara some instruments for Xmas. We guessed Sara would like the drums best (She hasn't really taken to her drumpad yet. Mostly because she keeps leaving it on and the batteries are always dead. Sorry Al Gore). Syd got an electric guitar.

As I was trying to learn how to play it so I could get her started on learning, I started to really enjoy myself. So, I went out and bought myself an acoustic guitar. I really love it. I can play a really good Ode to Joy and You are my Sunshine but not so good at chords yet.

We hired a guitar teacher for Syd off of Craigslist and he was great. Syd just needed to get a bit older though. She just wouldn't happily practice and it caused a whole bunch of stink and we needed to stop the lessons. She was REALLY upset but I am hoping she will pick it up again someday. Truthfully I haven't played mine much lately either.

MY BIGGEST MISTAKE THIS YEAR -

Girl Scouts!!!

In an attempt to help Syd with school I (with great suspicion I was messing up with myself) agreed to co-lead a girl scout troop. Woopsie Poopsie! The time and energy it requires to lead a troop successfully requires gifts and talents I was not born with. I now know what my limits are. As of today, one more meeting left. Whew!

BEND OREGON WITH DAD -

This winter we met Dad and Jacquie in Bend, OR. Andrea and Jana came down too. There wasn't much snow but that didn't stop us from enjoying the wonderful place we rented. This place was AWESOME! It had a pool table, electronic darts and a movie theater room.

Sara just loves Izzy. I am encouraged by Izzy because I am hoping that Ruby will be nice and calm like her one day.

We went to play around the Deschutes River. One of my favorite things about Bend is the bright blue sky.

The place we rented had one of those huge soaker tubs so the kids went swimming. Woops! Too much bubbles.

BOOKS - I have read a few books this winter. Some good, some very strange - The True Story of Hansel and Gretel - Tough tale about WWII Poland. Graphic and tragic and a bit of a unrealistic type Hollywood ending. However, a good read The Catcher In the Rye - Good to revisit a book I was forced to read in High School. Never really liked Holden C. very much but I think now that I am older I have more compassion for him. The Sparrow - Yikes! This book is very philosophical and odd but very readable. I hear Brad Pitt is possibly going to play the main character in a movie. I don't know if I was to see what happened to the guy in the book happen to dear ole' Brad. The Good Earth - Thought it might open my heart towards China......nope. I might need a different book. Set This House in Order - Very fun book set in Seattle about two people with Multiple Personality Disorder. I thought this was a fun ride and amazed that the author isn't crazy himself to be able to think all that up.

We raised Sara's bed so she and Sydney could be the same. She loves it! Now when the girls go to bed they just chat and chat. It is very cute to listen to....unless of course Pat and I are wiped out and REALLY want the girls to fall asleep. Then we forget how cute it is and turn into mean "go to bed" parents.
Sara is learning how to read. Amazing! We are really proud of her.

DISNEYLAND -
We had another fun trip to Disneyland. However, this year we decided to drive. We left here on Friday afternoon and arrived at our hotel at 11:00 the next morning.

Here is Pat still driving at 5 something in the morning as the sun is coming up. Sara got to see her first sunrise.

These girls are such good car travelers. However candy motivation is a big help. Here they are enjoying their Fun Dip in the back seat.

Disneyland is such a fun place for all of us. Pat get to take a break from having so many rules and get to say "yes" to just about everything the girls ask for. Face painting is a must. We stay up till midnight and get up to be there when the park opens.

They get to choose the rides mostly. I had to ask for no more Star Tours cuz' it makes me sick. Here we are on the ferris wheel in CA Adventure. One of the biggest surprises was Sara's love of roller coasters...even Space Mountain. She just loves it. Crazy!

Sydney discovered the autograph book and got signatures of 14 characters. I had fun running around with her trying to get as many as possible. We hunted until the very last minute of our very last night.

We finally got a picture with Mickey. We all had such a great time that Sydney started to cry. She was saying "thank you Mom and Dad for bringing us here. I've had so much fun that I don't want to leave". It was so sweet that I had to start crying too.

Syd was a little apprehensive about Its a Small World. It was closed the last time we went. She of course LOVED it. I have to admit I like it too...the song and everything.

King Triton's Carousel is still a favorite for Sara. I thought this was cute.

Sara took this pic as we waited for the Electric Light Parade to start. I love that old parade. It is nice that the girls can work the camera now. Pat and I might show up in more pictures together now.

We took one day off from Disney when it got so crowded every ride had a 40 minute wait. We headed to Huntington Beach. It was spring break and you could sure tell. It is funny to be 39, bright white, dressed in fleece and with kids when you are among the dark, oily, slightly dressed California young people.

On the way back to Washington we stopped off at my Dad's place. He and Jacquie live in a cozy little cottage on a small ranch. There are cows, chicken and peacocks. We came home with a nice collection of peacock feathers thanks to poor Elvis (the peacock not Presley) that was eaten by a fox the day before...kinda gruesome but the feathers are cool. Not sure to do with all 100 of them. Anyone want a few peacock feathers?

SARA TURNED 5 - Our baby girl turned 5. Everyone in this house is getting so grown up. Sara got a party at school, a party with family and a kid party. Lucky kids.

