Noobs in Seattle

Cool Treat

Photo taken Saturday, June 27, 2009 2:53:44 PM
On Saturday we ventured to the annual Strawberry Festival in Bellevue. It’s so close to home, and this year was hot but not too hot like last year. This year Joe and I tried out the shortcake, which I was happy was made with real shortcake and plenty of berries! The kids don’t care for it, so Al had Hawaiian Shaved Ice with two flavors. He was a happy kid. He played in two bouncy houses this year, and also enjoyed his first round of miniature golf.

Watching the Crowd

Photo taken Saturday, June 27, 2009 2:53:53 PM

Getting Ready

Photo taken Saturday, June 27, 2009 3:40:13 PM
Al used two of his game tickets to play 6 holes of miniature golf. This was his first time to play, and I think he did just fine. Most importantly, he had fun! I think he’ll play again sometime.

Jr. Golfer

Photo taken Saturday, June 27, 2009 3:43:29 PM
Such a good sport for me, Al paused to pose with his little club.

Trying it Out

Photo taken Saturday, June 27, 2009 3:46:21 PM

The View from Up Here

Photo taken Saturday, June 27, 2009 3:52:01 PM
Gigi seldom cares for the stroller lately, but because we don’t quite trust her to either hold our hands constantly or stand close by when needed, we tried out her little monkey backpack, which has an extra long tail (leash!) that clips onto the bottom of the pack. It’s like a cute and cuddly version of a kid leash. She instantly fell in love with it. We tried it before she turned 2 and it just didn’t work. Now that she’s older and listens a bit better, it was rather successful. Still, nothing beats a ride on Daddy’s shoulders.

Cooling Down

Photo taken Saturday, June 27, 2009 3:58:39 PM
Here Al enjoys his second treat of the afternoon. He and Gigi were indeed in need of some shade and something cold. Al chose a creamsicle, which he happily devoured.

Green

Photo taken Saturday, June 27, 2009 3:58:46 PM
Gigi’s treat was a bright green popsicle that tasted very sour. It helped cool her down, but soon she was making a mess (no surprise there) and was done with the thing. Here she shows off her green mouth.

See my teeth!

Photo taken Saturday, June 27, 2009 3:59:16 PM
Gigi’s teeth quickly turned an unnatural shade of of green from her popsicle, but Al’s teeth remained their normal color. He wanted to be sure we got a close look. It may be hard to see here, but the bottom tooth below his two front teeth, is loose. Today, I thought it would come out. But I thought that last week, too. Today it was so loose I thought I’d accidentally bump it while we brushed his teeth. It’s hanging on by more than a thread, but just barely.

Almost Gone

Photo taken Saturday, June 27, 2009 3:59:18 PM
Ah, the sad lament of the end of a sweet treat.

Up High

Photo taken Saturday, June 27, 2009 4:26:51 PM
Gigi could stay up on her Daddy’s shoulders all day if he let her. She was grinning, squealing, and laughing at turns while she took in the sights of the festival from quite the vantage point. I think the monkey on her back had a good time, too.

Hold on Tight

Photo taken Saturday, June 27, 2009 4:26:57 PM

Silly

Photo taken Friday, June 26, 2009 9:53:05 AM
On Friday I took the kids to a morning hike through the Bellevue Botanical Gardens. This was my first visit, and Al’s second. He went this spring with his school. We hiked with a small group from our YMCA for nearly two hours. A total of 6 kids walked with the group, and though I lugged the umbrella stroller with us, I should have left in the car! Gigi ran, walked, explored, socialized and took breaks on the park benches whenever she could. Al did great, too, and didn’t complain until we were almost done. At that point, it was just because he was hungry. I did my job and he had worked up a good appetite! The gardens are beautiful and soon we’ll be taking our families through for another walk.

Climbing

Photo taken Friday, June 26, 2009 9:53:54 AM
Gigi really gave herself a good workout climbing these stone steps!

Exploring

Photo taken Friday, June 26, 2009 9:53:59 AM

White Blossoms

Photo taken Friday, June 26, 2009 10:05:15 AM
I am fairly certain this flowering beauty belongs to the rose family.

What’s this?

Photo taken Friday, June 26, 2009 10:11:54 AM

Taller than the Lilies

Photo taken Friday, June 26, 2009 10:11:57 AM

Between the Trees

Photo taken Friday, June 26, 2009 10:30:26 AM

Lush

Photo taken Friday, June 26, 2009 10:59:16 AM

Mini Waterfall

Photo taken Friday, June 26, 2009 11:08:53 AM

Rock Sculpture

Photo taken Friday, June 26, 2009 11:13:20 AM

Peace out?

Photo taken Thursday, June 25, 2009 8:46:20 AM
Once at school, Al quickly warmed up his attitude and was in fact rather rambunctious at times. Yet, I really couldn’t fault him for that! After working hard for nearly 10 solid months, it was down to two hours until Al and his class became first graders.

Working

Photo taken Thursday, June 25, 2009 8:48:02 AM
Despite all the excitement of the morning, Al sat down at his table before the second bell rang to create one last paper book at school. He has made several more at home since starting summer break! He wrote carefully and neatly, clearly putting effort into his creation. Al told his teacher in his thank-you card: “My favorite thing to do was to make paper books.”

I have lost count of just how many he has made, but it’s amazing that now he sits and writes out mini-stories, often with only a couple misspelled words. All it takes is a couple sheets of paper, folded in half or fourths, a few staples whenever possible, a pencil, and often crayons or markers. Such a simple project has made one very satisfied boy!

