P-A-R-T-Y

Joisha is 5 and Asher is 2! I decided to make the celebration easier this year by throwing a close family/friend party at McDonalds. It turned out way better than I could have expected. Josiah and Asher were thrilled to spend the time with their friends. I love these two boys!!

We have Isabel, Josiah, Asher, Alice, Elliot, Annabelle, Sullivan, Carter, Macy, and Ella

Sully, Alice, and Isabel. Cousins!

Our extended family!

Josiah was so excited to get this lego boat from Grandma Kathi and Grandpa Tom he screamed!

Double candle blowout!

Happy Birthday Asher

Asher turned 2 this weekend! I really can't believe it. I am so thankful for my fun, curious, daring, adventerous 2 year old. He celebrated his new age by climbing out of the crib by himeself and coming to ge tme this morning. None of the other kids have done this! Oh well, bring it on terrible twos! Ha.

Wild Waves 2011 - Homeschool Days

Every year in the middle of June Wild Waves has a homeschool day where they give an incredible discount for homeschool students. I am a big fan of amusement parks, so it's easy to get me to go. Unfortunately, it's not too hot in June, but we tough it out. We had a blast today on all the rides, it was fun that Asher could join in on some. They even got in the water, I couldn't believe it!

Their first - and favorite - ride, the Octopus

I have this same picture of Asher and me from last year. He's just a year older. I can't believe he didn't want to ride a horse on the carosel. Se we just sat.

They loved the fire truck! 3X on this ride!

Fun in the...clouds and cold

The race is on!

Must have naps

Sometimes I forget that little ones need a lot of sleep and I let Asher skip his nap here and there so we can keep having fun. I had planned to do this on this particular day, when the big kids told me that was not possible because Asher was already sleeping. I found him like this, Hunched over a chair, feet dangling, fast asleep! I guess skipping naps needs to happen very infrequently. Poor Asher!

Seattle Adventures

While we out exploring Seattle last weekend, we cam upon a -new to us- park in South Lake Union. I can't even describe how beautiful this park is, except to say it reminds me a lot of Florida. We had such a beautiful day. And bonus, Starbucks was out helping the kids sail wooden boats, and we got to board a 100 year old tugboat, the Arthur Foss.

Josiah and Asher- best buds playing at the spray park.

Isabel getting ready to launch her boat.

The view from the tugboat - the most beautiful city

Josiah - captain of the ship

Calling for help!

Girl's Day

Jason sent Isabel and me out for pedicures the other day and it was glorious. Isabel was able to sit in her own girl- sized chair. The end reslut was lovely with my toes looking like a mommy version of hers. I love her, and this was a special day for both of us.

Tower Madness!

We have often seen this beautiful tower at the entrance of Volunteer Park, and even heard rumors that we might be able to climb it, but I never really believed it and it would be a pain to drag the kids all the way there and then have to get back in the car. But last week, Jason took us on an adventure to the tower and it was magical. It is a huge medieval looking water tower, with a steep winding staircase. At the top, there are 360 degree views of the city. This is a new treasure where we will take everyone who visits us - so come visit us!

Getting ready to go up

Winding, steep steps

Downtown Seattle in the background

We can't get enough of the view!

While we were there, a guy was practicing his climbing skills and he made it around the tower, so Isabel thought she'd give it a try.

Let's Fly Kites!

One of our favorite things to do in spring is to fly kites. We always do our kite flying at Kite Hill in Magnuson Park. It's a sprawling hill that the kids can run and be safe, and have a fun time. With views of Mount Rainier and Lake Washington, it's great for all of us. The best part is, you literally just have to hold your kite up and the wind catches it! The kitds can fly kites with no help at all!

Isabel and Josiah...I wish we could see their kites!