Beach Days and a Visit from Aunt Deborah and Uncle David

Eben's update: still in the Bay Area.  Working way too much. Just found out he was selected for a promotion to Commander next summer!

 The amazing weather continues. Last weekend we spent both days at the Civic Club. This is Edison's "volcano." One of my favorite things about the Civic Club is that there is a pack of boys around the age of 5/6 that forms every afternoon and they work together to build sand creations. Edison jumps right in and contributes to the cause.

 On Sunday Reed spent almost an hour in the water with his siblings just enjoying splashing around.

 

 This week we were treated to a lovely visit by my Aunt Deborah and her husband, David. They are making a giant tour of the west and we were fortunate enough to spend a few days together out at the cabin this past weekend after spending the week with my dad in town.

 

Lake Wenatchee has warmed up nicely!

 Today we toured the orchards of Peshastin, stopped by Prey's Fruitstand, and swung through Leavenworth before having lunch at the Sleeping Lady. It was a perfect fall day.

First Week of School - Kindergarten/Preschool/Toddler 1

We attempted first day of school pictures, but somehow, that first day was kind of crazy. So here is a day #2 picture. Edison (6) is starting kindergarten at Lake Forest Park, Elementary. Charlotte is in preschool and Reed is in the Toddler 1 room at LFP Montessori. Edison actually didn't have school on this particular day as they do a "slow start" with kindergarten classes and his first day was actually Thursday.

 This is Edison's real first day. Note the pride emanating from the backpack.

 And Charlotte needed her solo picture, too. Yes - she is dressing herself these days.

 

I wanted to get a picture of Edison getting off the school bus on his first day. But - he didn't get off! I had to run after the bus (with Reed under my arm and Charlotte on a bicycle) to the next bus stop and wave down the driver. At kindergarten orientation they assured us that kindergarteners got special treatment, rode in the front seats, etc. He was wearing a tag with his name and bus stop on it. Alas - this was not the case. The bus driver didn't know he was in kindergarten (despite the giant "K" tag on his backpack), because the "loader" hadn't told him (that and maybe Edison is kind of bigger than your average kindergartener). Anyway - I did get him off the bus and I think we'll have smooth sailing from this point forward. So - this is the second day of getting off the bus - much better!

Thank you to Sara for bestowing upon Reed this amazing walker. He loves using it to keep up with Charlotte and Edison in the driveway.

 Not sure if I've mentioned this before, but this really has been the best summer, weather-wise, that I can remember. This weekend was mid-80s both days and we spent our spare time at the beach after playing catch up from a crazy week that included not only our first week of school, but also our plumbing going out and having to call two different plumbers out to repair it.

 Oh yes- and GO PATS! It is football season again!

 This is how amazing our new camera is - no, Charlotte is not floating in the air.

SEPTEMBER - Reed Is One!

New activity: pushing Reed around the driveway in the Little Tykes Car. Great way to pass the 20 minutes while dinner is being made.

 Eben flew into town for Labor Day Weekend and Reed's first birthday. We fired up the backyard built in bar-be-que for the first time - success!

 On Sunday we drove up to Floyd and Kathie's new condo in the Fairhaven neighborhood of Bellingham. It is a darling condo in an amazing, downtown location with an impressive roof top deck with a view of Bellingham Bay. Charlotte and Nana!

 Nana found this yellow dress - the same one I wore when I was four to be the flower girl at Kirstie and Peter's wedding. I must say, Charlotte embodied the joyous spirit of this dress to a "t." I loved seeing her dancing around in it.

 

 Edison got to reconnect with Great Uncle Floyd!

Eben and Pete on deck. "HI" guys!

 

Singing "Happy Birthday" to Reed. He's loving the attention!

The Phillips tradition - lemon bear cake with toasted coconut cream cheese frosting.

Mmmmm- cake!

Hanging with cousing Evie.

By the time we were ready for presents, Reed was ready for a nap, poor guy. But he cuddled with me and Charlotte and Edison helped him open his presents.

First day of school 2014: kindergarten, preschool, and the toddler room. Glowing reports today! Kids are super tired, though.