Celebrating Baby!

I had the pleasure of co-hosting a shower for my best friend, Carrie, celebrating her precious baby-to-be. It was such a good time, Carrie managed to get through the gift opening without too much embarrassment and the baby received some wonderful presents. It has been so much fun to be a part of this experience with Carrie. She is so happy and so relaxed. This baby will be welcomed into a wonderful family and will have lots of aunties who love and spoil him/her.

Kirstin, Lindsay, Cheri, Shanda, Carrie and me

How cute is her little baby bump? Carrie is one of the most thoughtful and generous people I have ever known, so it was such an honor to be able to throw a fun shower for her and Baby.

Michelle was in town from Texas, and it was wonderful to have her a part of things. We've all missed her and I know it meant a lot to Carrie for her to be here celebrating with us.

Lindsay, mama-to-be, and Shanda

Eagle Crest

Can I just tell you how lucky I feel that Kyle's parents always invite us to tag along on their vacations? We were so fortunate to be able to spend a full week at Eagle Crest again this year. The kids had a blast swimming, biking, playing a the park, golfing and spending time with family. Kyle was able to golf a couple of times and I was spoiled by many hours lazing by the pool reading a good book. Doesn't that sound heavenly? It was, trust me.

Carter put his new found swimming skills to good use. Everyone was so impressed by his improvement. Both of the kids were diving fools and kept Kyle very busy in the pool. I even got in a time or two...burrrr.

Kennedy has to mimic Carter in nearly everything and diving was no exception.

Our sweet nephew Bennett was with us this year and it was so much fun! He and Kennedy are a hoot, alternating playing and fighting but always entertaining.

Kyle is so great with the kids. He's a wonderful dad and uncle!

Carter doing a little swimming with Papa

"One more, Daddy"

Fore! Carter hit the course a few times and even rode along in the cart for a few holes. The condo backed up to the 7th hole, so he met up with Daddy and Papa on the 4th and played a few holes.

So excited to find prairie dog holes. Had to jump off his bike and run back to tell me.

Goof balls bumping chests

Feeding the ducks with Auntie Val

They were some aggressive ducks!

Play time at the park

Kyle's cousin, Stefan, joined us for the weekend and had fun with the kids. Although, I'm pretty sure he was thankful to be staying in a condo a few feet away!

Rock climbing

Sassy pants

I had the opportunity to have a fun night out with my wonderful friends a few weeks back. It was a much needed night on the town and I could not have asked for better company. Kirstin did an awesome job organizing a special evening (complete with cocktails, a great dinner and a sassy bar), we all got dolled up and I think everyone really enjoyed our time together.

Not too bad for a bunch of thirty somethings, I'd say

Not quite Pele...

The Camas Washougal soccer season kicked off a few weeks ago with mini camps for the younger teams. It was a great way for the kids to get out on the fields, run some drills, meet some new friends and get acquainted with the game. Carter really enjoyed himself the first two days, but by day four, he was kind of "done with it." He's certainly not an aggressive kid, so it's not always easy getting a foot on the ball. I just hope that once he gets with his team and plays a game or two that he will enjoy himself. It's great exercise and he loves his uniform, so it isn't all for nothing.

Carter and Andrew will be on the same team - first team practice is on Thursday.

This is how it went a lot of the time, especially in the beginning. Lots of playing around and not a lot of paying attention. They definitely improved as the camps went on, though, and seemed to learn a lot.

Water break

Pink cheeked after a fun hour of soccer!

Finally found his fins

We have a swimmer on our hands! It has been amazing to see the complete transformation in Carter during his two weeks of swim lessons. He was a kid who was very timid in the water, avoided getting his face wet and pretty much just like to splash around in the shallow end. But we were persistent with him and continued taking him swimming most weekends...and it was SO worth it to see him flourish during his lessons. He was in a pre 1/2 class with three other kids and loved it. By the end of the first day, he was jumping around, dunking his head and seemed 100% comfortable in the water. By the end of the session, he was fully swimming and it was amazing to see. We couldn't be more proud of him and the progress that he's made.

This was the first day - still trying to keep his head above water most of the time.

But he was willing to do this...

Getting ready to swim

Diving in, great form, kicking those legs. Way to go, Carter!

A Visit from GG

We enjoyed a nice visit with my grandmother last week. She travelled from Idaho, via Tacoma, and spent a lovely two days with us. I think the kids really enjoyed their time with her, as she is their only surviving great-grandparent. Carter was a little rough at times, but she was a trooper and kept up with them on walks and playtime at the park. She had tea parties with Kennedy, played Memory with Carter and enjoyed story time at the library. It was a great visit and we were thankful for our time together.

Drink Milk

Think milk might want to consider a new spokesperson for their add campaign?

Sometimes I can't get over her cuteness...I desperately need to remember these moments when I want to pull my hair out due to her naughty behavior. She's a firecracker this one, don't let the cute face fool you.

Enjoying a happy hour drink at 360 Pizza, one of our favorites!