Breakfast

Photo taken Thursday, June 25, 2009 9:04:28 AM
Al and his class were treated to a special breakfast on their last day. Parents and the teachers all contributed something to make their meal delicious: Krispy Kreme donuts, fresh fruit, mini cinnamon rolls and plenty of juice fueled up (and sugared up!) the class for their fun-filled morning.

Autographs

Photo taken Thursday, June 25, 2009 10:15:36 AM
Al’s teacher presented the class with beach balls during the last hour. Each had their names on them, and they were then instructed to walk around with a Sharpie and collect autographs from their classmates. This activity nearly took one hour!

Long Lashes

Photo taken Thursday, June 25, 2009 8:26:53 AM
The morning of Al’s final day of Kindergarten, he was a bit uncooperative about getting his picture taken at home. Gigi further complicated matters, but finally I got Al to relax, yet still didn’t get any great shots. I love this one for two small yet important reasons: 1. the lashes. 2. The hint of his smile.

Coy

Photo taken Thursday, June 25, 2009 8:26:55 AM

Bubbles Everywhere

Photo taken Tuesday, June 23, 2009 2:11:17 PM
At Al’s first field day at school, Gigi was happy to be part of the action. Here she happuly wandered among masses of bubbles.

Hmmm…

Photo taken Tuesday, June 23, 2009 2:26:46 PM

Goofy

Photo taken Tuesday, June 23, 2009 2:27:28 PM
I think Al liked the snacks at field day as much if not more than the activities!

Sweet Treat

Photo taken Tuesday, June 23, 2009 2:35:13 PM
The kids wore little stickers that were checked off as they chose their snacks. Gigi and other little sibs also had them and were happy to share in the goodies!

Sassy

Photo taken Sunday, June 21, 2009 6:33:42 PM
How do you like this look, Mama?

Super Serious

Photo taken Sunday, June 21, 2009 6:35:04 PM
Dressed as Bumblebee, Al took a break from fighting the Decepticons to play a game.

What to do?

Photo taken Wednesday, June 17, 2009 4:25:14 PM
Once we were at Danielle’s house, the kids quickly settled into playtime. After playing inside for a while, we all headed outside to enjoy the sunshine.

What?

Photo taken Wednesday, June 17, 2009 4:27:14 PM
Carrot in one hand, his cat and a plastic letter from Danielle’s little play set in another, Al was happy to pose for me.

How many will fit?

Photo taken Wednesday, June 17, 2009 4:30:17 PM
Although this is really designed for toddlers, Danielle, Al and Gigi all managed to squeeze inside. Danielle calls it her garden, and there is a tiny veggie patch behind Danielle. It’s a cute and interactive toy that even big kids can’t resist. Gigi often plays with this same playset at the YMCA, so she was quite excited to see it in Danielle’s yard!

The Herb Garden

Photo taken Wednesday, June 17, 2009 4:33:52 PM
My friend Dahlia is growing herbs, tomatoes, blueberries and more around her yard. Here, Danielle introduced Al to the herb garden. Soon Al was munching on fresh parsley and basil along with Danielle. They were permitted to munch away, as long as they didn’t touch the cilantro, which Danielle’s mom needed for a recipe!

What’s that one?

Photo taken Wednesday, June 17, 2009 4:35:08 PM
Al was either really into these herbs, or he was showing off, or maybe a bit of both! He has tried fresh parsley at home before, but the basil was a surprise!

The Girls

Photo taken Wednesday, June 17, 2009 4:38:03 PM
Al had his fill of fresh herbs, but Gigi took his place and continued to sample with Danielle.

So Sleepy

Photo taken Wednesday, June 17, 2009 2:29:33 PM
Before we left for a Wednesday afternoon playdate, Gigi needed some quiet time. While Al played, Gigi settled into my bed for a good nap. I don’t think it took her more than five minutes to fall asleep, and then I let her sleep a good hour before we left the house.

Soundly Sleeping

Photo taken Sunday, June 14, 2009 5:00:18 PM
Gigi propped herself on the end of the couch, using it for a pillow, and curled her knees up tightly like she usually does in bed. Thumb loosely in mouth, and hair in her face, she was content!

Even Big Kids Need Naps

Photo taken Sunday, June 14, 2009 5:01:26 PM
Late on Sunday afternoon, a few hours after the kids and I returned from a birthday party for one of Al’s friends, I let the kids, who both seemed a bit worn out, relax with a movie. It was a cool and cloudy day, and they’d spent much of the time at the party outside. Before long, Al was out. Once Gigi realized he was asleep, she asked for her blanket and curled up on the opposite end of the couch.

Watching

Photo taken Wednesday, June 10, 2009 2:54:58 PM
When we arrived at Crossroads Park on a fine day nearly two weeks ago, Al and Gigi went their separate ways immediately. The park was nearly empty, surprsing for such a nice afternoon, but we enjoyed it! Here Gigi con1d what to do next after a quick trip up and down the steps.

Down the Steps

Photo taken Wednesday, June 10, 2009 2:55:05 PM
At home, Gigi confidently walks up the stairs most of the time with no hands. No longer on her hands and knees, she’s a big girl now and wants to do everything she can like a big kid!

Who can resist the dirt?

Photo taken Wednesday, June 10, 2009 3:33:18 PM
Al and Gigi each found small sticks and quickly were busy drawing in the sand-dirt mixture at the park.