First Day of School 2nd Grade and Pre-K

Brother and Sister

School Year 2011-2012
We found out not even a week before school started that Aly would be at her same school East Oly. What a relief. I knew God had a plan but it wasn't on my timing. Aly was a trooper and I knew she wanted to know more than us what school she was going to. But the school said we might not know till the first day of school so we were excited to know before the first day. We have done a boundary exception and this year 2nd grade was full and so they didn't know if they would take any out of district transfers. She has been at this same school since kindergarten. YA for East Olympia!
First day of 2nd Grade

First day of Pre-K. Blake is at Cornerstone Christian, M, W and F. He absolutely loves it all. This was a great decision to put him here and wait on kindergarten till next year. He has 3 teachers and they are all so very sweet and love God. It is just an amazing environment for Blake to be in. Brian and I went to the pumpkin patch with his class and had such a great time. Pictures to come eventually.

Blake's 5th Birthday

I am not sure where the past 5 years have gone. I can't believe that our little man is now 5. The things he loves: singing, Star Wars, jumping, and colored hair. I am sure he has many other interests but those are the few that come to mind. He is just a sweet boy. He is so excited to be a big brother. He touches my tummy regularly and talks to his sister. I know he will be a great big brother.
He wanted a party at chuck e cheese and it was great!
Blake opening presents with his friends.
These are the kids daycare friends and boy do they love them!
His mohawk for his special day.
This is an awesome cape he got for his birthday, made by Judy Johnson. Quite amazing. Not sure how people are so talented but she is!

Camping #2 and Brian's big fish

Here is Brian's big catch of the summer. He has been enjoying lots of fishing this summer.
Aly's big catch, while camping.
All of the kids. I think they spent half of their time camping in the hammock and the other half riding their bikes.
Blake and Jace playing in the water.(and a random girl)
Riding bikes
We had such a great time camping with friends. The kids have so much fun together and the adults got to relax, or go fishing, or hit all the local garage sales. We had a wonderful time hopefully we can do it again next year.

Camping

We all love camping. This summer we were able to get in 2 trips at the end of the summer, when the weather was finally good!
Blake, Esmeralda, and Aly on our hike.
The whole gang on our hike.
Aly was being a ham on this day. She wanted her picture taken at every stop.
I think this picture is too cute of the kids.
The kids had their fishing poles in the water most of the weekend. But nothing was caught. They still enjoyed fishing. We had a great time camping with Brian's family.

A visit from our Idaho friends

Our friends came to visit us from Idaho. The first time they had been back to the wonderful rainy state of WA in a long time. We had a great time together. Our kids were just like best friends again. It was really really hard to see them go this time. But we will see them again. Friends like that are never far :)
They are all rocking some sort of WA gear. They must look really out of place in Idaho with all their Washington clothing:)

Bend Vacation

Our kids have turned into fish. They love the water. All they wanted to do the whole time we were in Bend was swim in the pool. We were there pretty much all day everyday. It was a fun time for all. Brian had his swimming buddies. I sat in the sun and read a book and occasionally got in the pool. We had the best vacation ever. It was so hot and finally felt like summer. We also got to see our extended families(Aunt and cousins) who now live in Bend. It is always fun to catch up and say hi.
The kids
Being fish

Friends!

This summer I got to see an old friend Erin from high school. It was so fun to see her, she has an adorable family. Not sure how many years since we have seen each other but it has been but way too many. She hasn't changed a bit, same old fun Erin!
My best friend JODY had her first baby Shelby. She is so precious. This little girl is going to be so spoiled, in a good way. You can tell how much her mom and dad love her already.
The kiddos riding on Phil's new toy (a gator?)
Blake loved Shelby. He will be such a good big brother. He loves babies a lot!
I can't wait to see Shelby in a week!! From facebook pictures it looks like she has changed tons. Oh how quickly they change as babies :)