Spring Round Up

Here is a round up of a few highlights from this spring! 

My champion volleyball player and her team mate. 

The drama club production included an abbreviated and very funny version of Treasure Island

All dolled up for the spring concert

Elijah and the amazing Miss Gibson. The 5th grade has proved to be a watershed year for Elijah and he has matured is so many ways. Miss Gibson fully embraced the opportunity to teach to a boys only class and the consensus from all her students is that this year will be remembered as one of the best. 

Birthday Shenanigan

A photo booth at a birthday party, or any event for that matter, can bring out the goof in most people. You will notice that our dear Andrew is not in any of these photos, as photos booths apparently do not bring out his goof. But for the rest of us, we made ample use.

Seize the Day

What can I say.....they won't stop growing and the only consolation is to capture glimpses of who they are at every stage in life. I recently read that most parents take fewer photos as their kids get older...apparently the cooing and drooling inspire more kodak moments than the angst of adolescence.   Whatever the reasons, this has been true for our family as well, and the awareness caught me off guard a bit. I really enjoy my kids at this golden age of childhood and want to soak up who they are and what they are becoming. Because just like the toothless grins that draw us to linger over the faces of our wee ones, this moment will be fleeting as well.  

The Cousins Collide

The word Family is complicated sometimes. It can be a title given to distant relatives. It can be the closest friends in your circle of trust. Sometimes you like your family. Sometimes you don't. Sometimes it is all of the above. The one constant is that Family is not chosen; they are granted to you. And explaining to our children who is a cousin, auntie, second cousin...third cousin .....can all be distilled in the explanation that we are family. Whatever title you want to put on it, these are the people who share the big moments in life with you ...and if you are lucky....lots of the little moments too.

We got to meet a new little family member today, reacquaint with some big family members and essentially be reminded of how lucky we are to be in the same family as these people. 

Nina and Remy tickling the ivories together. 

 Both Remy and Arlo took a shine to our fuzzy beast who was also enjoying the extra treats that came along with her new fans. 

I didn't have enough duct tape or bribes to get everyone facing the same direction at once, but you get the gist.....and by scale, how large my kiddos are getting!

 Let me tell you; this is one loved little boy and two very happy parents.  

Remy was very taken with my camera and we had a bevy of waist high photos of all the grown ups. But he REALLY loved taking pictures of his beautiful mom! How sweet!

Winter Break Adventures

Not many school districts get to enjoy a "mid-winter" break, but due to the vocal number of skiers in the Seattle area, the SPS have long ago instituted a week off in February. Go democracy. 

Not being snow inclined, we took advantage of the break in the rain and headed south to the Kobuta Gardens. This inspired 20 acre park was originally the home of a Japanese gardening pioneer. Wonder why Seattle has so many Japanese gardeners or so many Japanese gardens? Much of it is due to Mr. Kobuta. This beautiful oasis is now a public park full of ponds, gravel paths and a rocky hill that provides a great view. We spent the morning wandering, finding hidden corners, drifting apart and then coming back together....it was pretty perfect. 

Can't keep this spicy mouse down. She is full of life and joy and personality.

I had wanted a cute "mom" picture...you know the kind where everyone is standing close and looking like they are getting along?! Well, my "mushy" adverse son was reluctant to give the impression that he was too fond of his sister, despite the fact that he is very much her fan. So Nina did all the loving and was completely undeterred in her adoration of her big brother.