First Comes Love...

I'd be a rich woman if I'd been given a dollar every time Abigail told this to someone this past month. We are knee deep in Birthday month, but this past weekend we celebrated Abigail turning 5 with a pony party at Farrel-McWhirter Park in Redmond.  Grandparents, Auntie, cousins, and a couple friends joined us to celebrate. The park did an amazing job, all we had to do was pick a theme (Western or Unicorn...wanna guess what Abigail picked?!) and show up with food and cake. It was a perfect afternoon spent celebrating our little girl over pony rides, games, food, cake, and gifts. My little pony girl. Auntie helping G decorate his sticker castle Jimmy Johns! Emily and George building a castle The kiddo party crew Lucy and Logan Logan and Nova Oscar's look for the day Caught red handed A barrel full of cousins Everyone had a great time - especially Abigail...

Bitsy Girl!!  You're five! Too cool for school  ;) This year went by so fast, but you've grown so much.  You're writing your name, learning your letters, and so very thoughtful and observant.   You're so excited to be a big kid, but still use " I'm just 4, Mama" when it suits you. "I don't know all my letters.  I's only FOUR!" "It's ok, I'll do ____ when I'm five" :) It's an adorable procrastination tactic. I'm feeling especially sentimental this week, and I'm not sure why.  The first couple of birthdays were purely fun celebrations, but as you move into early adolescence, I find myself increasingly sentimental and emotional.  Such a Mom, huh? Today is your big day, and we're headed to a farm in Redmond for a pony party!  We let you choose between a Western or Unicorn theme, and of course you picked the Unicorn theme.  I expect some very pastel pictures out of this. As per our n...

Kevin and I celebrated our six year wedding anniversary this past weekend.  The actual day fell on a Sunday, so we farmed the kids off to our 12 year old neighbor girl (probably not the wisest choice we've ever made.  ha!)  and celebrated a day early in town - just the two of us. Between Westward for cocktail and oysters, and Serafina for an Italian dinner al fresco, we had a great time relaxing, talking (like actual adults!) , and just catching up with each other. These past 6 years have been so much fun, full of so much exciting change and growth, but sometimes it's hard staying connected through it all.  This year has been one of those, but having the opportunity to get away for an evening, reconnect, and start focusing on the future, brought with it much needed connection and clarity. Kevin,  Happy six year anniversary - what an adventure it has been!  Looking back over these past 6 years; the babies, the moves, and all the fun alon...

Baby!  You're not a baby anymore! You sure have become mobile and active this month.  You crawl everywhere; one leg with a foot on the floor, the other tucked in at the knee - you sure are funny. You love being around your family and your eyes light up watching everyone interact.  You scream to be noticed, love a good laugh, and are a sucker for a goodnight wave goodbye. We adore you. Here's what's new this month: Your two naps are getting shorter, and call me crazy, but I'm looking forward to getting down to a single nap a day You think toilets are water tables, so bathroom doors are always shut (You're also a sucker for a good toilet paper roll!) You're crawling up stairs, but I've only let you get 2-3 steps up You're pulling up on everything and have started letting go for a second...walking is in our near future You're walking with Jonny Walker (push toy).  It's only a few steps on the carpet, but you're learning the m...

This year was one for the books! Long ago, in a far away, kidless land, we spent Fourth of July holidays at The Clayton's apartment on Dexter watching fireworks on Lake Union.  Much has changed since then - the most significant being a missed sense of festivity on the 4th. But this year we finally felt back in the spirit with a delightful weekend of neighborhood celebrations, and a trip to Alderbrook for the Thunder on the Canal firework show! The idea to head to Alderbook was on a whim, just weeks before the holiday weekend, so the fact that we scored a room was impressive. We had such a blast (and we've already booked for next year!) The resort usually celebrates on the 3rd (as was the case this year) and the day is chalked full of fun: activities for the kids on the cottage lawn, a band, food and drinks galore, and an amazing firework show to cap the night off right. We lucked out with a room that faced the water, so the boys were able to sleep while Kevin,...