Monday, July 6, 2009

Independence Day weekend fun in the sun

The epic run of tropical weather continues, and we were able to celebrate the extended holiday weekend in style. The kids continue to thrive in the sun, spending as much time as possible outdoors, handing out smiles and laughter like candy at a parade.

We filled the kiddie pool on Friday morning, put the slide, some rockets, and a couple of balls into the pool, and the kids knew what to do from there. Kenzie in particular enjoys getting in the pool as often as we'll allow, and managed to talk us into letting her splash around 5 or 6 times in three days.
Home-made ice cream suddenly seemed very American to me, so I ran down to Target and came back with an ice cream maker and demands for my family that they make me some cookies and cream ice cream. Thankfully they are always happy to indulge my whims.

Jackson requested a home fireworks show, and there is a huge fireworks stand just down the road from our house, so I took him down Friday morning and picked up a big ole mess of fireworks. I think I've decided I want to work in marketing for a fireworks company some day, after seeing Jackson's excitement and wonder as I read the names and descriptions of the various fireworks. Old Glory, Spinning Panda, Purple Rain, Monster Truck, Morning Glory, and parachutes were fan favorites.

Below, Jackson holds a sparkler for the first time (Morning Glory). Not pictured: Steph, wearing a very forced, very fake smile as Jackson does his own version of a Hawaiian fire dance.Smokey's endless summer continues. He has taken to starting his days with a nice sunny nap in the bark in our back yard. He has never been happier in his life than this summer.
Jackson had a picture perfect 5th birthday, which was timed nicely, one day after Kenzie declared that she was going to start being nice to Jackson when he turned five.

Jackson got everything he wanted for his birthday, including lots of Star Wars stuff (now that he has let us know that he is finally into Star Wars), and a remote control Pirate Ship.
He also got $50 from his great grandparents, which he is going to use to open his own savings account. We were quite pleased with his choice after a long discussion with us about saving money for important things down the road... that is until I overheard a part of his phone conversation with his great grandparents, in which he told them "um, I'm not sure yet, but I'm definitely not going to college!" I guess we still have some work to do :)

All smiles after getting his pirate ship Our patriotic little girlHappy Independence Day!!

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Father's Day at the ballgame

A little late on my Father's Day report here, but thought I'd share a few pictures from our outing to the Mariner's game. Baseball on Father's Day has become a family tradition, and this outing was perfect. Great weather, happy kids, and a Mariners win!

See you same time, same place for next year's Father's Day!!!

Jackson and Gracie, all smiles during a key Mariners victory
The kids in front of the glove at Safeco FieldTasty Dippin' Dots (tiny balls of ice cream)"more dippin dots, please!"

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Smokey officially ushers in summer

this dog eats watermelon like nobody's business!

Monday, June 15, 2009

Scholastic Excellence

Kenzie graduated from 2 year old pre-school last week, receiving straight A+'s in all 4 discipines: Circle time, Play Time (indoor and outdoor), Gym and Music, and Smiling!

She's BRILLIANT!!!!

This continues her perfect record, building on her early success when she aced her hearing exam as a newborn.







Sunday, June 14, 2009

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Pictures of our "Ohana" in Maui

Okay, we are finally fully settled in back at home, and I found the time to upload our pictures. Probably way too many, but they're all special to me :)

Our vacation was very special to us, as they all are... just a great chance to bond as a family and have a good time away from our daily routine. We rounded the trip out with a fun luau experience, with Jackson in awe of the fire dancers, and Mackenzie mesmerized by the hula girls. She responded by sharing a very beautiful hula dance of her own. Video will be posted tomorrow...

Coop

Happy family after dinner on the beach
Mom and kids

Our little flower girl, who constantly kept the grounds pristine from any fallen flowers

Coop and kids at the aquarium

kids looking at tropical fish up close

Sand castle time... a daily favorite activity for both


Jackson, suddenly the master swimmer. We are so proud and amazed at his progress!

Hang Loose, dude!!

All smiles with her water wings
Mellow afternoon on the lanai, watching some Lightning McQueen
Dad and Kenzie at the Luau
Little Hula Girl
post-Luau fun!
Post-breakfast at the Castaway Cafe
My sweetie
My other sweetie

Dad and Jackson ready for a big day of sun and fun

Pink crocs, of course! Kenzie getting her daily dose of "sunscream"

Kenzie enjoying her mock Pina Colada
Jackson feeds the birds his leftover toast
aaaahhhhh!!

non stop smiles and sillies in Maui!

Sugar Cane Train Day

Tough day at the office :)

Beach time!
Goggle gal...
Goggle guy
Shuffleboard master