Here she is at school with Bimal who was celebrating her 5th on the same day.

Grandpa and Sara have the same birthday.

Pat made the cake for Grandpa's and Sara's celebration. We were still high off of Disneyland and loved the Monster's Inc. ride. So he made a Mike Wizowsky cake. I probably misspelled that.

Sydney always has such a good time on Sara's birthday. Honestly these girls share everything so a birthday for one is a birthday for the other. I always think Syd looks so old when she wears jeans. I have been told that jeans are cool and she won't be wearing dresses as often. Sigh!

I made the cake for Sara's kid party. She wanted a Poison Ivy birthday. In case you don't know who that is she is a buxom green villain from Batman. I had a blast making this cake. Okay, I might have said a few swear words and needed to drink tequila but I think I did good.

The birthday girl before all her guests arrived. Her party went REALLY well. We had 12 kids total. Thank God the weather cooperated. Pat made balloon animals and helped the kids make their own t-shirts. Good memories.

Here are the girls posing with their new pet dogs complete with carrying case, leashes and treats. The girls LOVE these toys. I think Ruby is jealous. Dad, you did a good job!

MOTHER'S DAY - I had a fantastic Mother's Day. First all I wanted to do was sit in the sun and read but then I got a burst of energy and decided I wanted a picnic lunch and a hike to the top of Rattlesnake Ledge. It turned out to be a beautiful day and great hike. The girls were super hikers.

We picnicked before we headed to the top. It is 4 miles round trip so we needed the energy.

At the top we got a big reward with an awesome view. We had to hold on to the girls.

Cuz' it was a long way down.

Happy Mom. I am so grateful that I get to be a mom and so grateful that I get to have these two little souls in my life.

I BAKED A CAKE ...FROM SCRATCH - Pat said he was craving a coconut cake. So I got really brave and creaked open the ATK cookbook. They intimidate me so. It turned out AWESOME.

I even toasted the coconut. It was like the extra credit in cooking homework.

WE HAVE BEARS - Pat and I were at the property last weekend and heard a rustle of the bushes down by the creek.

He was really big. So much bigger than bears I had imagined would be wondering around. Happily he ran away the second Pat said "Hey Bear:. But he was really beautiful.

We saw the bear from our new deck.

A TOY FOR OUR NEW ADVENTURES - We did it. We thought about it for a whole month and decided we needed a camper van. Truly we had so much fun all being together on our road trip to CA that we started dreaming about other places we could travel to. We had the maps out today and were dreaming about Montana or Wyoming . I really want to see Yosemite but in the fall when there won't be so many tourists like ourselves.

Here is our new ride.

LAST MINUTE NEWS -

Syd lost her 3rd tooth today. She is hoping her the tooth fairy will come. My guess is she will.

Sara in one of her many headbands.

Well, I did it. It only took me three days and I have to say it was worth it. It has been nagging at me that I hadn't kept up with this. I will do my best to stop in again more often and leave a note of two every week.

Thank for reading.

Steph

PS. I hate proofreading do please excuse any typos.

2009-11-12T07:57:00.000-08:00

A WEEKEND WITH AUNTIE AND JANNA
The girls and I went up to Bellingham last weekend and had a wonderful time with Andrea and Janna.

Aren't they cute?! Congrats to the new domestic partners(its official!)!

Sara was immediately drawn to the guitar. She was actually kinda good.

Andrea helped Sara make pretty sounds.

Did you know that Andrea and I once praticed Dust In the Wind with her on guitar and me on synthesizer, in our garage for hours. That was the beginning and end to my rock and roll career but I felt pretty cool when we were doing it. Andrea could sing a mean John Denver back in the day.
Visits to Janandrea's is an adventure of canines and kitties. The girls and I are very partial to Winnie. She is the little rump roast of a thing that begs for lots of love.

Sara and Winifred.

Syd and Winifred.

Janna had to work a lot of the weekend but was very good at being social while at work. I couldn't help but being impressed with this work chair situation. She looked like some kind of techno commander or a little like Stephen Hawking working from home.

Her cyber highness

Janna played with Sara and Syd after work. She and Sara know how to play with stickers.

Good sport.

All the other dogs were curled up with a person during movie time except Lily.

Lily hoping for a popcorn handout.

On Sunday we headed to the water for some play at the beach.
Bellingham is truly a nice town. Thanks for the visit Auntie and Janna. We had fun and look forward to doing it again sometime.
xoxoxoxoxox

2009-11-09T18:34:00.000-08:00

Halloween 2009 - Another Halloween has come and gone. This year was just as wonderful as they all are. We were in the mist of royalty and super powers. Sara was a Snow Aurora Princess and Syd was Supergirl.

Mom and Bruce joined us for the trick or treating festivities.

Our Halloween family portrait.

As always the girls were thrilled with the idea that you ring a door bell, speak a few words and you get free candy. They know how this whole thing works but each time it is REALLY happening they are overwhelmed with the simple wonderfullness of the whole affair. Syd this year after hitting her 3rd house said happily "I am just so pleased!!"Sara was little miss quick feet. She seemed to be floating from house to house as her running feet were hidden under all that dress. She was often off to the next house leaving her candy bucket behind in her haste.

