JULY - Edison Turns Five!

We started off Edison's birthday at the cabin and he got to pick a restaurant for lunch. He picked the 59er Diner because he LOVES their milkshakes. What a treat!

 At home, he and Charlotte helped me make the birthday cake.

 The Captain America cake looked great and Edison loved it. Not to mention it was quite tasty.

  We were joined for his birthday celebration by Nana, Grand Dada Herbert, Matt, and our neighbors Bob and Marlene. They all love Edison so much and definitely made that apparent by the wonderful birthday gifts he received. This is the tackle box from Matt and Lisa - so cool!

 The fireman outfit from Grand Dada Herbert - Edison is obsessed with Fireman Sam right now.

 A personalized card and cool presents from Nana.

 The classic "Operation" game from Bob and Marlene!

 The next day he got his wish to have a birthday party at Jump Planet with his friends. Colin Pierce and Graham, Dillon and Liam, and Alton all joined us for a fun morning of jumping and sliding. Not too many pictures as the kids were in constant motion.

 Then we had a nice lunch and cupcakes at home. Edison absolutely LOVED all the attention, special touches, and gifts that he received. Thank you so much for making his day truly memorable!

Summer Starts!

Summer got off to a busy start with lots of fun plans. My grad school friend Jen came down from Anchorage for a visit. Hard to believe it has been 10 years since grad school.

 

She was a big hit with the kids and got them excited to throw and catch the football.

 Eben is "Jeep sitting" for a friend of his who is on a two-month deployment this summer. The kids had fun pretending to drive it.

 Pig tails!!!

 We actually ended up with quite a hot streak at the end of June. It was wonderful to spend an afternoon with my cousin Karen at her pool.

 We also spent a few days up at the cabin and Lake Wenatchee - mostly getting work done - but we made time for the beach, too. Eben finished the wood shed and I painted the mud room and main bathroom. We'll do finishing touches next visit.

 Daddy's little helper.

Beach Days, Father's Day, Big Announcement

This was round two of the Hello Kitty watch. The first one got water condensation in it on its first use. This one came with clips - very cute. Unfortunately its face got all scratched up on its first use. We tried a third time and ended up with one whose time didn't set. So.... no watch for now.

 Dress up!

 Last weekend, we went to Jetty Island with my mom, Pete, Jennie and Alton and also Matt and Lisa.  What fun! Note: this picture was taken a half-step before Alton ruined Charlotte's sandwich.

 Jellyfish! No one told Edison and Charlotte they are gross or scary. These are moon jellies and not poisonous, so totally fine to pick up. They are braver than I!

Getting ready for Sara McManus's graduation party!

 

 With the new Master of Counseling from SPU - Sara McManus! We are excited she got a full time job at Wenatchee High School and will be living east of the mountains starting in the fall.

 Edison loved this puppy at the grad party.

 With their new friend, Nolan. He is also three and the grandchild of Shorecrest High School's French teacher, Mary Peters.

 Happy Father's Day, daddy! Look at the awesome picture Edison painted!

 One more beach day on Father's Day - getting ready to land. Edison wanted to be helpful.

 Big Announcement: I'm five months pregnant. Eben and I are expecting our third child in early October!

JUNE - Prom and Charlotte's Birthday, Part Two

Charlotte's class combined with the other Early Preschool class for a Spring Concert last Friday. Her teacher, Ms. Kristen is on the right.

 

Charlotte spent the first five songs hiding behind Brandon, looking cute and shy and not singing. All that despite the fact she's been singing these songs (like Baby Beluga) at the top of her lungs for over a month now in anticipation. It was great though when she actually sang the last few songs!

 On Saturday night I chaperoned Senior Prom aboard the Argosy's Spirit of Seattle on Elliot Bay in Seattle. Here I am with my crew of juniors who were working coat check, the food table, and making a prom video for the seniors.

 With the other chaperones.... Love Boat anyone?

 Nana returned from her college reunion trip to Minnesota to celebrate Charlotte's birthday. The kids were very happy to have her back. The wall clings, puzzle, birdhouses, and book were a big hit!

 She loves the binoculars and Fairy Tale books from Uncle Floyd and Aunt Kathie. Note who is also very interested in the binoculars in the next picture.

Charlotte's Third Birthday!

Charlotte with Mrs. Cheeseburger - Eben's favorite stuffed animal from when he was a little kid.

 Edison has started to like doing math problems - addition, subtraction, and even the first few steps of the multiplication table. Here he is working on addition of numbers with three digits. Really cool!

 Bob and Marlene came over to give Charlotte her birthday present - a really cool Hello Kitty camera.

 Edison and Charlotte helped me make the cupcakes for her school birthday, her birthday cake, and yummy cream cheese frosting. Licking the beaters is such a joy of childhood!

 On her actual birthday, we met Granddaddy Herbert at Chuck E. Cheese after school. Edison really liked this fireman game.

 After dinner we came home for birthday cake and presents. She had requested a Strawberry Shortcake cake that was strawberry on the inside. It was my first layer cake and I was pretty proud of it - and also her!

 Opening the "Elefun" game from Granddaddy which features an elephant that blows butterflies out of its trunk - kids run around with butterfly nets and try to catch them as they come down.

 The joy of getting something that is just what you want - a big girl watch!