Round 1 of State Playoffs

Bryan's team had their first state playoff game tonight. Their first foe was the weather, with grey, rain-heavy skies and a near constant drizzle or downpour.After getting off to a rocky 0-4 first inning start, things began to improve.

A 2-run homer got things started in the 4th, but it took until the bottom of the 7th for the tide to turn in our favor for good.

We won 5-4, with much exclamation and celebration!

The team gathered for a post-game photo. So many smiles!

Dave and Vicki made the trip to share in the excitement.

Now it's on to Bonanza - a 7-8 hour bus ride south! Go Tigers!

Mother's Day Weekend

Mother's Day weekend was a doozy in these parts. Mainly because it wasn't in these parts, but was actually spread out over Eastern Washington with lots of driving by this mother. Bryan had prom - an administrative perk - and thus had to stay in Hermiston. We hit the road Friday afternoon and returned Sunday night. Whew!

There was a brief nap period between Hermiston and Ephrata, which I loved and recklessly photographed.

In Ephrata, the kids got to see their grandparents Allstot and great grandparents Pobst.

Shannon insisted on feeding Great Papa grapes one at a time!

In Spokane we got to see Great Grama Sally's new home - complete with fresh cookies!

We spent Saturday night on Greenbluff with Sue and Steve and my folks.As we drove away on Sunday morning, Mitch burst into tears at the end of the driveway, "I'm sad to leave the goats!" he wailed. Steve's herd is a major attraction for my kids!

The weather was gorgeous!

Sunday afternoon we went to Haylee's 4th birthday party and got to spend time with LaVines, grandparents Johnson, Aunt Rachel and more. It was fun, too, but I'm without photos. The trip home was not fun. However, we survived and all Mother's Days from here on out are bound to be, um, easier.

Heating Up

The temps are getting hot around here and summer is teasing us at last! A few random shots from the past week or so are below.

We went to a Family Night sponsored by Mitchell's future preschool last weekend. There were hot dogs, stories, toys, teachers, singing, and the highlight was a real fire truck, tractor, and police cars. The kids got to go in the truck, set off the police siren, and enjoyed themselves immensely. I think MBJ will be excited about preschool with this memory to build on!

One day when the kids and I were home alone, we went on a dam field trip.  We spent nearly 45 minutes watching the fish swim past in the viewing room, played on the toys, walked through the visitors' center and viewing decks, and picnicked beside the dam with the wind and seagull cannon for company. It was quite an outing!

Pool time is underway! This baby is a water nymph!

Picnics at the baseball field are also commonplace. Bryan's team is doing well and we are entering post season on a hot streak.

18 Months

Shannon hit the 18-month mark today. Hit is a pretty good verb for her, since it's one of her favorite things to do. Just ask the poor younger neighbor girl who bears the brunt of SJ's bully behavior! When she's not tormenting Hannah, Shannon loves to check out her world. She is big into asking "What dat?" and points at all manner of things - and people - seeking clarification. She likes to play in the dirt, but has found a new love just in time for summer - playing in water! Shannon is very chatty and learns new words regularly. She likes to dance and has a pretty nice booty wiggle. She tolerates bows in her hair unless Mom really wants them there. She loves to wear her new bike helmet, even just as a hat. Her father describes her as
"a handful; stubborn, chatty; wild, fearless; opinionated."
Whew! this girl-child is a willful delight!