By the end of the night her quick feet became heavy feet and Pat got to do all the grunt work.

The girls enjoyed their spoils.

Sara likes licorice.

One last flight for Super Girl.

2009-10-30T19:13:00.000-07:00

Hello My long lost blogger fans.
It has been months since my last post. I think the last time we spoke Sydney had just graduated from Kindergarten and summer was just beginning. Well, there has been a lot of life in between now and back then. I will be posting some summer memories in the weeks to come.
For now, here is what we are up to this Halloween season.
The girls are very excited to go trick or treating.
We carved pumpkins the other evening. Every year this task get easier and easier. Sydney scooped about 40 seconds worth of pumpkin guts before saying "Ooooo that's gross, I'm done Daddy". Sara lasted about one look and asked to not have to do it.
Syd designed her own and cut quite a bit of it herself. Sara is just not quite ready for finger slicin' fun yet.
Here is the final product:

Today was Syd's 1st grade Halloween party. We had lots of fun. I manned the cookie table. Whew! It is very stressful to manage two tubs of frosting and 6 bottles of sprinkles with 27 kids. Nothing in my previous work life prepared me for this kind of work.

Supergirl and Aurora (Sara helped herself to the lipstick and I let it stay on)

Sara and Syd with Reese and Abby (Sara goes to Montessori with Reese. Abby sits next to Syd in 1st grade. They are good friends.

This is Erik. Syd has a crush on him and I completely approve. He is the kindest boy. Syd cries a lot in class and he is always trying to comfort her. Genetics are a funny thing. Syd has been chasing him all around and give him kisses all over his face. Hmmmm....sounds familiar.

I dressed up in Pat's old cop uniform and I looked VERY official. So much that everyone thought that was my real job. Wish I had a pic but couldn't get one of me.
As for me:

Please excuse Mulan...She is a nudist here at our house.

I have been having a great fall. It is totally beautiful here. The trees are completely beautiful this year. We have had some good windy days so the leaves are all swirling around.
I am getting used to our new schedule. I am getting some time to myself a couple times per week. That feels GREAT!! Ahh.. grocery shopping by myself...such a simple pleasure.
I am reading The True Story of Hansel and Gretel. Good book for sure!
I've been knitting again. Still can't believe it but...Yes, I am knitting. The girls love their scarves.
The coaching practice is going great. I am so grateful for my little office downtown. My job is still one of my favorite things.

As for Pat:

Saturday Morning

He is great! He is working away with computers. He has started working on the basement again. We have been motivated by a big stinky cat poop...Literally. He has built a mud room so the cats can do their business in there and then enter the house through a cat door. No more smelly cats for us. I can hardly wait.
Pat read the first book I have ever seen him read in our 9 years together. Shocking! I think it was a Tom Clancy.

We are off to Hawaii in a month and it is my goal to get our summer memories up and posted before we go. We'll see how I do.

2009-06-25T10:22:00.000-07:00

Sydney is crowned a first grader:

2009-06-18T14:42:00.000-07:00

Classroom Birthday -

Sydney has been looking forward to her birthday crowning and song all year. We had some tears on her assigned day (Her birthday is in the summer so they celebrated on June 10). We showed up with her treats and there was a substitute that day. I kinda thought things might get messed up and sure enough the substitute forgot all about it and Syd came off the bus in tears. Luckily her darling teacher wrote her a special note and they celebrated the next day. She was so happy. They sing the cutest little birthday song:

Happy Birthday, happy birthday, we love you

Happy Birthday, happy birthday, may all all your dreams come true

When you blow out your candles,

leave one left aglow,

That will be the light inside your heart,

where your dreams can grow.

2009-06-10T13:49:00.000-07:00

SYDNEY'S CONCERT:

Our little monkey got a speaking part in this year's spring concert. Sydney loves music class and made us so proud that she got up in front of all of the families. She had a great time. Can't wait till next year.

Her kindergarten class's song - Goin' Bananas

Syd with her friend Abby.

2009-06-08T13:10:00.000-07:00

FUN AT THE PROPERTY AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME! I get a special birthday group hug. Ahhhhh! That felt good!

I was able to keep up my birthday camping tradition. This year we were able to spend it at our property in Leavenworth. It was the first time we all could sleep inside!!

I had a GREAT birthday! I turned 39 and I am so grateful for the life I have. I look around at all that brings me joy and truly my cup runneth over. I am so in love with my husband, adore my beautiful healthy funny girls, have a great relationship with my parents, a great home in a great area, AND I have this wonderful property full of sunshine and endless wood to burn. What more could I ask for. I love life at 39.

I find that there isn't a lot of sitting around at our property. There is so much to do that everyone just picks something and starts working. Little by little it is all coming together. The outside is starting to become usable thanks to lopers, clippers and chainsaws.

Pat and B work on building the picnic table.

Mom working on burn piles. Check out that huge one behind her. They may take a while.

B hauling up chopped down brush from our new creek play area.

Mom and I take a lunch break on our new table, just minutes old.

