Another year of the "1st Day of School"

Jake just had to wear his pre-school shirt on the first day!
Our big boy!
Ava gladly walked Jake to his class for his first day.

This is Jake's 2nd year of preschool and he was like an old pro at the whole school thing. He was anxious to go, but not nervous or scared. His teacher commented on how well he did on the first day and said that he has been making lots of new little buddies. This was great news for me as last year he really didn't come out of his shell until after Christmas. I'm glad to see that he is confident and excited about school. We're so proud of you little man!

Time for SOCCER!!

Jake's 1st soccer game was yesterday! He's very excited about being a soccer player and his first game actually went better than I thought it would. It's such a learning experience for all the little guys & girls...the coaches actually stand on the field and tell everyone where to stand and exactly what to do. What a big boy our little Jake has become! Go 'Lil Kickers!!

Breakin' The Law!

It's no secret that Jake LOVES costumes and every couple of months he's due for a new one. Mimi usually helps in out in this department and for the last two weeks he's been asking me to take him over to her house to check the front step for a little brown package the mail truck was supposed to bring him. It FINALLY arrived and he's so excited! He especially loves the whistle (I'm already going crazy) and the the handcuffs (he likes Ava and I to be the bad guys).


Here he is arresting his sister...I wonder what she did?? Whatever it is, she's probably guilty.

"The Look"

As many know Ava is our "little miss sassy pants" and today she was nothing short of her ordinary self. This is the "look" she likes to give me when I tell her not to do something (like don't play with the shredder...it's dangerous and you could lose your fingers!). It's as if she's trying to say..."well Mom, what are you going to do about it?" Stinker! She can be as cute as a bug's ear at times, but she LOVES to try my patience! Oh, and by the way, she insisted she have both the bib (which is too small) AND the dish towel.

3's A Crowd...

For the past 5 years (I know it's my own fault), we have had our little midnight monkey run in and want to sleep with us. I usually end up with about 12 inches on the edge of the bed with a foot in my side. Last night before bed I told him that if he got scared and came to sleep with mommy & daddy he would have to bring blankets and a pillow and sleep on the floor. He did it! And all by himself I might add! I was pleasantly surprised this morning when I woke up to this. Notice that his halibut from Alaska is not in my bed either. Thanks buddy...Mommy can finally get a good night's sleep!

Last Wedding of the Summer...

Mimi and Drew (11 mo.)
Mimi & Ava
Melanie & Emelia
Mimi, Ava, Jake, & Abigail
Mommy's cousin Brynn, Ava, & Jake
Ava getting her groove on...
Little Emelia...soooo pretty!
Josie and Drew giving loves...
Drew is getting SO Big!
Ty & Jake

Ava & Brynn
Jake with his messy, sticky hands...just had to have those "melted" meltaways!
Auntie Kelsy & Ava
Josie
Mimi and the 2 year old "club"
They have a little cheer they all do together...so cute!

Yesterday I told Ava we were going to mommy's cousin Sue Ann's wedding and she quickly asked, "Can I dance?" Of course! Boy, can that girl dance! She did not inherit that from me...Eric says I have no rhythm. The wedding was at the Windm1ll Garden in Sumner and it was such a pretty setting! The flowers were gorgeous and Sue Ann and Adam looked so happy. Jake really enjoyed trying to catch Koi fish with Uncle Richard (with their hands!). They did end up rescuing one that was caught in the filter. Jake has been talking about Uncle Richard and the Koi fish all morning! Weddings in our family are always fun and a wonderful way to bring everyone together. Sadly, I was so busy photographing my kids and family that I didn't get any snapshots of the bride and groom.

Family Time at Quest Field

Last night we went to the first Pre-Season Seahawks game. We had a fantastic view of the entire field from our seats but wow, was it a long trek up there! We were on the 40 yard line and about 8 rows from the top. It was 92 degrees out when we were parking the car, and probably 5 degrees warmer once we got to our seats. It was very exciting for the kids and they had a lot of fun despite the heat. Our saving grace was a phone call from Grandpa who happened to be in a suite (with air conditioning) and said that 4 people had left and that we were welcome to join them. I think our kids came alive on our way into the suite because the dessert cart met us at the door. They filled up on gummy bears and ice cream (just what they needed). Jake later said, "Dad, this is my favorite way to watch football." Oh boy, we better take the silver spoon out of his mouth!

Our photos were taken with Eric's phone...so they aren't the best quality.