Birthday Girl - #3

 Breakfast: Krispy Kreme (Paul surprised me again by getting up at 0530 and doing donut run)

Lunch: Tortilla.  I could not get this girl to commit to anything.  We had gone to Central Market to pick up a baked treat for her birthday dessert, and always get their fresh made tortilla's.  So tortilla it was, with some cheese, avocado and cucumber - her fave's right now.

Dinner: Well she asked for soup.  What kind of soup I ask?  I think this girl has had soup, maybe twice in her life.  "Noodle soup!"  I was bad.  I used my powers of persuasion and asked if she would mind a hamburger instead.  The whole family got a treat. Dick's Burgers & Fries. Good stuff - but most definitely an infrequent thing. . . and now that I have had it, I am good for another year.

Daddy snapped the picture as I was moving the morning hair out of her face.  I like the picture because of her little grin and Louie in the background gettin' her bask on!

 I'm 3!

 Working diligently and impatiently opening a birthday gift. 

Ryan is just itching to help! I LOVE his face and the restraint on there.

 She lounged, pool side most of the day.

Aquasox Game on Sunday.

For Kathryn:

I can't believe you are 3 years old, Kathryn.  I have enjoyed you every day, since the moment you were born.  You can ask your Aunt Korrynee - about your smile at her and I when you were just a few hours old. I knew right then that you were going to take control of your world and run with it.  You are feisty, witty, graceful and poised - all in a way that makes it hard to believe you are just 3 years old. Strangers ask me often how old you are and then have disbelief when they find out.  Take your time growing up sweet girl, there is lots of life to live. I know I have said this in past posts, but I strongly believe it, therefore will repeat it.  It's an honor to be your Mom and help you grow, learn & achieve.  I am very excited to see what this next year brings.  I love you sweet girl.  Love Mommy

Birthday Boy # 5!

Breakfast: Krispy Kreme chocolate covered filled donut - his fave. (and a surprise upon waking up)

Lunch: On the go snacking, we spent the day playing at a water park.

He got to pick dinner.

Dinner: Kraft Mac n Cheese with veggies mixed in (truly his request, I was so proud!)

Birthday dessert: his first ever hot fudge sundae.  I think he's hooked.

He's been asking for LONG time for real drumsticks (he wasn't satisfied with the chop sticks we gave him)

and a drum.  He got both and is one happy boy.

 Cupcake was my indulgence!

To Ryan,

Happy Birthday young man.  These past 5 years have been full of fun, learning, growing, adjusting and a whole lot of good times.  You are an exceptional boy, with a good sense of who you are.  I have great confidence that you'll do very well as you start pre-school next year and think you'll love every minute of it. Watching you grow and absorb life is a delight for me. You teach me new things constantly and also keep me smiling with your wit and charm.  I love you Ryan - I am one lucky Mom to get the chance to be a part of your life.

Oh Seaside, how I love thee

I am totally a beach person.  Any angst, fear, worry, concern etc, all go away on the beach.  The kids have the time of their little lives.  Playing in the sand, jumping in the surf..  Ice cream cones a plenty.  Bumper cars, Tilt-a-whirl - oh man, I am not nearly as tolerant of those rides as I was in my younger days.  I even got dizzy standing on the carousel while the kids rode it!
 We got an early start when we left for the ocean, had some time to kill. Paul thought a stop in Olympia at the State's Capital would be fun.  Indeed it was, the kids look so small compared to the massive Capital building.
I love this first picture, it's almost as if they are posing for an advertisement!

Then to the beach. We got 2 days to play in the sand and ocean.  The sun refused to shine, but weather was warm enough most of the time. The water was COLD.  Very cold.  But we jumped waves anyway. And froze.  But was still fun.

 Strawberry ice cream in a dark chocolate cone.

2 year old heaven.

 Oh yeah, cotton candy ice cream in a chocolate chip cone.

 Bailing out because of the cold and the wave. He got much more adventurous the next day - jumping higher waves.

 Ryan is covering his face with his hands!  Despite that, he said he loved it.

 Auntie Karol in the background

4th of July

The 4th is always so much fun.  Three Tree Point yet again - and gorgeous weather.  This year we made it to the end, allowing us to watch the professional fireworks show.  Kathryn stayed awake until we sat down to watch the fireworks.  Minutes later she was asleep on my lap.  Pretty late night for my girl who goes to bed at 7 pm each night.

Oh how I love this photo of two of my favorite girls.

 The kids participated in the Three Tree Point kids parade.  Ryan was a hit on his John Deere tractor!

 Ryan, demonstrating his newly learned skill of putting his face in the water and holding his breath!

Camp Casey Swim Lessons

This was Ryan's first vacation away from parents.  11 days at his Grandma and Papa's house - he had so much fun.  Kathryn and I joined him for 5 of those days.  (In hindsight, we probably made it harder for him to be there - he and Kathryn fought.  The Mom (yes, me) tried to mother too much. . . he did just fine without us).

Swim lessons went very well.  He's now very comfortable getting his face wet and holding his breath.  Floating is a bit better too.  I think pretty soon, we'll see some actual swimming.

He took the lessons with his cousin Kimberly.

Papa pulled out the John Deere, making him the coolest person ever.

Kathryn, working on her inner gymnast at a local park.

The final night: S'Mores with the cousins and grandparents.