The inside is now fully furnished and the loft is next. We will get that done this weekend. Pat built the ladder last weekend so now we can get up and down easily. I am so amazed by all that Pat has done with wood and nail gun.

Sara is zonked on our new Ikea futon.

The girls make their maiden voyage up the new ladder all by themselves.

They are very excited to be at the top....especially Sara.

My parents have worked really hard for us here. Then they still have the energy and creativity to tells scary stories around the fire. If you ever run into my Mom be sure to ask her about the adventures of Slippery and Lippery.

While we work the girls get LOTS of playtime. I am so excited that we cleared out the creek so that they have a great place to splash around.Hard to believe this spot used to be completely covered over like the spot upstream.

Syd practices for her school concert.

2009-06-01T20:05:00.000-07:00

FUN DAYS AT HOME
I am a bit behind in my blogging. I guess it is bad when you have to back date a bunch of entries. Anyway, we are having a wonderful spring. Truly this is the most beautiful weather I have ever seen in May and June. We have been spending some fun days just hanging around the house.

Syd was sick in this photo but the sun was so beautiful she wanted to be outside. Dad always comes through with great ideas.

I have reached out to some of Syd's classmates for some fun playdates. I have to say that I am really enjoying getting to know all the kids in our neighborhood and their parents too.

Playing Green Eggs and Ham with Anna.

Dancing to Hannah Montana with Abby.

With Sydney just in half day kindergarten that leaves her lots of playtime with Sara. I can't believe how fast time is flying by and how grown up they are becoming. I fell like clinging onto every cute saying, every cute picture. I am so glad I get to be here these girls.

The girls playing pretend (they are such good buddies) and enjoying the yard.

Sam came over for a Saturday visit. They LOVE playing with cousin Sam.

Kriszta, we have your hat.
Sara just kickin' it with Rubatube.

Sara rides around the sport court with her precious collections.

Sara and I have had fun with our time together with Sydney at school. Her game of "Frog" brings lots of laughs. It is a funny game that totally matches Sara's little personality. Sara hides in the frog. You knock and say "Frog? Are you in there Frog?". She pops out the tops and croaks "What?!" They you ask her for something like ..."Frog, may I have a piece of pie?" Sara croaks "No!" and slams the lid shut again. She gets such delight in saying "no" to whatever you ask.

"NO!"

2009-06-01T19:11:00.000-07:00

A girl's weekend and Jody's wedding:

Syd and I headed down to Eugene, Oregon together to go to Jody's wedding. I decided to make a weekend out of it since it was such a long drive. Sara and Dad had a special weekend planned at home.

Syd with her motivation for the drive from Portland to Eugene

It was so fun being with one daughter and being able to give her all of my attention. Hotels are wonderlands for Sydney and she was so businesslike when we checked into our first hotel in Portland. She had her purse, her teddy bear and her rolling suitcase with her as she strutted into the lobby. When we got there she wanted to call Gram because we were just like Eloise and staying at the Crown Plaza and there was even room service.

Syd talking to Gram about the goodies on the bed (linen spray) and room service.

We had great girl time, staying up late watching movies (Bolt) and eating M&Ms in bed. We went shopping and painted toenails. I even let Syd wear a little make up to the wedding.

Syd in her new dress.

What a joy it was to see Jody get married. I was so happy to see her and Bob so happy. I didn't do a very good job of snapping pictures but thank God I got at least a couple.

Me and Jody, friends since 1986. Congrats Jody and Bob!!

2009-05-28T19:42:00.000-07:00

Sara makes dessert:

I got a couple of cookbooks with great pictures from the library. Somehow if I can see the end product it gives me more confidence that I can actually cook it. Anyways....Sara fell in love with the picture of these honey yogurt parfaits. She asked me everyday if she could make it. I had a hunch that the picture looked better than they tasted but gotta give it a try. Well, she did a BEAUTIFUL job. We even garnished it with mint leaves from our yard.Sara with her creation

I think both girls expected it to taste like ice cream. These next pictures captured their experience perfectly.

Syd being polite about little sister's dessert.

Sara's not too pleased either.

Pat and I showed extra enthusiasm and ate our all up. I was proud of our little dessert chef.

2009-04-30T15:26:00.000-07:00

Gymnastics and Sara's first class:

Since Sara turned 4 and Sydney is still 5 I thought they would like taking a class together. I found this class at The Little Gym. They were so excited to balance, jump and run. Sara got really excited when she was told she could run there. I think she is going to be a runner. Anyway, they were so brave. Syd has really come so far with her shyness. She can be shy and know she can handle it. I love the change in her. She was all prepared to be there for Sara who was feeling a little anxious. Boy oh boy, she was a GREAT big sister. In this first clip I thought Sara was doing really well but then I noticed that she seem a little TOO intent on what she was doing. Then she caught my eye and I saw what was really happening for her.

The teachers in this class were over the top great! The bouncy track was just what Sara needed to stop fretting and start having fun. Here Syd and Sara are bouncing along in the distance.

The girls just LOVED class. They got individual attention and got left on their own to experience all the fun equipment. Sara really started to have a good time as you can tell.

Here is their thoughts on class. When Sara came out of the room she ran up to me and said "I want to come here FOREVER". Obviously I signed them up for a little less than forever but for a good long time.

