My Party Planner

If it weren't for Julia, Tyler wouldn't be having a 2nd birthday party.  Simply because he is happy with a worm in the garden, no need for a big party (and that would be much simpler!).

However, with no coaxing on my part, Julia is planning a party so I better get on board.  She had chosen a theme with Tyler's input (Bob the Builder) and has an invite list.  And here she is writing notes to two of her friends at preschool inviting them to come to the party and be the 'big kid helpers'.  Oli has always been the 'big kid helper' at her parties so I guess she has fond memories of that.  I cannot help but smile and be proud of her desire to make Tyler's birthday special, to be inclusive of her friends and to have the patience to write out this note (45 minutes!).  

We'll continue to count down to Tyler's birthday (1 more day).  She started 14 days ago, again on her own.  And she has taught him to sing, "happy birthday to me".  

Brett's View

This is the view outside Brett's office window when he is trying to work from home. 

Ice Cream Truck

A childhood memory...chasing the ice cream truck.  We love our house for so many reasons but having the ice cream truck go by and running to chase it with the kids is really fun. Julia and her sweet tooth has never run so fast (trying to catch her big brother was a big incentive too!). 

American Girl - a first

American Girl.  A phase that is in our future I'm sure.  Not sure a phase I'm looking forward to...expensive dolls and  even more expensive accessories.  Spa Chair for $110?  Doll PJ's for $40?  Gulp.

Our initiation was a charity event for Children's Hospital which was a fashion show with young girls modeling with their dolls.  We were an audience member with a borrowed doll.  Julia had fun but we're not investing yet in AG (yes, they even have acronyms). 

Soccer Saturdays

Julia started soccer today with City of Kirkland.  She's played soccer with Lil Kickers and at preschool but this program is outside and they play actual games every weekend.  It's the real deal.  

She played hard, listened intently to all of the rules (like when the coach said to 'stand behind me', she took it VERY literally), and scored her first goal!

This guy is ready to play any sport with any ball. 

Logan and Julia have been friends since they were 6 months old.  They are more like brother and sister at daycare/preschool than friends.

Believe it or not, that is Julia running.  She seems to have such a natural running gait in this picture.  Maybe she will follow in my footsteps, literally and figuratively.

Julia and Coach Eddie.  She really is a rule-follower.

In mid-air...not sure if she is running or dancing here.

After Julia scored her goal, she ran to Daddy's arms for a celebratory hug.

Oli was chatting up a girl on the sidelines for the entire 60 minutes.

Neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt

The neighborhood's Easter Egg Hunt was a fun time, as always!  Tyler was overwhelmed for the majority of it so it was hard to get a smile out of him.  Julia didn't stop smiling. Oli didn't stop running hence why getting a picture of him was impossible.

This year for a first, we had the Easter Bunny leave by boat.  But was concerned his head would fly off if he 'gunned it' so to Oli's disappointment, the Easter Bunny floated away in the yellow boat.  It was a hit thought and Brett loved an excuse to get the boat out.

For more pics, you can click here (all taken by Julie who has started a photography business) and follow the instructions:

www.thehiddenlens.com

-> Client Login

-> wom egg hunt

password is hophop

 

3 days of Spring

The last 3 days have been an amazing taste of spring that we thoroughly enjoyed (the rain is back today unfortunately). 

Yesterday after work/school, we enjoyed a bit of park time as a family. 

Just a couple of short videos sure exemplify our kids ages and stages. 

 

Tyler is a rough and tumble toddler line backer but he sure has a sweet side to him too.  He loves getting hugs and is so gracious. 

 

Julia just wants the world to be full of rainbows, sparkles and 'everyone saying nice things'. 

 

Listen closely and you will hear the sound of a baseball and forehead making contact. 

 

Even when he is sad, he is pretty easy to make laugh.  

 

Oli is sure growing up but after 10 minutes of playing catch he said, 'playing catch is fun with you Dad but do you mind if I go climb trees with Julia ?'