Happy Graduation Mathew!

My nephew Mathew graduated from Sequim high school this weekend and we were there to cheer him on in the rain.  He is off to UW next year (where his sister Jessica also goes) with an option to transfer to Cornell his sophomore year.

 It was a rainy weekend filled with lots of family time.  It's always so nice to have all of Lance's family together.  The cousins just love spending time together.  💗

Siblings with their momma.

All the girl cousins with Gramma J.

Rylee adores her cousins Jessica and Mira.

Boy cousins (minus Ryan who was in Cali studying for finals).

Congrats Mathew!  We can't wait to see where your adventures take you!

Spring updates

 We had some warm sunny days this spring and we've tried to take full advantage of it.  It's been so nice to sit outside with a cold beverage and watch the kids play.  Absolute heaven.

 We've gotten together with lots of friends (but this is the only picture we've taken).  Love these guys!

 The kids (especially Carson) has gotten really close with the other kindergarten boys in the neighborhood.  The boys have play dates 2-3 times a week.  I feel so lucky to have so many great families within walking distance!  

 These are a couple of pics from a neighbors memorial day get together.  Lance and I were the yard dart champions!    

I got to babysit Kennedy for a couple of hours on Friday.  FINALLY!!!  She is just the sweetest thing ever.  Look at that cute face!  😍  Hopefully there will be lots more babysitting to come!

Carson lost his second tooth this weekend.  (See the bottom middle... the adult tooth was already coming in)  It had been loose for a LONG time and he was afraid to even touch it.  (I'm not sure what he was so scared of).  It came out at his friend's birthday party and he was pretty excited about it.  He put it under his pillow with a cute little note and woke up to two dollars and a piece of  salt water taffy.  💕

 I recently chaperoned Rylee's 2nd grade field trip to the Pacific Science Center.  We had a small group of just Rylee, her friend Rosalee and me.  We saw a butterfly movie at the IMAX, went to the butterfly museum and checked out all the other fun exhibits.  The bus ride back was a little trying with Seattle traffic, little boys kicking the seats, and overtired kids, but other than that it was a great trip!

Family time at the beach

We went to visit my parents last weekend for a belated Mother's Day celebration.  The kids were super excited to find out that Papa had gotten a new toy.  Of course they had to try it out!

 We all spent lots of time with baby Kennedy.  She is 3 months now and just so cute!  She is developing her personality and staying awake for longer periods of time.  She is so much fun!

 Sunday was a beautiful day so the kids finally got to try out Rylee's Christmas present- a kayak!    

 They both did a great job paddling on the kayak.  Rylee attempted to paddle all the way across the bay to hope island, but needed a little help from Grandma.  They both eventually made it and spent lots of time swinging on the rope swing.  Carson rode back home with me on the paddle board.  

 What a relaxing, family filled weekend.  I just love my beach time!

Springtime in Chelan

 We love to go to Chelan in the springtime.  It's sunny and warm, yet not as crowded as it is in the summer.  We stayed in Manson at one of our favorite local hotels- Mountainview Lodge and Resort.  Its small and nothing fancy, but the outdoor area and pool is great.  They always have a great spring special where you get a free bottle of wine and wine glasses when you book.  We spent the first evening drinking that wine sitting by the pool in the sunshine while the kids played with some new friends they made.  Perfect evening!

 We didn't spend as much time at the wineries as we usually do, and instead checked out some hiking trails on Echo Ridge.  There were so many to choose from!  The kids only lasted a few miles and then surprise-- wanted to go back to the pool.  

I can't wait to explore more of the trails on our next visit.

Of course we did go to a couple wineries and cideries as well.   We always visit Lake Chelan winery for some wine and cheese tasting.  It's one of our favorites.  Such a great little weekend away!

Monster trucks!

 We recently took the kids to their first monster truck show at the Washington state fair.  It was so much fun!  It was a smaller venue, and it was in the grandstand so it wasn't quite as loud as in the Tacoma dome.  The kids loved it.  We will definitely be going again next time they are in town!