Boat Party

Even though this happened one month ago, it is worth reminiscing about. 

We are new to the world of sailing and with that comes the realization that part of sailing is the mishaps along the way.  The stories that are collected, shared and treasured.  Those stories seem to contain more mishaps than not.  These stories created a very fun evening we hosted at our house a month ago.

The idea started here...it was our first weekend on Windependent and there were lots of things going wrong.  After each 'mishap' I was texting Maro and she texted back something along the lines of, "Yup, you are sailing. And the McDonald's and us have to share ALL of our stories with you as part of the introduction to sailing."  So, we invited them and our other sailing friends over to enlighten us on all that can go wrong. 

We made a game of it...there was voting, there was laughter, there were new friends made, there were gag gifts made....it was memorable.

Anne Post, a dear new friend of ours...lives right behind us.

Charlie Walsh and Bob McDonald...probably telling each other the same stories they have told for years to each other.

Pat and Maro started the story telling off with one of their classics.  A story of two women and their two daughters trying to get through the Ballard Locks.

Dave Despard, a neighbor friend and someone that has become a business mentor to Brett.  He is a funny funny man even when you aren't asking him to share his hilarious boating stories. 

Vicky getting ready to cast her vote for the story about how the hired captain took cover because the seas got too intense.

Arnold, my client for the past 5 years had stories to share about his sailing experience all over the world. Arnold and Brett took their sailing lessons together.  We're sad that he is moving back to the Netherlands.

Ed receiving Brett's gift to him of the line that caused their rescue on a night they went out on Windependent.  When you have the boat in reverse (well, anything in reverse) it is wise to look behind you.  Glad that I am learning that lesson through Ed.

Anne and John Post actually performed their stories to the tune of Gilligan's Island.  This earned them a gag gift...the Walsh's old rusty sailing nuts and boats. 

 We thank our friends for coming and enlightening us on the sailing fun that can be had (and that you live to survivie it and laugh about it).

Happy Birthday, Julia!

Julia turns 3 today!  She is turning into a little girl and one that we love more and more everyday.  She loves to sing, loves to dress up, loves to ride on top of your shoulders (especially Daddy's), she LOVES her brothers...I could go on and on. 

We celebrated yesterday with a Dora party at our house with 12 little kids, 5 babies and 30 adults.  Thanks to everyone who helped us celebrate! 

A little down time before the party.

Oli was leading Simon Says.  A game that is still too old for 3 year olds.  The pinata wasn't a lot better.  It was a pull one, not a bat one, but that resulted in a decapitated Dora.

More celebrating to be done today!

Energy vs Apathy

Sometimes we have to dig deep into the well of "Parent Patience" to handle Oli's energy (you may have heard us refer to it in other words :)).

One problem we don't have with him is apathy...(look at second kid to the left).  This was the winning score of a game in overtime. 

Alston Salon

An outing I knew that Nana would like would be to join Julia for her haircut.  Julia hates getting her hair brushed but loves getting it cut.

After paying nearly $30 seeing that they cut it straight across, she will be going to Alston Salon next time.  That promises to be a blogging moment.

Yes, she is wearing her tutu.  She so often wears her tutu.

Speaking of Alston Salon.  After Julia helps me mop the floor, she gives herself and anyone else around a 'foot bath'.  She says Scout isn't allowed because he doesn't have thumbs.  He misses out because she gently rubs your feet after yanking off your socks and then pats them dry so very gently and applies lotion.  It is the closest thing I get to a pedicure these days.



Nana and Grandpa's Visit

Nana and Grandpa are here!  They are a pleasure to host and sometimes I wonder who is hosting who....they have made more dinners than I have, they have done ALL the dishes since they got here last week, they have washed windows, walked Scout, fixed little things here and there, not to mention take care of the kids.

Last Saturday we all went to Oli's basketball game.  He played his best game yet!

Oli's Basketball Season

Basketball is Oli's second sport he is playing right now (swimming being the other).  Last weekend's game was very exciting and even went into overtime.  Oli's team lost but the excitement was invigorating!

One more game to go in the season - go Wolverines!

Luc (Oli's little brother) and Julia enjoy the weekly side line lollipop. 





A typical sideline image...Luc and Julia playing; Tyler observing and the parent without the camera is "on duty". 

Happy Birthday to Me!

Last week I celebrated my birthday...35?  How did that happen!

Brett and the kids made a cake...I LOVED watching it even more than eating it.  However, eating it for breakfast on my birthday mornign was a treat for us all.  That is what you do when you have different family members heading in different directions, you improvise! 

I received princess bubble bath, a list of the reasons why Oli loves me and best of all an IOU from Brett of the support and time I need to complete a LIFE goal.  A Half Ironman.  Yes, that is right and you heard me commit to it right here and right now (gasp!). 

Another birthday highlight was lunch with my girlfriends yesterday...a casual time to connect and giggle with no kids.  I know how difficult it is to get away to have a little fun so the time with them was very cherished!

Yes, Oli is wearing a cardboard box on his head.  Who says that he is the leader?  This time he was a follower'er.