I have such different little girls. They are such good friends and I think their differences bring them closer together. I love this new stage we are in where they are both ready to have more experiences. I love watching them experience such joy. I love them!!

2009-04-26T19:13:00.000-07:00

OUR BIG YARD

This year a lot of change has happened outside already and it isn't even May. Our front yard had the biggest transformation. I am looking forward to the finished project but already love the new look. The fence keeps the dog and kids in and I am getting excited about adding some color. The flowers will be fun to plant as the front gets so much great sunshine.

Pat helped the girls get a vegetable garden started. Sydney is most excited about the tomatoes she is planting. I imagine she will be eating those right off the vine when the time comes.

Sara is most excited about the carrots she is planting. The tiny seeds were perfect for her tiny fingers.
The girls drew pictures so they would remember what seeds they planted. Cute!

Syd blows bubbles for Sara and Ruby. Both girl and dog can't resist popping big bubbles.

Pat got the girls help planting Dahlia bulbs. Syd has already checked them every day. I guess this is a good way for her to learn patience. I am so grateful for Pat getting the girls involved in planting. I am afraid I am more of a destruction girl and prefer the less exciting activities like mowing and whacking....but not picking up my trimmings. Pat does that too. Did I say I was grateful?

Sara picked me a lovely bouquet of flowers the other day. Thankfully we don't grow that kind in our yard (at least when I can help it). She gets them up on the rode while Dad throws the ball for Ruby.

2009-04-21T15:33:00.000-07:00

Daisy.....the most loving and patient cat on earth. I decided to shoot some pictures of just one of many episodes of Sydney's cat love sessions. This cat is truly gracious and purrs the whole time.

Sara got this really great book from The Brenne's for her birthday. The girls play school with it all the time. Syd is the teacher and Sara has to answer the questions or do the activity on each page. It is really sweet to watch.

Just the girls looking really grown up.

2009-04-17T08:12:00.000-07:00

We had a GREAT Easter and Sara turned 4 (again).

The Easter Bunny made a stop at our house last Sunday. He left a good combination of candy and toys. I love seeing the look of shock and pure delight on the girls faces as they discover their treasures.

Sara discovers that the bunny is hollow. I think that is a universal disappointment for all kids.

Here is Sara with a bouquet of flowers she was given for her birthday. We were at Michaels's Craft Store the other day and she feel in love with this bundle of silk flowers. She carried it all around the store. When I told her it was time to put them back she hid them amongst a different type of flowers "where no one else could find them" she said. Well, I went back and they were still tucked away in her hiding place. She is enjoying her new flowers with a happy chocolate ring around her mouth. I think the girls wore a ring like that all day.

Galactic Putty was a big hit in the Easter Basket. Fun gooey stuff!

The girls had fun with their cousin Sam

Let the Easter Egg Hunt begin!! We had to do the hunt inside this year. It was raining, so we hid the eggs in the living room and kitchen. The kids did great. I admit to telling Sara where the last egg was when she starting feeling sad that her older cousins had more eggs than her. I couldn't help it.

Sara blows out the candles on her birthday cake made by Dad this time. Pat homemade an ice cream cake. It was GOOD!!

Sara is getting her goodie bag for successfully finding eggs.

Ruby was the perfect Easter dog. She is cozying up to Gram.

2009-04-11T19:16:00.000-07:00

TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE EASTER....

The girls made Easter egg diaramas this year courtest of the Family Fun magazine Angie bought for me. This magazine is so full of really cute and fun ideas. This project was a MESS but in the end totally worth it. Grandpa Bruce came over to help with the project. The flour paste/paper mache part ended up being an adult project. After they dried the girls took over and took great pride and playtime in their work.

We are waiting for dinosaur eggs to hatch. Papa sent up some eggs that hatch in water. We told the girls it would take 1-2 days but they have been checking the eggs all the time and have noticed every little crack.

Finally a dinosaur can be seen peeking out. Fun!

Sydney is missing a tooth this Easter, her first one. Boy!...where there ever some drama waiting for that tooth to come out. It has been loose for like 6 months. It is the most unwiggled tooth in history. On the day that it was finally hanging on by a thread there were some fears and tears....and then it finally fell out. Yahoo!! The tooth fairy has made her first visit. Syd said "you wouldn't have put the money under my pillow would you Mom?" Uh-oh!! It's okay to lie to your kids right?

Sara being cute.

2009-04-08T12:35:00.000-07:00

SARA'S BIRTHDAY (PART 1)

We celebrated Sara's birthday this last weekend with Grandma, Grandpa, Auntie, Janna and Grandma Beverly.

Sara had a great time!!

Here she is with one of her favorite gifts....in fact she is wearing them right now on her fingers. See....I am always telling Sara to quit stealing all the caps off my pens. She likes to wear them as fingernails. So, she got 10 lovely Bic pen caps for her birthday. Cheap gift with lots of payoff.

Syd was a wonderful birthday helper. She truly was so gracios letting Sara have all the attention. I am really proud of the girls and how well they get along.

This was just a cute shot of Ruby. She was a good birthday dog.
Here is some video of Sara talking about turning 4.

