Congraduation

You might be unfamiliar with the word - Congraduation - most people are.  Max has been using this word for weeks now to describe his graduation from pre-school.  I suppose you can say it is a cross between congratulations and graduation = Congraduation.

So these two made it our of pre-school and have been ushered off to kindergarten in the fall.  This also comes to end of this blog.  Time to get it made into book form and move on.  I may change my mind and continue to document these two ... we will see.

So thanks to everyone as we congraduate.

Celebrating the Small Things

You might think it small, but in our world, this was HUGE!  Both Max and McKaden have thrown in the blankies .... yes, no more sucking of the thumb or fingers while sleeping.  During a playdate, a month or so ago, at their friend Mattea's house, they learned that she got to go to B**ld A Bear to celebrate her not sucking her thumb.  For some reason the logic of a 3 year old won out of the logic I have been feeding them and Max decided to go for it.  Almost effortlessly he stopped sucking his thumb.

McKaden was not so easy to convince, but after seeing Max with his new dog, she decided she would give it a try to.  Two weeks later she turned in her chart and got to go make that horse that she had been so wanting to make.

So on to bigger and better things for us.  And to all of you parents trying to talk your kids into giving up blankies, pacy's and thumbs, just call in your local three year old expert to share her advice.  Wish I had known this earlier.

Miss Five and a half

Look who turned  five and a half! 

 This chapter book reading, bug loving, dinosaur knowing, green thumb gardening, tennis playing and exercise girl is just that much closer to six.  She is also letting everyone know that she is five and a half and Max is only five.  Hang on Max, only two more months until you catch up with her. 

Happy Half Birthday McKaden!!

Life Goes On

Nana August 2009

Nana passed away a couple of weeks ago.  We knew that she was sick and were glad to have these extra 10 months with her.  Now Papa is alone and we are doing all we can to help him out and keep him from getting lonely.  After being married 48 years the house can be a little quiet.

So to remember Nana and her love for flowers and vegetable gardens, McKaden helped Papa plant a few things.  You see, life must go on.

Spring Break

April was a great month - and now it is already May??  How did that happen.  Here is a quick wrap up of April.  Hang on for a wild ride!

We had a great trip to So. Cal for Spring Break this year.  It was a nice mix between hanging out with friends, swimming, Legoland, wine country, the beach and sunsets.  We all had a great time at Legoland and found out that even though we are not big Lego fans, that it is a really fun place.  Our kids are the perfect age for this park and it was a nice change from the craziness of the happiest place on earth.  As usual, our Spring Break was filled with reconnecting as a family after a busy basketball season.  We also celebrated out 11th wedding anniversary with romantic day at Legoland and pizza from Costco ... what has happened to us?

I don't know why but I think this is the funniest picture!

Daddy's girl!

March was Mad

March Madness hit hard here this year.  Here it is April and I am still recovering.  We all had a great time supporting Daddy and his team as they competed in the state tournament once again.  Papa even made it over to hang out with us.  Fun times! 

And McKaden talked me and Papa into her first taste of cotton candy.  I kept telling her that I did not think t she would like it - her response to that was "You will never know if you don't try".  Cannot believe she used my own words on me:)   So here we are with the long awaited cotton candy -

Max decided right away that he did not like it.  Look at that face!

  McKaden just put it away and started to eat and apple instead.

Girl, when are you going to learn that Mama knows what she is talking about??

Two years with Max

For over a month now I have been thinking and rethinking this post. In some ways it seems that Max has been in our family forever. March of 2008 seems like such a long time ago. As I was looking through pictures to write this, I was reminded of our little Max when we first saw him -

Look at this little guy two years ago!  I cannot believe how much he has grown.  You can really tell that he has gone from the 10% to the 50% in height and weight.








Max Day 2010
Dear Max,
You are WAY too much fun!  We cannot believe how many people comment on how much you love life - it is true.  You continue to amaze us as you grow bigger everyday.  This year you actually passed up your sister in height and weight.  You are SO strong and can carry things that are much more than your body weight.  We need to figure out what you can do to use that great power and strength.  We love that your are compassionate and the first to help someone in need - well maybe everyone but your sister:)  You have so many friends and many, many girlfriends - girls of all ages are in love with you.  Must be the dimples.  We cannot imagine not having you in our family - yes, things would be much quieter but a lot more boring.  We love you Max and celebrate who you are who you are going to be.

for Max day we went out and did just what Max wanted to do.  We did a little pony riding before heading  for lunch and on to see cousins play basketball!  We threw in come coffee/hot chocolate a playground and had a great day.  It was a lot of fun celebrating Max!

And every now and again I get a picture of you that reminds me of the first time I saw you

 - all cheeks and lips.  You melt our hearts.

Happy St. Patricks Day

So long and good night

A few weeks ago we heard that they were going to close the night exhibit at the zoo. When I told McKaden the tears just welled up in her eyes - this is her favorite. I told her that they were closing it but the animals would find new homes - some at a new zoo and some would stay. We made the the pilgrmiage - along with the rest of Seattle - to go say good by to our little friends.


The thing that was so funny about this is WHERE did these people come from? We are often the only ones who take time to see this exhibit. I have to admit I felt like they were imposters, sneaking into the night exhibit, pretending they love the bats and amradillo's as much as we do. After a 45 minute wait to get in - and just in time! - we said good by to Army the armidillo and his friends.

a carrot a day

This is what the kids picked out from the store when told they could choose a treat. Of course we have regular carrots at home, but I guess they don't taste as good if the green is not on it. They also want to bring these for snack at school next week - hope the other kids will eat it too:)

a dream come true

That is what McKaden said after receiving her medal for completing basketball at the YMCA.

so LONG new year

Whew, for two weeks, at least, we have been celebrating Chinese New Year. This year it fell on February 14th, but we started the party the week before with a local event. Today we ended it with a party at preschool - done. New Year is now in the books.

So welcome to the Year of the Tiger!

Play Hard and Have Fun

That is McKaden's motto!

Max's BIG Week

Mark and I are now the proud parents of TWO 5 year olds! Max had his birthday on the 25th of January and boy did he live it up! This kid knows how to PARTY!


Just look at that sweet face! Happy Birthday Max!

It just happened to work out that his class went bowling ON his birthday! No need to plan a party here - loved it. Just look at that style:)

NO birthday is complete without a trip to Red Robin. He was so excited when they came and sang to him.


The long awaited NEW watch.

Max, we love you so much! You are just such a funny kid - always keeping us laughing. You have learned so much in the past year and we are so proud of you. We love the way you pray - this kid has you all covered - and how you are learning to give to others. We think that you make friends more easily than anyone we have ever seen - such a gift! We pray that you continue to grow up to be a godly man - God has BIG plans for you.

Art and Smart

A girl of many talents - I LOVE that!

Put me in Coach

Max started basketball this last week. After watching more than his share of games, his time finally came.



I am not kidding you - this kid if FAST! Look at that blurr ...



Now we wait for the growth spurt!

Bring in the New Year

We are back after an adventure with these guys -yes, we went to San Diego with Mark's basketball team.



And you cannot have a trip to San Diego without going to ...






Here are a few highlights from a fun, sunny week. Now back to the real world.

Happy New Year!