2009-03-17T19:41:00.000-07:00

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY

A Little song that Syd learned at school.

The girls had a great St. Patty's Day. They woke up to a couple of trinkets left behind by a leprechaun. But it wasn't all sweet, he turned our milk green. The girls were very suprised. I even made Shepard's Pie tonight for dinner. It was actually really good and easy peasy to make.

Syd and Sara got to have all their CD's moved to their room. Sydney was very excited to be the master of her own music.

Sara was the dancer while Syd spun the tunes.

Sara looking like Mommy

2009-03-13T10:22:00.000-07:00

BEND, Oregon

From March 1-8 we took a vacation with my parents to Bend. Ahhhhh Bend......I love it there!

We were packed to the hilt with Ruby added to the family. Everyone did great on the 6-7 hour drive. Other than the inconvenient "I got to pee" and the question "When are we going to be there?" all went really well.

The house was perfect! There was plenty of room for all of us. I should have taken some pictures of the crazy antler lamps and Indian antler weapons in this house but I forgot. It was a crazy shrine to dead animal remains.

Taking a walk to Sunriver Village.

You may not recognize Pat and I but we are the crazy snowboarders in this picture. We had the most phenomenal powder. The weather was intense but the snow was great.

Mom and B. I was so glad that they decided to come along. Think my favorite memories is watching The Bachelor finale with them. 3 hours of reality TV at it's best. Mom used the work Johnson a lot and B taught us a new term....crouch crickets. Hee Hee!!

Sisters....These girls had a great time. Sara when asked what her favorite part of vacation was said "Being with family". (K, that one felt good). Syd's was swimming in the hot tub. When I told her what Sara's favorite was Syd said "She's silly".

Sledding at the snow park. Both girls were really brave. Then Sara ate too much snow and got cold. But they both got some really good rides.

Sara eating her ginormous snowball....She was very content.

Pat and I on the sled hill. We were kinda heavy for the tiny sled and didn't get far but with our photographer Syd we got a good picture.

On our last day we hiked up Pilot Butte for a beautiful view of Bend and all the mountain around this valley.

2009-02-17T09:52:00.000-08:00

ALKI, VALENTINE'S AND A CIRCLE OF PROMISES:

The girls and us parents had a BIG falling out. See.....Pat and I have noticed that our girls have gotten very sluggish and inappropriate when we ask them to clean up their toys. Sara gets a instant leg ache and turns on the tears and Sydney grumbles and complains the whole time she moves like a sloth and puts her toys one handed into the wrong place. Finally (and a bit long overdue I am sure) I blew my stack and said "Now I will clean up your room....my way" . Pat and I got Rubbermaid bins and put everything away under the house. The response was as dramatic as you could imagine. Their reaction told me that we should have done this ages ago.

The girls and I had a long conversation the next day about how to get a long in this family and we created a Circle of Promises. It lists all the things we want to do in this family. I was so impressed with the list they came up with...

We will:

Be loving

Be patient

Give Second chances

Not yell

Not be sassy

Do as we are told

....there is more but I can't think of it right now. Anyway, the girls decorated our circle and it hangs now in our kitchen. BTW - clean up is going really great everyday.

Sydney had her first Valentine's celebration at school. She is only a half day student so she had to open her cards at home. She was so sweet and let Sara open up half of them and shared everybit of candy she got. Even down to sharing a sucker. Honestly, I was never this giving when I was little. I was glad that Sara got to have some fun too.

We took Ruby out for a walk on Alki beach. We wanted her to get used to more people and sniff a couple of dogs.

Ruby did great and the girls had fun running all around. Sara said she would love to come back....in the summertime. Ahhhh!....her and Mommy are so alike.

Then it was time for Ruby to get her second bath. You can tell that she just isn't all that sure about the whole thing.

Here is a picture of Sara in her favorite spot...on the heater vent. Her and I have the same cold blood I think. If there was enough room I would be on the heater vent with her and Ruby.

2009-02-02T10:40:00.000-08:00

SISTER FUN AND A DANCE:

Last Friday I got to spend the day with Andrea on the slopes. We had great fun and think we have a new sister annual tradition.

Andrea asked me to wear a helmet this year. You know how I believe that all things happen for a reason so I suddenly feared the fall the was going to require the helmet. Ha Ha! No such wipeout occurred but I am glad I had the helmet on.

We snapped a couple of pictures at the end of our day. It was great conditions and our legs were tired but don't we look happy?:Afterwards we headed to Janna's house where Andrea.....no I mean Janna made us some homemade pizza's. They were so sweet to accommodate my picky palette with Pepperoni and pepper. I also bought a huge tub of butter toffee peanuts that I absolutely had to have. Lets just say I won't be eating another one of those in a long long time. Did you find the leftovers Janna?

Janna's little Winnie as so sweet to me. This little dog is so sweet. She was rescued from a puppy mill and when she wants to be held she uses her past to convince you of her need to be in your arms. So cute!!When I got home I got to spend the whole day and night with just Pat. Mom and B had the girls. We discovered Ruth's Chris Steakhouse happy hour. OMG!! The meals were cheaper the MacDonald's and were REALLY good. I highly recommend it.

When the girls got home on Sunday I was treated to a Dragon Dance in celebration of the Chinese New Year. Very cute and well done.

2009-01-14T14:06:00.000-08:00

Life as it is now:

Okay....all done catching up on 3 months worth of blogging. Thanks for all your patience everyone. I am finding a place for blogging again and with some good intentions I will keep it up.

I snapped this picture on Saturday. Pat was "elephanty" for Syd and Sara. The picture hardly does this goofy situation any justice. Pat is a wonderful pachyderm!

I snapped this picture while goofing around with my old new camera. My digital camera has vanished. I have asked the girls,s repeatedly if they have taken it and they swear innocence. See...these girls have a habit of every now and then picking up things that don't belong to them and sticking them in "secret" places. Luckily I know where these hideouts are and every couple weeks I check them over. I usually find one of my earrings, something I told the girls to put in the garbage or a piece of pretty junk mail. So, I have reason to think that little hands have done away with my camera. Still they seem pretty sincere when they say they didn't take it. Anyway I am back to learning how to use my old one. I liked this picture of Sara.

The girls LOVE playing with each other. Honestly they play prentend for hours. I am so glad they like being around each other and really have fun together. This is what I hoped for when I had them less than two years apart. I find myself knocking on the playroom door and asking if I can play. Syd is usually willing but Sara is often brutally honest and says "not right now Mom...maybe later". Funny. Here they are just playing away:

Ruby is sleeping by my side right now as I type this. She is such a wonderful dog when she is sleeping....so peaceful. Is it bad that I hope she doesn't wake up till after dinner? This is her and my first self portrait. She is really cute!

2009-01-13T14:16:00.000-08:00

ALONG CAME RUBY:

On Christmas Day we welcomed Ruby Jewel Hardwick into our family. I thought she looked like a Ruby and Sara wanted to call her Jewel from Fancy Nancy and the Posh Puppy. Luckily She was willing to settle for the middle name.

Ruby has been a sweet puppy. We love her but make no mistake she is just that.....a puppy. There has been lots of fun and tears as the girls adjust to their new nipping friend. The house is VERY picked up these days as she will eat anything in sight.

Here is a video for Andrea and Jana taken on Jan 12th to show how much she has grown.

We finished up Xmas with my folks a week later because their neighborhood was still buried in slush. We wanted to wait until we could bring both Grandmas over safely.

Here are some shots of our relaxing time.

Pat was the most relaxed of all I believe.

The girls were tickled with their new fancy dolls.

Oh....my darling Sara.

2009-01-11T18:53:00.000-08:00

A WHITE CHRISTMAS

Christmas was wonderfully snowy this year. Happily there was nowhere we needed to be so we could just play and enjoy the snow. Syd started winter break a whole week early (We will pay for that this summer.) As expected Sara spent her time in the snow eating and eating and eating....

Syd takes a ride down our front yard hill.

She really likes the now. I think she may be my new snowboarding partner. Not that Pat has been fired or anything.

Pat built snowzilla in our yard.

It was very impressive!

We spent our inside time doing Gingerbread houses. They were lots of fun.

The same amount of candy that ended up on the houses ended up in two small tummies.

We didn't have dinner that night. Hmmmm? Maybe that is my answer to my dinner problems....just serve bowls of candy in the afternoon. Vola! No arguments about dinner.

XMAS EVE:

This was the scene outside our window Christmas eve. It snowed nonstop through Christmas Day.

Gram, Grandpa Jim, Chris, Kriszta and Sam came over to celebrate with us.

Syd decided Grandpa would make a good bed.

Pat bought Chris a nerf gun for Christmas.

What he didn't mention is that he also bought himself one and hid it in the Christmas tree for a suprise attack.

Sam chose this smashing ensemble playing dress up. Chris wasn't too sure about it.

CHRISTMAS MORNING:
Santa came and left all his goodies for the girls. This year I decided to stay in bed and let them discover his presents all on their own. It was so precious listening to Sydney talk to herself in disbelief and then go and wake up Sara. The pure belief and excitement was awesome.

I loved that back of Sara's head looking at her stocking loot.

Here are the sleepy parents. We decided we looked younger if we stuck our chins out. Not sure we fooled anyone.

Syd with her WallE action figure.

The big winners this year were our old digital camera for Syd. She loved it and has snapped about 1000 pictures already. Another winner was the Cinderella laptop for Sara. Both kids share the toys back and forth.

Also, Santa took a big gulp and gave the girls the princess dolls they asked for.

2009-01-11T08:39:00.000-08:00

A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS:

Once again it has been a long time since my last blog and it is tough to sum up all that has happened over the last couple of months. I figure a good place to start is just my favorite things.

All the way back to the end of September we had a wonderful time at our property. Definitely one of my favorite things is BURNING!! Syd took this picture of me fully enjoying burning all the brush I can get my hands on.

Andrea joined us that weekend and decided rustic Vine Maple furniture was her calling....well, until she got bored. The table lasted a couple of weeks and sadly was crushed under a load of lumber it was so bravely trying to hold.

I love how the girls are so happy at the property.

Sara sips on a milkshake from the 59er Diner on our way back to Bellevue.

Sydney is so contentedly tired on the drive back home.

I asked Pat to grow a beard for me. He will usually do this for me once a year. Yeah!

Cookie making is a popular activity around the house. I am so grateful that I can be home with my girls and that are lives are so blessed that we have time to feel such joy at the little things, like cookie dough on beater.

Halloween was fun packed this year. I got to help out at Sydney's class party. I came as a witch but had to take off the nose as it scared a couple of her classmates.

Sara got to come too. She is Queen Amadala with a different head piece. The once that came with the costume made her cry so I had to improvise. Thank God for the Party Store by Sydney's school. Sara still wears and loves that mask. One of the best $5 dollars I spent in 2008.

Sydney poses with Arely.

We got to spend Halloween night with our friends. Here is the whole motley crew.

Syd and Sara took their new identities very seriously.

Sara is enjoying the spoils of all her trick or treating work.

This is one of my favorite pictures of Sydney. She is such a big grown up girl now. I love watching her change and grow. She is such a beautiful person, inside and out.

Pat worked really hard on the cabin, with lots of help from Bruce. This was our last visit before the snow came. It was so fun to stand on the porch of our new vacation home.

We had a little picnic lunch before we retired to the comfort of our hotel room in Leavenworth. Hopefully that will be the last time we will need to stay at a hotel. The Bavarian Lodge is by far the best stay in Leavenworth but I can't wait till Hotel Hardwick is open for business.

Pat and I celebrated our 6th anniversary. Usually I snap a head shot during our celebration but this year I was in bed after my thyroid surgery. (I don't have any pics of that.) But this was taken shortly before. I love being married to Patrick!!!

Christmas drew near and the first week in December we put of the tree.

Then came the snow: Next post.....

2008-09-28T09:45:00.000-07:00

What we have been up to: So we are getting used to our new schedule with Sydney starting school. It is a shock to have to be somewhere everyday at 8:50. Syd's first week was a bit rough but now all is well. After her first day the tears really started to flow. On her worst day Pat picked her up from school and took her out to a special lunch and bought her a Bravery Locket. In it she could put whatever picture she wanted. Syd chose a picture of her and Sara and she wore it "bravely" the next day at school. That locket made all the difference. Pat is the best Dad and I love him more and more all the time. Poor Pat I love him so much I just might snuff him out with the weight of it:>))

Sydney gives a thumbs up after a tear free day at school, wearing her new locket.

Sara and I are enjoying being together. She really blossoms when she is the only one. I am so grateful we get this time together just her and I.

Sara and I made cookies for Syd while she was at school.

We all went up to the property last weekend and Auntie met us there. Auntie was feeling the creative bug and decided to make some rustic furniture out of that God forsaken vine maple. I am sure this table/bench will be in the family for years.Auntie indulging in her new found passion of furniture building.

Sydney taking after her mother in her passion for FIRE!!!

Me and one of the MANY piles I get to watch burn come Fall. Weeeee!!

The cabin as off last weekend.

The cabin as of this weekend. Pat is up there by himself today and spent the first night ever in the cabin. I can't wait till it is all done and we can just go up there to play. My goal is that Pat and I spend our anniversary up there in the snow.

On the way home we stopped off at the 59er Diner and got old fashioned milkshakes.

Syd is sleepy on her way home from the cabin. I have to tell you how grateful I am to have this wonderful property where the girls can run around and have fun. They play outside all day and great games with rocks and sticks. I am so happy up there.

2008-09-15T18:41:00.000-07:00

SYDNEY LOVES SCHOOL!!We finally got to take Sydney to her first day of kindergarten.

Syd was really nervous the night before. She told me she had school fright, which she said was like stage fright but of school.

Pat got out his kindergarten picture and was telling the girls how nervous he was on the first day and how much he ended up liking it. His picture is really cute. I couldn't get the scanner to work to share it with y'all.

Patrick is my HERO as he took off an hour before school started to get Sydney switched back to the teacher's class whom she had met and had the school visit with. I ran into the teacher at the library late Sunday (Thank God!!) and she told me Sydney had been moved out of her class. Pat fixed it so our first day was just like we planned.

Syd was worried and then the tears started flowing. I didn't snap any pictures of that but the teacher was great and I was strong like bear. Sara and I left to go play at the park. It was fun to have Sara all alone. I look forward to our mornings together.

Anyway, I picked up Syd and she came FLYING out of the classroom yelling "I love school!!"

2008-09-12T14:26:00.001-07:00

I thought this was funny and scary:

2008-09-02T19:12:00.000-07:00

ThE First DaY OF SchooL

Well, the first day of school was: What the heck?!?

Bellevue School District teachers voted to strike so after all the crazy buildup to kindergarten....there was no kindergarten today. All this has been tough to explain to a 5 year old. The good news is on Labor Day we got to meet her new teacher and Syd got to see her desk with her name on it. That made all the difference in her fear of school. We are ready to go when the day comes. It looks like this strike is going to go on for awhile.

We headed off to Grandma and Grandpa's today for some fun. I am glad we live so close we can do that whenever we want. The girls helped Grandma make oatmeal for their upcoming trip to the sun in California.